Pro Tips for Painting Home Interiors

Choosing Paint, Prepping Walls, Buying Tools

While many people would rather take a trip to the dentist than take on a painting project, it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some helpful tips for a fun and successful paint job that will yield perfect walls with the mess, hassle and endless clean-up of amateur techniques.

Flat Eggshell for Walls and Semi-Gloss for Trim

First, choose your paint well. For interiors latex is almost always a better choice than oil. Ceiling paints are usually flat (no sheen) and are often labeled as such, while wall paints run the gamut from eggshell to semi-gloss. Eggshell is most commonly used on walls, while super durable semi-gloss is used more often on doors and trim, and is a little harder to work with.

Second, shop at a professional, paint-specific store, like General Paint or Benjamin Moore. They generally carry better products and the sales staff will be far more knowledgeable than staff at the big box stores. They also do a better job of matching or customizing colours and often have professional size vats and expert tools.

Choosing Painting Tools

Make a list of tools you will need before heading to the store. As well as the obvious brush, roller and tray, make sure to get drywall compound (for filling holes), a putty knife, and a fine sanding block, as well as drop sheets and an extension pole.

When choosing roller refills, you get what you pay for. Cheap refills are almost always poor quality and cost you far more in time than they save you in dollars. Semi-rough rollers will cover faster than semi-smooth or smooth, but they leave more paint on the wall, and therefore more texture. The benefit is that they are much, much faster.

Preparing to Paint: Sanding and Primer

Prepping a room for painting often takes longer than the painting itself, but keep in mind that good prep work ensures a faster and better result in the end. Use drywall compound to fill holes, and painter's caulk for any bigger gaps and cracks that could shift over time. Wash any grime off walls, and give them a quick sand. Sanding is important as it knocks off all the rough bits, and should be done between coats of paint as well.

Spot prime any holes you have filled, and if you are changing colour significantly, consider starting with a tinted primer. Consider also that dark colours are mixed with what is called a deep/clear base, which means rich colour but poor coverage. If you don't want to do eight or nine coats, start with a primer tinted to the same colour.

Skip the tape. Except for really tricky areas, you are usually better off cutting freehand and keeping a damp rag handy. Roll in long, whole strokes. Your last roll over an area should go the whole way to the top and then all the way to the bottom. If you stop or start halfway, it will show when the paint dries.

Correcting Paint Spills and Mistakes

Wipe up spills immediately, even if you are painting over old floors, etc. Paint has a way of travelling on shoes and ending up in inconceivable places. If you hit the ceiling with wall paint, don't despair. Do, however, resist the urge to wipe the paint off if you have a textured ceiling. Wiping will wash away the texture, and you will be left with a much bigger mess.

Lastly, the million dollar tip: methyl hydrate gets latex paint out of carpets and off couches. Always spot test to be sure it won't have unintended effects, and then breathe a sigh of relief as your disaster melts away.