Table of Contents
Introduction
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update the look and feel of any room. The transformative power of paint can make old, dated spaces look clean and revived with just a weekend of DIY work. Painting creates an instant facelift that helps sell a home, lets renters personalize a space, or simply gives homeowners a renewed sense of energy.
Beyond aesthetics, new paint improves wear and tear on walls, increases light reflection, and makes cleaning easier. Approaching the project right makes all the difference. Proper prep work and using high-quality application techniques will ensure your new paint really refreshes the home. This guide covers all the key steps for planning and executing a paint project for stunning results.
Pick the Perfect Paint Color
Choosing a color may be the hardest part of any paint job, but also the most fun. The options are endless. Here are some tips for selecting a shade that will really refresh your home:
Colors for Whole Rooms
- Neutrals like white, beige and gray are popular for creating a clean, bright, airy feel
- Sky blue, sage green, and muted reds add personality while still offering versatility
- Look at paint brand inspiration galleries for entire palettes that go well together
Accent Colors
- Bold hues on a single wall or door make a dramatic style statement
- Metallic paints like silver, gold, and copper add glamorous flair
- Try moody dark tones like navy blue, hunter green, or eggplant purple for a cozy effect
Exterior Colors
- Stick to lighter earthy tones for a subtle update that enhances curb appeal
- White or light gray provides a clean, classic look popular with home buyers
- Use colors in the same family as the roof, trim, and surroundings for cohesion
Research Historically Accurate Options
- For historic homes, look into colors used in that era and region
Choose the Right Paint Finish
Paint comes in a variety of sheens or finishes, each with their own benefits. Consider these tips:
- Flat or matte paint hides imperfections well and is ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas
- Eggshell has a soft glow that works well in living spaces and bedrooms
- Satin is easy to clean and resists scuffing, perfect for hallways, kitchens, and kids’ rooms
- Semi-gloss and high-gloss add shine and are durable options for bathrooms, trim, and doors
Assess and Prep the Painting Surface
Proper prep work makes a world of difference to the end result. Follow these steps:
Fill Any Holes and Cracks
- Use spackle or painter’s putty to patch holes, cracks, dents in walls
- Sand smooth any textured patches once dry
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
- Wash walls with TSP substitute to remove grease, dirt buildup
- Rinse off residue and allow to dry fully
- Wipe away any dust with a lint-free cloth before priming or painting
Sand Glossy Surfaces
- Lightly sand to scuff up any existing glossy or semi-gloss paint
- This helps the new paint adhere properly
Spot Prime as Needed
- Dab primer on any raw drywall patches and repaired spots
- Check for areas that need stain-blocking primer
Prep Trim, Windows, Walls
- Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect floors and furnishings
- Remove outlet and switch plate covers
- Clean sills, trim, mouldings then spot prime
- Caulk gaps around windows, trim, baseboards with paintable caulk
Safely Remove Wallpaper
- Use a steamer or chemical remover to strip wallpaper if existing
- Scrape off all residual glue then seal bare drywall with primer
Prime Walls Before Painting
Priming ensures better paint adhesion and coverage.
- Opt for general purpose or multi-surface latex primer
- If staining bleeds through, use stain-blocking shellac primer
- For dramatic color changes, tinted primer helps hide the old hue
- Apply primer evenly with a brush, roller or paint sprayer
- Let dry fully before adding paint layers
Use High-Quality Paint Supplies
Investing in good tools yields better results. Recommended supplies:
Brushes
- Angled sash brush for corners, edging, trim
- Quality nylon or polyester bristle brush for water-based paint
Rollers
- 1/2″ or 3/4″ nap roller cover for smooth walls
- 1″ or 1 1/4” nap for lightly textured walls
- Thicker nap for rough surfaces like stucco or brick
Paint Trays, Poles, Pans
- Sturdy angled paint tray with smooth interior surface
- Telescoping extension pole to reach high areas
- Metal or plastic paint bucket for large jobs
Drop Cloths, Tape, Prep Tools
- Canvas drop cloths to protect flooring
- Low-tack painter’s tape for trim, edges
- Putty knife, spackle, sandpaper, TSP substitute
Brush Up on Painting Techniques
Applying paint properly ensures an attractive, lasting finish.
- “Cutting in” with a trim brush gives crisp edges along ceilings, trim
- Rolling in a V or W pattern then “back-rolling” smooths the finish
- Periodically stir paint to maintain color consistency
- Maintain a wet edge when painting to prevent lap marks
- Work top to bottom and do overlapping strokes for complete coverage
- For dark colors, apply primer + 2 coats of paint for best opacity
Create Special Painted Finishes
Beyond basic walls, consider:
Faux Finishes
- Sponging, rag-rolling, stippling to build texture and depth
- Color-washing for a smoothed, aged effect
- Painting vine, geometric or damask stencils as accents
Unique Touches
- Paint ceiling beams, bookshelves, stair risers in a contrasting color
- Do an ombre or geometric paint design on accent wall
- Outline architectural details like crown molding and door trim with paint
Safely Set Up Ladders and Scaffolding
Proper ladder safety avoids injuries:
- Use sturdy A-frame, extension or multi-position ladders
- Place ladders on stable, level ground or lock casters
- Extend 3 feet above the roofline or working surface
- Maintain 3 points of contact when climbing up or down
- Don’t overreach, reposition ladders instead
- For high ceilings, use scaffolding properly assembled by qualified individuals
Ventilate the Room During and After Painting
Proper ventilation is key for drying, off-gassing, and comfort.
- Open windows and doors to circulate fresh air
- Run exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Consider using portable fans to speed drying time
- Turn off HVAC system while painting then change filters after
- Keep pets and children out of rooms for 2-3 days after painting
- A slight paint smell may persist for 1-2 weeks as VOCs fully off-gas
Do Proper Paint Cleanup and Disposal
Follow these tips when cleaning up:
- Wipe excess wet paint from brushes and rollers before washing
- Rinse brushes in paint thinner or water depending on the paint type
- Allow paint trays and tools to dry fully before storage
- Use drop cloths to neatly fold and dispose of paint-related debris
- Pour excess latex paint into a 5-gallon bucket, seal and donate for reuse
- Dispose of oil-based paints, thinners, and rags at a hazardous waste facility
- Neatly patch over holes, touch up paint and reinstall fixtures like outlet covers
Budgeting and Planning Your Paint Project
Consider the following when estimating costs:
- Most paint jobs use 1 gallon for every 400 sq ft of wall space
- Primer adds 10-25% more paint depending on surface prep
- Accent walls, trim, ceilings also impact quantity needed
- DIY painting costs $100-200 for a medium room in materials
- Hiring professional painters costs $4-$8 per sq ft including labor and equipment
- Multiple accent colors, high ceilings, and detailed prep increase cost
Conclusion
With the right amount of planning, effort and technique, a fresh coat of paint can make a home feel brand new again. Take time to prepare surfaces thoroughly, use high quality application tools, and ventilation properly during drying. Pay attention to safety when using ladders, scaffolding or chemical paint strippers. The end result will revitalize your home with a new color scheme and clean surfaces that feel crisp and updated.
FAQs
What type of paint should I use?
Interior latex or acrylic paint is best for walls and ceilings. Use oil-based paint for exterior siding, shutters, trim. Check specialty paints for metals, concrete, stucco, tile, or other surfaces.
How long does it take for paint to dry?
With good ventilation, latex paint dries to the touch in 1-2 hours and fully cures in 2-4 weeks. Oil-based paints take 6-24 hours to dry and up to 2 weeks to fully cure.
Do I need to prime before painting?
Priming ensures paint adheres well and provides proper coverage, especially for dramatic color changes, porous surfaces, drywall patches, or glossy existing paint.
How do I use painter’s tape?
Apply tape along trim, edges by pressing down firmly, then paint the surface. Remove the tape immediately after painting before the paint fully dries.
Can I paint over wallpaper?
Paint adheres poorly to wallpaper and textured edges will still show through. Remove wallpaper before painting for best results.
How do I dispose of latex paint?
Dry out leftover latex paint, then place in trash. Or pour paint into a sealed container and donate it for reuse rather than disposing of it.
Can I paint exterior siding in direct sunlight?
Avoid painting surfaces in direct sun which can cause paint to dry too fast leading to poor adhesion and blistering. Paint in shade or overcast conditions.
How long does it take to paint a room?
A medium room with 8 foot ceilings takes 6-12 hours total for prep work, priming, two finish coats, and drying time between coats.
Should I remove light switch plates to paint?
Yes, remove switch plates, outlet covers, hardware, and fixtures prior to painting. This allows full coverage and provides a neater finished look.
How can I get paint splatters off my wood floors?
Wipe up paint splatters right away with a damp cloth. If dried, gently scrape off the paint and wipe the area clean with soapy water or thinner.