
Interior painting is a simple method to update the appearance and feel of your house. Whether you’re creating a new vibe for your space or fixing up walls that have seen better days, it’s a project that can truly transform your home. However, success in painting isn’t just about choosing a great color—it’s about doing things right and avoiding common mistakes. Below, we’ve broken down the essential Dos and Don’ts of interior painting to guide you every step of the way.
Do’s of Interior Painting
Listed below are all the essential do’s of interior painting to ensure a smooth and successful project.
Do Prepare the Room Before Painting
Preparation is key to a great paint job. Start by clearing the room of as much furniture as possible. Anything that cannot be moved should be covered with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to avoid unintentional splatters. Protect your floors by taping down drop cloths to keep them in place.
Next, clean your walls thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and grease, which can prevent the paint from adhering properly. Patch any cracks, holes, or imperfections with spackling compound, and sand them smooth. Don’t forget to tape off baseboards, trims, and edges with painter’s tape to ensure clean, sharp lines.
Do Invest in Quality Paint and Tools
Choose high-quality brushes, rollers, and paints that suit your project’s specific needs. Semi-gloss or satin finishes, for example, are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms since they are moisture-resistant and easy to clean. Matte or eggshell finishes, on the other hand, are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms because they provide a gentle and friendly atmosphere.
Investing in high-quality supplies can seem like a big cost, so consider getting expert help. If you’re in New Hampshire, opting for expert home painting Concord services can eliminate the hassle of purchasing tools and materials, ensuring a flawless finish without the stress.
Do Protect Your Furniture and Floors
One of the most important steps in any painting project is protecting your furniture and floors from drips and spills. Move as much furniture out of the room as you can, then cover the flooring with drop cloths or plastic sheets. For furniture that can’t be moved, place it in the center of the room and cover it completely.
Painter’s tape is your best friend for protecting edges, trim, and other surfaces you don’t want to paint. Taking the time to properly mask off these areas will save you from cleaning up accidental splatters later.
Do Use Proper Ventilation
Painting releases fumes that can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities or over long periods. Make sure the room you’re painting is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors. You can also use fans to circulate air and speed up the drying process.
If you’re working in a space without windows, consider using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or no-VOC paints. These products are safer for indoor use and reduce the presence of strong odors, making your painting experience more pleasant.
Do Plan Ahead
Planning is essential for any successful painting project. Before you begin, measure your walls to calculate how much paint you’ll need. Having too little paint can disrupt your progress, while too much paint may go to waste.
Create a timeline that includes time for preparation, painting, and drying. This keeps you organized. Planning ahead also allows you to gather all the necessary supplies before starting, saving you from unnecessary trips to the store.
The Don’ts of Interior Painting
Outlined below are the key don’ts of interior painting to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure great results.
Don’t Overload Your Brush or Roller
Excessive paint application on your brush or roller might result in uneven coverage, drips, and streaks. Before applying the paint to the wall, softly dip your brush into it and tap off any excess. For rollers, use a paint tray to evenly coat the surface and remove excess paint.
Overloading your tools not only wastes paint but also makes the job messier and more difficult. Applying thin, even layers is the best approach for achieving a smooth finish and reducing drying time.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
The final appearance of your painted walls is greatly influenced by the lighting. Avoid painting in dim or artificial light, as it can make it harder to see imperfections or uneven coverage. Natural daylight is ideal for painting because it provides the most accurate representation of your paint’s true color.
If you’re painting at night or in a room with limited natural light, use bright, white lighting to illuminate the space. Proper lighting helps you spot areas that need touch-ups and ensures a flawless finish.
Don’t Rush the Process
Rushing through your painting project is one of the quickest ways to make mistakes. Take your time during each step, from prepping the walls to applying paint. Before applying the next layer of paint, let the previous one completely dry. This keeps peeling and stains at bay and guarantees equal coverage.
Additionally, stay away from painting in extremely hot or humid conditions. These conditions can affect the paint’s drying process and lead to uneven finishes. Patience is key to achieving a polished and professional look.
Don’t Neglect Cleanup
Once you’ve finished painting, don’t overlook the importance of proper cleanup. Clean your brushes and rollers immediately to extend their lifespan, and remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid peeling.
Dispose of leftover paint and materials responsibly. If you have extra paint, consider storing it for touch-ups later. Cleaning up thoroughly not only leaves your space neat but also makes future projects easier.
Don’t Paint Without Testing Colors First
Choosing the perfect paint color by relying solely on a sample card or online image is risky. Colors can look different depending on the lighting in your home, the time of day, and the size of the room. Always test paint samples directly on your walls to see how they look in the actual space.
Paint a small patch on each wall and observe how the color changes throughout the day. This step might feel tedious, but it helps avoid disappointment and ensures you’ll love the final look of your freshly painted walls.
Conclusion
Painting your home can be a fulfilling project that refreshes and revitalizes your living space when done right. By adhering to these do’s and don’ts, you can sidestep common errors and achieve a polished, professional result. Take the time to plan thoroughly, use quality materials, and approach the process with patience. No matter where you’re located, these tips will help you create a beautifully finished space you’ll enjoy for years to come.