5 Tips to Make Your Interior Painting Project Go Smoothly

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. The right shade can make a space more light and airy, add character, or simply reflect your personal style. Taking on an interior painting project can also increase the value and appeal of your home if you’re planning to sell. 

Painting tends to be both cheaper and easier than wallpapering, but it can still be harder than it looks. Here are five simple tips to make your next interior painting project look its best. 

1. Choose the right paint

While you’ve probably spent a lot of time choosing the color and finish of your paint, the type of paint you use is also important. Oil-based and latex-based paints both have their pros and cons, making them better suited for some projects over others. 

Oil-based paint is more stain-resistant and durable. Unfortunately, it does take longer to dry, and you’ll need to use mineral spirits to clean your tools. Latex-based paint, on the other hand, dries quickly and is easy to work with and clean up after, so it’s great for walls. An expert can advise you on the best type of paint for your project.

2. Prepare your surface

Before you pop the lid on your paint can, take the time to prepare your surface. This will improve the look and durability of your work, so it’s worth the extra effort. 

Different surfaces require different preparation, but generally you should make sure that your surface is clean, dry, and smooth before you begin painting. Thoroughly remove any old wallpaper, and if the surface was previously painted, patch any cracks or holes. You might also need to sand the area smooth.

Applying the right primer helps you to achieve a smooth and lasting finish that looks beautiful. Make sure you pick a primer suited for the surface you’re painting and the type of paint you’re using. 

3. Get the room ready

Painting can be a messy task, so remember to get your room ready before you start. If you’re able to move furniture into another room, this will keep it safe from spills and give you more space to move around. If not, push everything away from the walls. Cover the floor and any remaining furniture with drop cloths, and remove anything hanging on the walls. 

To keep your work neat, remember to tape off baseboards and trim. You should also remove outlet covers and tape over the outlet or light switch. 

Finally, remember to keep your space well-ventilated by keeping a window or door open.

4. Use the right tool

Depending on your preference, you might opt for a roller or brush to paint your wall. If you like to use a roller, the thickness of the nap should correspond with the texture of the surface you’re painting. For smooth walls, a foam roller or one with a thin nap will create the smoothest finish. 

When it comes to brushes, you’ll need a wide brush with bristles suited to your paint. If you’re using oil-based paint, choose a brush with natural bristles. For latex-based paint, a brush with synthetic bristles is best.

5. Allow time for the paint to dry and cure

After all your hard work, the last thing you want is to ruin your freshly painted wall before it’s even had a chance to dry. Latex-based paint can dry very quickly, but it may still be fragile. It’s best to leave at least 24 hours for drying before you bring your furniture back in, and remember to let the paint cure (harden) before you wash or wipe down the wall. This can take as long as 30 days, especially for oil-based paint.

Of course, you can always let the experts do the hard work for you. At H Design Build, we specialize in interior painting and remodeling, and we’d love to help make your dream design project a reality. For more information or to receive a free estimate, contact us today.