Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home or just want to update a color scheme, interior painting is a big but doable project to take on yourself. It’s easy to make mistakes, but with the right guidelines and a lot of patience, your walls will look flawless. Below is a guide so you can paint like a pro.

DIY Interior Painting Tips

1. Clean Up First

Before you pick up a roller, do a thorough inspection of the walls. Paint doesn’t stick well to dirty or oily surfaces and it could easily peel or chip off when it dries. Avoid this by thoroughly cleaning any dirty spots you see with soap and water or a degreaser. Give the walls a once-over with a damp cloth to wipe away any dust or webs.

2. Remove Outlet Covers

Some simply cover outlet and light switch covers with painter’s tape to skip the effort of removing them, but you’ll want to take the extra time. Unscrew the covers and tape over the outlets and switches themselves. This will make for a much cleaner interior painting job.

3. Use Canvas Drop Cloths

Plastic drop cloths are an inexpensive way of protecting your floor, but they don’t do the job as well as you might think. Even though they catch spills, paint stays wet on plastic, and you could end up tracking it all over your house. Canvas drop cloths absorb splatters and aren’t a slipping hazard like plastic. 

4. Apply Tinted Primer

Patches, spots, and other imperfections need to be dealt with properly before you lay down your first coat. If not, those areas will dry with a noticeably duller texture than the rest of the paint. Use a good quality primer, preferably one that’s gray or similar to your paint of choice. Tinted primers do a better job of covering preexisting paints and stains.

5. Roll From Top to Bottom

Distinct stripes called lap marks are caused by painting over sections that have already started to dry. It’s important to maintain a wet edge to prevent these streaks. Use your roller to run the whole height of your wall without stopping, from top to bottom to minimize dripping. Don’t let your roller dry out, and if you do need to stop, allow the paint to dry completely before starting again.

Fairbanks Paint & Glass is your one-stop shop for top-quality paint brands and painting accessories. Based in Alaska, these exterior and interior painting experts carry a wide selection of paint colors, so you’re bound to find a favorite shade. They also provide professional glass repair and replacement services. To speak to a friendly sales representative, call (907) 456-7758. Visit their website to learn more about their inventory.