There are many reasons you may decide to paint the interior of your home. Whether you’re looking for a new look or just wanting to change up the color scheme in your home, painting is one of the easiest ways to do so. While it’s not difficult, there are some things that you should consider before getting started.
This article will provide 15 tips for interior house painting to help you get the best results possible!
Prep the surface
Before you begin painting, it is vital to clean and prep the surface. This means removing all of the dirt, dust, and debris. You can do this by using a degreaser or cleaner specifically designed for paint preparation. If there is any mold or mildew on the surface, be sure to clean it with a mold and mildew remover.
Remove dry paint from brushes
If you have a used brush with dry paint, it is unnecessary to dispense it. To clean it, dip it in a container of vinegar, and the old paint should come off.
Get the color right
At times, the color you expect might differ from what comes out when the paint is applied to the wall. The primary way to remedy this issue is by testing samples. If possible, use samples of the desired colors on a wall. Visualize it and decide on whether to proceed with the painting.
Get rid of the paint smell
To get rid of the strong smell of fresh paint, add two or three drops of vanilla extract to the paint can. This will ensure a more pleasant scent during painting.
Cover the handle.
To avoid staining your door handle, cover it with aluminum foil. At the end of the painting, peel it off and throw the paper away. This simple procedure prevents unwanted splashes and blemishes.
Always start by painting the ceilings first
This will help to avoid drips and splatters on your walls.
Apply the first coat with a roller, lengthwise.
Apply the second layer by rolling crosswise to avoid roll marks.
Pro tip: Make sure the first coat is completely dry before applying the second coat.
Use a primer before you paint
A good primer will help the paint stick to the surface better and help cover any stains or blemishes. If a primer isn’t used before painting, the wall surface consumes additional coats of paint.
Always allow your primer coat to dry before applying another layer of paint. Using too much at once can result in buildup on the surface, leading to peeling or bubbling. To make drying faster, keep doors and windows open and put fans in the room.
Pro tip: Use oil-based primer on doors, cabinets, and other wooden surfaces. (whether finished or unfinished). Also, use water-based primer on bricks, metals, and drywalls.
Prevent dry paint stains
When passing the paint roller on the paint, do not immerse it directly in it, as the foam will absorb excess paint, soaking it and settling inside. Over time, when you run the roller over the surface to be painted, the dry paint will adhere to it, resulting in an uneven paint job.
Pro tip: use a painting tray and carry out back and forth movements, removing excess paint before application.
Use the zig zag pattern
The concentration of the paint on the roller is at its peak the moment it touches a surface. This might pose some problems for inexperienced painters since the paint’s density makes uniformity challenging to achieve. Instead of using a horizontal pattern, a zigzag pattern ensures a more even distribution of paint across surfaces.
Pro-tip: Be careful not to overload your paint tray when using a roller. This will help avoid drips and make it easier to apply the paint evenly.
Don’t waste paint
You can be economical while painting by reducing paint spillage as you dip your brush into the can.
To do this, wrap the can with an upright rubber band. When dipping the brush into the paint, lightly pass it through the elastic, avoiding wasting paint.
Be careful
Try not to get paint on your floor or furniture while you’re working. This can be difficult to clean up as it dries and will make a huge mess if you don’t do anything about it.
Pro-tip: Apply Vaseline to areas you don’t want to paint, such as doors and window frames or baseboards. It will ensure the paint does not stick. Another option is to cover these places with masking tape.
Paint trim well
Use a small brush and avoid overloading it with paint. This will help you achieve clean lines without going over them multiple times.
Pro-tip: Use an angled brush to paint the corners. This will help you get into those tight spots without having to tape them off or try and cut them in with a small brush.
Use a paint sprayer for larger rooms
This will help to apply the paint more quickly and evenly without involving a lot of elbow grease!
Pro-tip: If you are using a darker color of paint, be sure to add a coat of white primer first. This will help the color to look brighter and more even.
Paint in rhythm
Start at the top and work your way down when painting walls. This will help to avoid drips and make it easier to get an even coat of paint.
Pro-tip: Work in small sections at a time to also avoid the paint drying before you have a chance to finish.
Paint Cabinets and closets
Don’t forget to paint the inside of your cabinets and closets! This will help to brighten up the room and make it feel more spacious.
Pro-tip: Use a primer made specifically for cabinets and closets before painting. This will ensure the paint won’t chip or flake off easily after a few months of use.
Now that you have these tips in your arsenal, go out and conquer that painting project! Remember to take your time and be patient for the best results.
