8.16.2010 -- DIY Interior Painting Tips

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. Whether you just want to give your existing color a lift or are going to try an entirely new shade, repainting your interior walls can spice up a blah space in an instant. Though we all love our homes the way they are (well, most of the time), as with everything else in life, sometimes we just need a change. Repainting the walls of one room or, if you’re brave, even the interior of your whole house, can give your home that exciting, “just moved in” feeling. 

Painting itself is easy; painting well is another thing entirely. Of course you can always call Stonehearth Custom Homes and we’ll give you a perfect paint job, sans hassle, every time. But, if you’re the DIY type and want to take it on yourself, these tips will get you as close to the perfect Stonehearth-quality paint job as possible. 

Always Prep Properly
This includes moving out or covering all furniture in the room, blue-taping around frames and trim, removing outlet coverings and doorknobs, readying your painting supplies, and patching any holes in the walls. Though it can be tempting to simply grab a brush and a bucket and go at it, the final product will probably not be what you were hoping for and you may end up redoing the whole job. 

Pick Your Paint with Patience
There are many different facets to picking the right paint. Color is not the only thing that needs to be considered. Most professional painters work with oil-based paint because it goes on smoother and tends to have a nicer finish. However, many DIY-ers choose to go with latex or water-based paint since it’s easy to use and dries in an hour. Talk to your local paint store professionals to figure out which paint is best for you. 

Wipe-Up, Clean-Up, Touch-Up
No matter how careful you are, drips are inevitable. Always make sure to have plenty of rags and cleaning solution available to wipe-up those little splatters right away. After finishing a job, make sure you clean your brushes and other materials with the right cleaner; latex-based paints don’t come out easily with water. Finally, be prepared to have to do some touch-ups the next day. Have a small jar of leftover paint ready to make the process easier.

For more interior painting tips and info, check out this great DIY website.
And remember, if doing it yourself just isn’t your style, let us do it for you. We promise we won’t tell.