Did you know that interior house painting can produce a 107 percent return on your investment? If you’re looking to boost your home’s value, a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference.
Not sure how to paint a house? Feeling overwhelmed by the process? Listed below are 7 tips that will make painting a home a breeze.
The global paints and coatings additives market size was USD 8,299.7 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 12,659.4 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.
1. Choose the Right Color
The first step to a great interior paint job is choosing the right paint color. If you’re feeling lost about which paint color to use, here are some tips that can help:
Search Online
Look online and use sites like Pinterest to find ideas for your home. Take a look at the colors other people are using and consider what will work best for you.
Use Furniture and Artwork as Inspiration
Sometimes, it helps to use a piece of furniture or artwork as inspiration. If you have a painting, a favorite chair, or another item that you love, consider matching the paint color to it. You can also look for a contrasting color that will highlight your item of choice.
Sample Before You Commit
Always sample paint colors before you commit to one. You might love a particular color when you see it online, then find that it doesn’t work with the lighting or furniture in your home at all. Sampling saves you from investing a ton of money in paint you can’t use.
2. Prep the Walls
When you’ve chosen a great color for your home, start by prepping the walls. By taking the time to prep and prime, you’ll get a much better-looking finished product.
Here are a couple of specific steps you can take to get your walls ready to paint:
Address Holes and Cracks
If you have holes or cracks in your walls, start by filling them in. The goal is to have a perfectly smooth surface with no imperfections before you start painting.
Tint Your Primer
Before you apply primer, try tinting it. Pour in a small amount of your chosen paint color and mix it in well. This will ensure that the topcoat completely covers the primed surface.
3. Choose the Right Equipment
Don’t just grab any old brushes or dropcloths from the hardware store. Make sure you invest in some high-quality equipment, including the following items, to ensure you get a high-quality paint job the first time around:
Canvas Drop Cloths
Canvas drop cloths are sturdier than tarps or plastic sheets. They will lie flat and are less likely to become tripping hazards.
Extension Poles
An extension pole saves you from having to climb up on a ladder to reach the top of your walls. This also makes the painting process safer.
Paint Grids
Paint grids are far less messy than paint trays. A grid is a rectangular screen made of metal or plastic that attaches to the rim of a bucket. All you have to do is pour the paint into the bucket, then use the grid to brush off the excess paint before applying it to the wall.
4. Apply Painter’s Tape
Before you start painting the walls, be sure to tape them off properly. This saves you from getting paint on the ceiling, carpet, doors, or any other part of your house that you don’t want to be painted.
When taping the walls, always press down the tape flat and even. This helps to stop the paint from bleeding through. If you’re applying it to a textured surface, run a screwdriver along the edge to smooth it out and get rid of bubbles or gaps.
5. Paint Properly
Now, you’re finally ready to start the interior painting process. Follow these tips to get started and get a great result:
- Working from top to bottom
- Roll the paint back and forth in V- or W-shaped strokes
- Before reloading your roller, roll over the freshly painted area using smooth, continuous strokes (this helps to cover up lines and tracks)
- Overlap the areas that you’ve already painted
- Remix your paint anytime you let it sit for a long time
Be sure not to apply the second coat until you’ve let the first coat dry for at least 2 to 4 hours. Follow the same process when applying the second coat.
6. Store Paint and Equipment the Right Way
What should you do when you’re finished painting for the day? How do you preserve your paint and make tomorrow’s job easier?
Start by rolling or brushing off the excess paint from your brushes and rollers. Then, wrap them up tightly in plastic wrap and stash them in the refrigerator. This will prevent the paint from drying overnight.
As for the paint, simply cover the paint bucket with a lid. Be sure to remix it well in the morning before you start painting again.
7. Stay Safe
An extension poll indeed helps to minimize the amount of time you spend balancing on a ladder while painting a house. There are other ways to stay safe during your next painting project, including the following:
Ventilate Your Home
Make sure your home is well-ventilated before you begin. Proper airflow will help you avoid breathing in too many paint fumes.
Wear a Mask
Always wear a dust mask or another type of facial covering while painting. This is another step that prevents you from breathing in excess fumes.
Don’t Leave Materials Lying Around
Avoid leaving brushes, open paint buckets, or other materials lying around in between coats. This is especially important if you have children or pets running around the house.
Ask for Help
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Painting is a big job, after all. Reach out to family members or friends for assistance, or consider hiring a professional painter if needed.
Painting a Home Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Painting a home can be daunting, for sure. If you follow these interior painting tips, though, you’ll have a much easier time.
Want to learn more about painting the inside of a house or handling other home decor projects? Check out the Interior Design section of our site today.
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