9 Interior Painting Tips for the DIY Painter

As a homeowner, it seems fairly intuitive to paint your house. There is preparation like drop cloths and make sure you stir the paint thoroughly. Pros can offer you so much more information to head into your painting project. Here are 9 interior painting tips for the DIY painter.

Knowing these few tips will make your project easier and turn out better. The right storage and tools can make all of the difference. These tips are sure to give you more quality results. So whether you’re preparing to sell your house or just looking to update your colors, here’s what you should know from our pros.

1. Don’t let your paint dry out

Any air, even in a sealed can, can cause paint to dry out. To keep the paint for touch-ups, you’ll need to fill it with something. Our pros suggest golf balls. Put as many as you can to fill the empty air space in the can. Then use plastic wrap to cover the opening before you put the lid on. Hammer it down tightly and store the can upside down.

2. Use the right primer

Painting on new drywall requires a water-based primer to hide any imperfections in the wall. It will also create a good tooth and base color to apply your paint to. For painting on paneling, water-damaged, or smoke-covered walls, oil-based primer is the way to go.

3. Avoid lap marks

Lap marks are the noticeable stripes caused by rolling new paint against paint that has started to dry. To keep this from happening, keep a wet edge. Or, paint the full height of the wall and move over slightly with the next stroke. Try not to stop rolling the room when you start. Good places for breaks are corners.

4. Use a modified stirrer

You must stir your paint before you begin painting. To make a modified stirrer, drill holes in it. This aerates the paint and allows you to whisk the paint as you stir. It will help the paint mix more evenly and avoid any inconsistencies in color.

5. Add (or avoid) texture

If you are looking for a flat wall with little texture, you’ll want to get a short nap roller – ¼ to ½ inch nap. These provide the smoothest finish on your walls. If you’re looking for a texture, more stippling, try a longer nap like ¾ inch. It will hold more paint and create a rough feel on the wall.

6. Don’t wash your brushes or rollers

If your project is latex paint, there is no reason to waste time cleaning rollers and brushes at the end of each day. Cold temperatures keep the latex paint from drying. The easiest way to break for lunch or the night is to wrap the paint-soaked ends of brushes and rollers in plastic bags. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll be ready to go when you are. Remember to take them out 30 minutes before you want to start painting again. When the paint warms up, you’re ready to go again.

7. Deal with problem tape

Sometimes older tape sticks to itself. If you’re having trouble peeling paint off the roller without it tearing, you’ve got a roll of old tape. Try microwaving the whole roll for 10 seconds. This helps release the adhesion on itself. Your paint will be good to use.

8. Determine the kind of paint on existing walls

Before starting a painting project, you need to know if your current paint is oil or latex. Likely, you have no idea. Here’s an easy test. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol. Choose an out-of-eyesight area to rub it against. If the cotton ball has no paint on it, you’re looking at oil-based paint. If there is residue on the ball, you have latex.

9. Invest in a paint pen

Now is the time to invest in a paint pen. A paint pen will allow you to fill it with your color now and save it for up to a year for touch-ups. Make sure you shake it before you use it.

Ready to paint, but not ready for the responsibility? We’re here to help! Schedule a free, in-home estimate with our pros.