Want to paint your home yourself?
You are at the right place. We have listed the top interior painting tips for beginners in this blog.
Remember, making paintings in kindergarten?
You may have done a pretty good job putting color on a surface back then, but interior painting is a whole different game.
Don’t sweat, with our interior design painting tips you will paint like a pro.
1. Take Your Time for Preparation
According to MAURO HENRIQUE an expert painter: “Eighty-five percent of any painting project is the preparation.” So, instead of jumping into painting, take your time preparing everything first. Your preparation before painting should include:
- Filling out cracks: Inspect your walls and see if it has any cracks, holes, or dents. If you fund any, then fix them using patching material. Any flaw left on the wall may ruin your painting.
- Repair your plaster: repair your plaster if it has any issues.
- Remove accessories: Remove all the accessories from the wall like a clock, light fixture, pictures, maps, etc. When it comes to doorknobs and locks, you can remove them or mask them carefully using painting tape.
- Remove furniture or cover them: You don’t want painting spillage to ruin your furniture. It is better to remove them prior to painting as it gives you more room to work. But if you don’t want to remove them then cover them using protective covers or drape blankets.
- Cover the floor: Don’t forget to cover the floor using plastic-coated canvas drop cloth.
- Use a tack cloth to clean: Use it to clean debris from small surfaces.
2. Choose the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint can make your hard work worth it, and choosing the wrong one will waste all your effort. You can check the top painting trends to get an idea of what to go for.
We have explained between water and oil-based painting which will help you choose the right paint for your home.
- Water-based paints (latex): Ideal for most walls and ceilings. They’re less odorous, dry faster, and can be cleaned with soap and water.
- Oil-based paints (Alkyd): Best for trim, cabinets, and areas subjected to heavy wear. They take longer to dry and require mineral spirits for cleanup.
How to Choose the Best Paint for Different Rooms:
- Living rooms and bedrooms: Matte or eggshell finishes are preferred for their low sheen and ability to hide imperfections.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: Semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes are recommended for their moisture resistance and ease of cleaning.
3. Test Your Paint
You might have chosen the color from the paint swatch book, which is a fine first step in choosing the color. But testing it on your wall should be your second step in finalizing the paint. Testing helps you decide which paint to go with that matches your decor, and trim.
Use one or multiple paints or shades of paint and try a few strokes on your wall. The owner of Five Star Painting, Anthony Kulikowski says it’s better to test paints on various spots on the wall.
You may stick a few different swatches on the wall instead of using paint on the wall to do the testing.
Remember lighting plays a crucial role in how a paint may look. So, do the painting test under various lighting.
4. Mix the Same Colored Paints
According to George Crew, a licensed general contractor: “‘Paint color may vary slightly from one can to the next.” So, if you have multiple cans of the same color that you will use to paint, mix all the paint from the can in a bucket. This way the paint color will be the same for the whole painting project.
5. Invest in Quality Materials
You should be getting top-quality paint of course. Because quality painting gives you better coverage which ends up saving you paint and money. But what about the tools? Can you go by using cheap tools?
We highly recommend going for top-quality tools like you would for paint. Painting expert Michael Bashari says: “Using cheap brushes and rollers can result in a subpar finish that may require more touch-ups or repainting in the long run.” According to him, you may end up spending more in the long run if you try to go for cheaper tools for painting.
A cheap thin painting brush may give you bad finishing, you may be required to repaint to get that desired finish.
Here are all the tools you will need and make sure all of them are of high quality:
- A high-quality thick brush around ¾ inch
- A synthetic core roller of 9-inch
- 4-foot-wide runner-length canvas drop cloth
- Painting brush cleaner (It ensures you can reuse painting brush in the future)
- Plastic bucket
- Sturdy ladder
- Roller extension pole (Optional)
- Putty knife
- Sanding sponge
6. Master the Painting Techniques
Achieving a professional-quality finish relies on applying the right painting techniques. Here’s how to ensure your painting project looks its best:
- Walls: Use a roller for the majority of the wall, applying paint in a “W” or “V” pattern to ensure even coverage. Switch to a brush for precision around edges and corners.
- Ceilings: Start with a brush around the perimeter, then use a roller with an extension pole, moving in a grid pattern to cover large areas evenly.
- Trim: A high-quality angled brush is essential for painting tips for trim, ensuring clean lines and a smooth finish.
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7. Planing the Painting Process
The order in which you paint a room can significantly affect the outcome and efficiency of your project. According to MAURO HENRIQUE: “It saves time and protects your work—you won’t be brushing up against or dripping paint on wet surfaces, so you won’t have to redo them.
- Ceiling first: Always start with the ceiling to prevent drips on freshly painted walls.
- Then the trim: Painting the trim before the walls allows for easier tape application and neater lines.
- Walls last: Finish with the walls, cutting in around the edges of the trim and ceiling with a brush for precision
8. Keep a Wet Edge
This is a rookie mistake you should avoid. Have you noticed unwanted stripes of paint on a wall? That’s the result of not keeping a wet edge. It happens when you roll over dry paint.
When you paint, from left to right or right to left, keep a wet paint edge by overlapping 50%. By overlapping each time you roll, you are not letting the paint become dry.
9. Avoid Rainy Days for Painting
A rainy day can create humidity which will slow down the process of your paint to dry. But can be a nice opportunity in case you want to correct a wrong coat.
10. Sand Trim Between Coats
Your trim won’t get a smooth finish if you don’t sand them between coats. Without sanding, the underlying color may ruin the desired finish. Use a sand sponge as it can reach the corners easily.
Related Post:
- The Best Venetian Plaster Colors for Your Living Room
- Plaster Walls vs Drywall: Understanding the Difference in Miami
Final Thoughts
With these interior painting ideas, you can transform your home into a personalized haven that reflects your unique style and personality. Invest in quality material as we recommended and follow the basics, and you will do just fine.
If you want house painting tips for exterior in Miami, then check this blog.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How do I choose the right paint color for my interior?
Selecting the perfect paint color involves considering factors such as:
- The room’s natural light
- Existing decor
- Desired mood.
After that gather paint swatches and test samples on the walls to observe how they appear in different lighting conditions.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when painting interiors?
A few common mistakes to avoid are:
- Neglecting proper surface preparation
- Using low-quality tools and paints
- Not allowing sufficient drying time between coats
How can I minimize paint odor and fumes during interior painting?
To reduce paint odors and fumes, ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows and using fans.
What is the best technique for painting trim and molding?
Follow the steps below:
- Apply painter’s tape to protect adjacent surfaces.
- Use a high-quality angled brush for precise cutting along edges.
- Apply paint to the trim using a small roller or brush in smooth, even strokes.
- Remove the tape while the paint is still wet to prevent peeling.
How can I extend the lifespan of my interior paint job?
To prolong the durability of your interior paint:
- Practice proper maintenance and cleaning
- Regularly dust surfaces to prevent buildup
- Use a gentle cleaning solution to clean stains or marks
