I’m now on my third home, so I’ve painted more rooms than I can count. So I’ve learned a thing or two about achieving a professional-looking paint job along the way.
In this guide, I’ll share my top tips and tricks for painting a room like a pro, from choosing the right tools to applying the perfect finish. Whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned home improver, these insights will help you transform your space with confidence and skill.
Before we dive in, I should mention that I’ve covered room preparation in a separate post. This guide focuses solely on the painting process itself, assuming you’ve already prepped your space.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Choosing the Right Paint
When it comes to painting a room, selecting the right paint is the first thing you can get wrong. And no. All paint is not ‘basically the same’.
Here’s what I’ve learned about making the best choice
Types of Paint
There are several types of paint available, but for interior walls, I always opt for water-based acrylic latex paint. It’s easy to work with, dries quickly, and cleans up with soap and water. Plus, it’s more environmentally friendly than oil-based alternatives.
Paint and Primer in One
To save time and effort, I recommend choosing a paint that includes a built-in primer – unless you have a specific need for a primer of course. These “paint and primer in one” products have come a long way in recent years and can often eliminate the need for a separate priming step.
Selecting the Right Sheen
The paint sheen you choose can have a significant impact on the final look of your room. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common sheens:
- Flat: Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas
- Matte: Slightly more durable than flat, good for bedrooms and living rooms
- Eggshell: A versatile option for most rooms
- Satin: Ideal for high-traffic areas and kitchens
- Semi-gloss: Great for trim and doors
Personally, I find eggshell to be the sweet spot for most rooms. It’s easy to clean and provides a subtle, elegant sheen. Maybe go for matt in the kids’ rooms.
Colour Selection
Choosing a colour can be overwhelming – they love coming up with 100 shades of white, don’t they? Here’s my method:
- Collect paint swatches from your local DIY store
- Narrow down your options to 2-3 colours
- Purchase sample pots of your shortlisted colours
- Paint large swatches (at least 1 foot square) on different walls
- Observe the colours at different times of day and under various lighting conditions
- Make your final decision based on how the colour looks in your space
Remember, colours often look different on your walls than they do on a tiny card, so don’t skip the sample step.
Gathering Your Supplies
Having the right tools can make or break your painting project. Believe me, just using what you’ve got can make a job last twice as long.
Here’s what I consider essential:
Paint Rollers and Brushes
- 9-inch roller frame and covers (I prefer medium nap for most walls)
- 4-inch mini roller for tight spaces
- 2-inch or 3-inch brush for cutting in
- 1-inch brush for trim and touch-ups
Other Essential Tools
You might not need all of these, it depends how you are working, but some of the tools you may need include:
- Paint tray and liners
- Extension pole for your roller
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths (canvas or plastic)
- Stepladder
- Stirring sticks
- Rags or paper towels
Investing in quality tools and looking after them will make your job easier and result in a better finish. You’ll save money next time too. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
Preparing Your Paint
Before you start slapping paint on the walls, take a moment to properly prepare your paint. This simple step can make a big difference in your results.
Even if your paint has been shaken at the store, give it a good stir before you start. This ensures that any pigments that may have settled are evenly distributed. I like to use a wooden stirring stick and stir for at least a minute, making sure to scrape the bottom of the can.
If you’re using more than one can of paint for your project, it’s a good idea to mix them together in a larger bucket. This technique, called “boxing,” ensures colour consistency across your entire room. Simply pour all your paint into a clean 5-gallon bucket and mix thoroughly.
If you’re using paint that’s been sitting for a while, or if you notice any lumps, consider straining it. You can use a paint strainer or even an old pair of tights stretched over your bucket. This extra step can prevent annoying bumps and imperfections in your finished paint job.
Cutting In: The Key to Clean Lines
Cutting in is the process of painting the edges of your walls where they meet the ceiling, corners, and trim. It’s a crucial skill for achieving professional-looking results.
Dip your angled brush about 1/3 of the way into the paint, then tap (don’t wipe) it against the side of the can to remove excess. You want enough paint on the brush to cover smoothly, but not so much that it drips.
The technique can take some practice, but follow these steps and you won’t go far wrong:
- Start about 2-3 inches away from the edge you’re painting
- Brush towards the edge, slowing down as you approach
- Use the edge of the brush to create a straight line
- Work in sections of about 3 feet at a time
Use long, smooth strokes for the best results, and keep a damp rag handy to quickly wipe away any mistakes. If you’re using painter’s tape, remove it while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid peeling.
Don’t worry how it looks after the first coat, it’s during the second coat that you tidy everything up.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t flawless – you’ll improve with each section you paint.
Rolling Techniques for Smooth Walls
Once you’ve cut in, it’s time to tackle the main areas of your walls with a roller. To achieve a smooth, even finish, I like to apply the ‘W’ method.
Dip your roller into the paint tray, then roll it back and forth on the ribbed section to distribute the paint evenly. You want the roller to be fully covered but not dripping. Now you are ready to paint.
- Start in one corner of the wall, about 6 inches from the edge
- Roll upwards at a slight angle, then down in a straight line
- Roll up again at an angle in the opposite direction
- Continue this ‘W’ pattern across the wall
After you’ve covered an area with the ‘W’ pattern, go back over it with straight up-and-down strokes to even out the coverage and eliminate roller marks. Make sure to overlap onto where you have cut in to make those areas seamless.
To avoid visible lines between sections, always try to maintain a “wet edge” by slightly overlapping your previous work before it dries.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even experienced DIYers can fall prey to these common painting pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:
Overloading Your Brush or Roller
Using too much paint can lead to drips, uneven coverage, and a longer drying time. Remember, it’s better to apply two thin coats than one thick one. In fact, there is no such thing as a single coat.
Painting in Poor Light
Always try to paint in good, natural light. Poor lighting can make it hard to spot missed spots or uneven coverage.
Rushing the Job
Patience is key when painting. Allow adequate drying time between coats, and don’t try to rush through the cutting in process. Taking your time will result in a much better finish.
Dealing with Tricky Areas
Every room has its challenges, but with the right approach, you can tackle even the trickiest areas with confidence.
Painting Corners
Use your brush to cut in both sides of the corner. You can push the bristles up into the corner to get the last bit. Do this slowly to avoid getting paint on the ceiling. Then use a small roller to smooth out any brush marks.
Around Fixtures and Fittings
For light switches, outlets, and other fixtures, loosen them if you feel comfortable doing so. Then use a small brush to paint carefully under or around the edges. You can also use painter’s tape to protect these areas.
Textured Walls
If you’re painting textured walls, use a roller with a thicker nap (3/4 inch or more) to ensure the paint gets into all the nooks and crannies. I won’t lie, this can be a real pain in the butt.
High Ceilings
For high ceilings or tall walls, invest in an extension pole for your roller or a step/platform. It’s much safer and more efficient than constantly moving a ladder.
Cleaning Up and Maintaining Your Tools
Proper clean-up and maintenance of your painting tools will save you money and ensure better results on future projects. Yes, I know it’s boring, but it only takes ten minutes.
- Remove excess paint by scraping the brush or roller against the edge of the paint can
- Rinse thoroughly with warm, soapy water
- Use a brush comb or your fingers to work out any paint from the bristles
- Rinse again until the water runs clear (this can take a while with rollers)
- Shake out excess water and reshape the brush
- Allow to dry completely before storing – the radiator is your friend
Storing Paint and Tools
- Store leftover paint in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Seal paint cans tightly to prevent air from getting in
- Store brushes and rollers hanging up or lying flat to maintain their shape, and keep them covered so they don’t get dusty
- Keep all your painting supplies together in a designated area for easy access on your next project
Final Thoughts
Painting a room like a pro takes practice, patience, and attention to detail. But with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of DIY spirit, you can achieve fantastic results. Remember, the key is in the preparation and taking your time with each step of the process.
I hope this guide has given you the confidence to tackle your next painting project. Happy painting, fellow DIY dads!
