Nothing can give your home a fresh new look and feel quite like a new paint job. If you’re someone who loves the creative outlet of tackling DIY painting projects, this blog post is for you! Read on to learn our best tips for DIY painting to make your paint job look more professional and help it last for years to come! HGTV rockstar, here you come!
5 DIY Painting Tips
Tip #1: Prepare the Surface
Preparing the surface properly is one of the most important steps of any DIY paint job. Start by cleaning the surface you plan to paint thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, loose paint, or grime. Make any necessary repairs by filling in cracks, holes, and imperfections with spackling compound and wood filler. Sand the area until it’s nice and smooth. This will allow the paint to go on evenly and adhere properly for a flawless finish. Make sure to remove any dust after sanding before priming.
Tip #2: Prevent Messes
The next DIY painting tip is to prevent messes, both on the surface you’re painting and in the area surrounding it. This includes ceilings, trim, baseboards, windows, outlet covers, light switches, flooring, furniture, etc. Make sure you properly tape off the space in straight, even lines. The last thing you want is paint splatters and smudges ruining your flooring or messing up the color of your ceiling. Remove the painter’s tape before the paint is completely dry for an even, professional look. Additionally, to prevent messes on the ceiling, be sure to cut in the paint with a straight-edge smoothing tool and an angled cutting brush.
Tip #3: Prime the Surface
The key to making any DIY paint job look more professional is to prime the surface first. While there are instances where priming isn’t necessary, we recommend always going the extra mile to prime, as it will lead to a more even finish and long-lasting results. Just make sure to use a primer that is designed specifically for your surface and the paint product you’re using. Follow the instructions to a T and allow it to dry completely before applying paint over top.
Tip #4: Use High-Quality Paint Products and Tools
DIYing a paint project is usually more cost-effective than hiring a professional. However, that doesn’t mean you should skimp on the paint products or tools you use. The quality of the products and tools you use will be directly reflected in the quality of your paint job in the end. Invest in quality brushes and rollers that will hold more paint, apply it evenly, and leave fewer streaks and drips. Use high-quality primers and paints that have great coverage and durability. This will give you a professional-looking finish.
Tip #5: Use Proper Painting Techniques
When applying paint, it’s important to apply multiple thin coats as opposed to a single thick coat. Thin coats of paint dry more evenly. Plus, this reduces the risk of drips, streaks, and uneven coverage.
Begin with a coat of primer followed by two coats of paint. Allow each coat to completely dry before applying the next coat. This helps build a consistent sheen and smooth finish without brush marks or roller lines.
BONUS Tip: Stay Safe
Lastly, it’s important to stay safe and keep your space properly ventilated when completing any DIY painting project. Not only does good airflow keep you and your family safe, but it helps the paint dry evenly and minimizes the odors from paint.
Open the windows and use fans to get more air circulation. You can also opt for healthier, Zero VOC paints, which you can learn about more in this blog post.
With these expert DIY painting tips, you can elevate your home’s look with a professional-looking, cost-effective paint job. Just make sure to watch out for these common painting mistakes so you can avoid any mishaps along the way.
If you have a project that you’d like a professional painter to tackle, visit our contact page to book a complimentary call with our team today! We’d be honored to work with you!
