12 top interior painting tips from experts – for a flawless, fabulous finish

More and more of us are picking up paint brushes and rollers to redecorate our homes ourselves, so it is undeniably more important than ever to get expert interior painting tips to make sure we ace the job the first time – and every time after that. 

Painting a wall may seem like an easy task. You are, after all, just layering paint onto a flat surface with a brush or roller. However, there are some easy wall painting mistakes that can catch you out, especially when you start painting ceilings or detailing your trim. 

Here, professional painters have shared their top interior painting tips so you can achieve the perfect paint job yourself. 

Interior painting tips  

Painting is a fine skill that can take years to hone and perfect – unless you listen to these tips, of course. Here is how to get a professional paint job the first time.  

1. Opt for the highest quality tools you can afford

When painting, it can be tempting to think about investing in the paint and skimping on the tools. It is the paint that sticks around the longest, after all. Thinking in this way is one of the most common wall painting mistakes, however, explains Michael Bashari, painting expert at Purely Paint. 

‘Using cheap brushes and rollers can result in a subpar finish that may require more touch-ups or repainting in the long run. A high-quality paintbrush or roller will hold more paint. This means you'll be able to cover more surface area without having to reload constantly,’ he explains.

George Crew, licensed general contractor and professional painter at Chicago Paint Crew recommends opting for a ‘thicker roller, like ¾ inch.’ The larger size will also mean that you ‘push down less on the roller creating lap marks,’ he says.  

2. Pick the best paint you can afford

The best tools you can buy will only do so much, it is high-quality paint that will then ensure you achieve a flawless finish. When choosing your paint colors, consider where you can afford to allocate your budget. Picking high-end paint could mean you are able to spend a little less on tools, for example, purchasing mid-range brushes, but you do always get what you paid for. 

3. Mix your cans of same-colored paint together

If you need multiple cans of paint to finish a room, contractor George Crew suggests ‘boxing’ the paint together. This means mixing all of the cans of the same colored paint together in one container. 

‘Paint color may vary slightly from one can to the next,’ he explains. ‘If you have to open a new can in the middle of a wall, the difference may be noticeable. Mixing the paints together eliminates the problem.’

‘Take a 5-gallon bucket, available at Walmart, and mix all your same colored paint in the bucket to ensure an even color throughout. 

4. Repair holes and dents in walls the day before

Walls are more susceptible to denting and cracking than you might think, especially if it is in a high-traffic area or you have removed wallpaper or paint before painting. 

For a smooth finish, it is recommended to repair your plaster ceilings and walls at least 24 hours before to allow it to dry thoroughly, says Jay Sanders, contractor and owner of Castle Dream Construction. You can use a premixed repair putty such as Gorilla, from Amazon.

‘Your walls should be smooth from corner to corner, this helps the paint look better and gives an overall finished look at the end,’ he advises. 

5. Keep a wet edge

‘The most common mistake people make when painting a wall is not keeping a wet edge,’ begins Nick Slavik, professional painter and Purdy partner. ‘A wet edge is when the cut and the roll dry together, and it leaves an even, professional finish and prevents "hatbanding," "picture framing" and "flashing" – where the cutting in dries first and leaves a noticeable border of paint around the wall,’ he explains. 

‘I complete all the prep and then go around the room clockwise and cut one wall at a time, then roll one wall at a time. I cut one wall at a time, then roll after so that I can get within 0.25-0.5in from corners, ceilings, and trim. If this is done while all the cut is still wet, it will blend together nicely. ‘

Nick Slavik

Nick Slavik has been a craftsman for more than 29 years. His company has been awarded more than 15 national awards for craftsmanship over the last five years, and he is the host of Ask a Painter Live – a weekly live social media show where he speaks to current industry topics and answers questions live from the internet.  He has also created a rigorous apprenticeship program where he finds, trains, inspires and mentors young people in his craft. 

6. Add a primer first

When preparing your walls for painting, adding a primer is essential if you want to achieve an even paint coverage, or are concerned that the wall is not in top condition to hold onto the paint, says contractor Jay Sanders. 

‘We like to use a tinted primer that matches the paint to help conceal any imperfections,’ Jay reveals. Some homeware stores will offer paint mixing options where you can make a tinted primer to match your wall paint perfectly, too. 

7. Always use painter's tape

It is essential to use painter's tape in every painting job you complete in your home, whether it be to protect trim, window frames, or door frames. While it might seem fiddly, taking the time to prepare the space will make the clean-up easier and the final job look smoother. 

The trick, contractor George Crew says, is to know when to remove painter's tape. 

‘Some painters like to remove the tape immediately after painting to avoid the paint drying and peeling paint off when you remove it. (Tip: use a sharp blade box cutter to cut below the tape if you prefer to wait to let it dry). Many painters don’t want to rush and prefer the paint to dry for 24 hours or more,' George says. 

If so, use a utility blade and cut below the tape then remove it for a clean finish. When removing the tape pull at a 45 degree angle and upward or downward away from the wall.’

8. Use enough paint each time

The simplest paint trick any expert recommends is to use a good amount of paint every time you load up your roller. 

‘Not loading enough can cause the wall to look patchy after painting,’ says Alec Willard, a Purdy professional painter. ‘Failing to apply adequate coats of paint to the wall and applying inconsistent pressure while rolling can also lead to patchiness when dry.’

9. Always clean surfaces first

Cleaning walls before painting is essential when you are redecorating, even if you have only just added backing paper to the walls, insists George Crew, licensed contractor.

‘Proper preparation is the foundation of your paint job. You must make sure that you do all the proper steps. Cleaning the walls using products such as TSP, available at Amazon, will fully remove dirt and grease where needed.’ 

TSP Heavy Duty Degreaser | $19.95 at Amazon
TSP is one of the best heavy-duty degreasers on the market, but it needs to be used with caution. Make sure you always wear protective gear such as gloves and long sleeves before applying this to surfaces to prevent irritating your skin.  

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10. Wrap tools in plastic between painting to prevent having to clean

If you want to avoid cleaning your paint brushes and rollers between coats of paint, then consider wrapping them in a clean plastic bag or plastic wrap to help keep the paint moist and maintained. This way, all you need to do is unwrap the tools and get straight to painting once again.

11. When painting trim, sand between coats

Your walls and ceiling are not the only things that could do with a lick of paint. Painting trim is essential to having a professional-looking space too, says professional contractor George Crew.

‘If you really want to have a professional-looking trim paint job, use a sanding sponge with a fine grit in between adding layers of paint,’ he suggests. ‘This will make the trim look extra smooth for your second coat but use a tack cloth, at Amazon, or vacuum to remove all the dust before painting again. The sponge will get into all the curves and crevices for an ultra-smooth-looking finish.’

You should also always paint the trim before the walls to make this job far easier.  

12. Take your time

‘Painting is not a race, so take your time and do it right,’ assures Michael Bashari, a painting expert. While you don't want to spend too long allowing the paint to dry before finishing the job to avoid line marks, ‘rushing through the job can lead to mistakes, such as drips or uneven coats, that can be difficult to fix later,’ Michael says.

Have fun with your painting, and learn as you go. 

FAQs

These interior painting tips are perfect for realizing paint ideas anywhere in your home. Before you start, make sure you open windows and doors and use a fan to keep the space well-ventilated, as this will make the room a much more pleasant environment to work in.