5 Expert Residential Painting Tips for Homeowners

A fresh coat of paint could be the difference between a home looking like a haunted house or the neighborhood model—boosting curb appeal and even functionality. It’s a great way to add significant value to your home, and it’s also one of the most affordable strategies! Since many homeowners take the reins in residential painting jobs, we thought we’d give you a few pointers if you’re a DIY-minded individual. Ready to turn a decent job into a professional-grade endeavor?

Choose the Right Paint Finish

As with any and all home improvement supplies, not every paint finish is of great quality. In fact, some of them should be avoided entirely. And beyond that, there are different types for different purposes. Choosing the right one will help your paint job be the best it can be. Let’s take a look at the variety:

• Flat or Matte: This option hides imperfections quite well. However, it can be tougher to clean than most. Because of this, it’s perfect for ceilings and low-traffic areas.

• Eggshell: This variety offers a soft sheen, and its durability makes it a great choice for bedrooms and dining areas.

• Satin: This is right at home in living rooms and hallways thanks to its smooth finish and ability to be cleaned easily.

• Semi-Gloss: Moisture and stain resistance are the name of the game here, meaning this is the perfect choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and various trim work.

• Gloss: This option is quite durable and gives surfaces a noticeable shine. It’s best used in accents and cabinetry.

When you successfully match the finish to the space, it can enhance it both visually and functionally, providing welcome longevity and beauty.

Prep Like a Pro

We know you can’t wait to get to the good stuff. You want that fresh, beautiful coat of paint to be up on the walls so you can enjoy the upgrade. But trust us; it’s worth it to take the extra time to do proper prep work. So before you even dip your brush into the primer (more on that in a bit), be sure to:

• Clean every surface and remove grime, grease, and dust.
• Sand any spots that are showing signs of roughness or peeling paint.
• Achieve an even surface by patching all holes and cracks.
• Tape off trim, outlets, and other edges to avoid getting paint on things that don’t need it.

When you take the time to prepare, the paint will adhere the way it was intended and the look of the project will be akin to a professional’s.

Invest in Quality Supplies

You don’t need a boatload of tools; you just need the right tools. Cheap rollers and brushes often leave noticeable streaks and shed bristles, making your residential painting job much harder and less attractive than desired. When you’re shopping for the right supplies, look for angled brushes that have clean edges. As for the paint rollers, set your sights on lint-free options.

And then, of course, there’s the paint. Premium, quality paint often provides you with better coverage, richer colors, and better longevity than many of the lower-quality counterparts. The extra money you pay for “the good stuff” will easily be made up for in the reduced need for several layers as well as the low maintenance requirements.

Don’t Skip the Primer

Adding primer to the surface you’ll be painting is often seen as an extra, unnecessary step to interior house painting among DIY-ers. In reality, though, it’s the key to a flawless finish, and is particularly important if you’re:

• Covering up dark or stained surfaces.
• Using a color that’s drastically different from the original—like covering off white with a forest green.
• Painting bare drywall or any other surface that hasn’t been painted previously.

Use the Same Techniques as the Pros

Technique matters just as much as tools! Just as you can spot a messy lawnmowing job with ease, uneven brush strokes and streaks become apparent on a painted surface. Here are a few tricks to keep in mind during interior house painting:

• With your roller, move it in a “W” or “M” motion to achieve even distribution.
• Paint the “tougher” spots—edges and corners—before using a roller on the larger areas.
• Keep a “wet edge” to avoid lines and lap marks.
• Work in natural daylight whenever possible. This will make it easy to spot drips, missed spots, or other inconsistencies.

Bonus Tip: Know When to Call Professional Painters

Believe it or not, we have nothing against DIY jobs. However, there are some residential painting projects that should be left to the professionals. If you’re faced with a paint job that involves a tall ceiling or complex trims, for example, it’s not advisable to tackle it yourself. Additionally, exterior painting tasks or projects with short timelines are better left to the pros.

Why, though? Because professional painters have plenty of experience under their belts. They bring years of experience, quality equipment, and all-around expert skill to each and every job they’re hired for. With a pro holding the brush, you’ll enjoy faster project completion, guaranteed clean results, and work warranties. 

Residential Painting at Its Finest

Painting your home is a great way to give it an upgrade—from both an aesthetic and financial standpoint. It can really bring out the potential in a space, and the wonders it can work for a home’s value can’t be overstated. If you’re ready to work with professional painters who will get the job done while keeping you updated throughout the process, get in touch with Albaugh & Sons. We’re happy to take on your residential painting project!