Paint on the walls is the foundation of any room makeover, and it’s such an easy DIY project. With a few helpful tips, tricks and tools, you’ll be painting like a pro in no time!
You may have figured out by now that I like to paint. I do. I go through stops and starts, but I really love painting as an inexpensive way to change the whole look of a room!
I’ve painted furniture and painted kitchen cabinets, but what I’m talking about here is painting the interior walls of my home. I know you may think I’m crazy, but I’d rather paint than just about anything else. Why? Because it is the cheapest and easiest way to completely transform a space.
So let me share some of my favorite tips and tricks from years of painting, and from being pretty good at it. I’ve found that I much prefer my paint jobs to the ones I’ve hired out. I have always regretted hiring a professional to paint walls.
Favorite Tips for Painting the Interior of the Home
- Remove Outlet Covers: Take off all outlet covers before you start painting. No one wants to see a room with the old paint color on an outlet. {Trust me, I have some in my home from the previous owner.} And you will inevitably get paint on an outlet cover. Just take them off!
- Tip: while the outlet covers are off, run them through the dishwasher to clear away the dust and grime they’ve collected over the years.
- Tape the baseboards off: I just tape along the bottom of the wall where it meets the baseboards, because it protects them from splatters when rolling. I love using a nice brush and can cut in without tape, so it’s nice not to have to be so careful along the bottom. (Honestly, I don’t even do that anymore, but if you’re new to painting, I’d recommend it!)
- Use a High Quality Brush: Use a Purdy brush for trim work. I know they cost more than other brushes, but trust me, they are worth it! They wash clean after each use, so they last longer than any other brush you can buy. I’ve had some of mine for more than 15 years, and they are still my go-to workhorses. Just take good care of them, and they will take care of you!
- Paint Clothes: Wear paint clothes. Once again, you’ll inevitably get paint on your clothes. I have a shirt that’s covered in paint, and I wear it every time. Some old workout pants make the perfect paint pants. Don’t ruin your good clothes!
- Drop Cloths: Use them. I know you think you won’t spill paint (I’m talking to myself here), but it’s better to protect your hardwood floors or carpet with a drop cloth. {And if you don’t spill anything on them, you can always use them for other projects.}
- Trim First: Paint the trim before you roll the walls. It helps the walls look better in the end!
- Wrap Up the Brush: If you need to stop painting for more than 10-15 minutes, wrap your brush or roller in a trash bag or plastic wrap and tape the ends. Then pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to resume. {If you’ll be away longer than 24 hours, go ahead and stash it in the freezer. And if you’re using your Purdy brush, it’s probably easier to just clean it out and let it dry.}
- Roll at Multiple Angles: When you roll the walls, don’t just roll straight up and down. Roll at varying angles to make sure you get a solid, even coat of paint on the walls.
- Use a Handy Paint Cup for trimming out the room: I LOVE this thing! It fits nicely in my hand (no cramping), and there’s a magnet on the back to hold my brush while I move spots or take a break.
- Use a Tray with a Liner: I LOVE the HANDy paint tray with liners because cleanup is so easy. But I used to use an old metal paint tray covered with a grocery bag (as pictured above). Tape it down for easy cleanup after painting.
- Store Leftover Paint in a Detergent Bottle: If you have a small amount of paint left over, or need to mix a custom blend, store it in an empty laundry detergent bottle. I love the pour spout!
Which tip is your favorite? Do you have any other paint tips or tricks to share?
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