5 Wall Painting Tips & Tricks

You’ve spent a few hours in your local hardware superstore scouring the different paint pallets and brochures to inspire design.

You’ve pretty much decided on the perfect hue for your home. Now, all you have to do is get that paint on the wall, right?!

It seems easy, but it’s actually not quite that simple.

Wall painting, although one of the most common home renovation projects, still requires a bit of planning, preparation, and detail-oriented finesse.

Before you begin a paint project in your home, here are 5 wall painting tips and tricks that will have those walls looking like sheer perfection.

Sure, it would be a great day if you could just bring home your paint can and start spreading paint on your walls. However, that is probably one of the biggest wall painting mistakes to make.

Before you tackle your walls, make sure to take a few simple steps to prepare for an easy paint and a fantastic finished product.

Painting over dust, dirt, remaining wallpaper and/or backing, as well as other random junk that builds up on our walls is a big no-no.

If you don’t clean and sand the walls, you run the risk of rogue bumps in your paint, or areas that seem to be a different hue than your chosen color.

A little putty can go a long way! 

Although this portion of the pre-painting party may take a bit more time – fixing any holes or indentations in your wall is crucial for a stellar finished product. 

If you have some distinct holes, then you may need to do a bit of drywall patching with some joint compound. 

Just a few small holes from wall hangings? Putty those holes!   

Don’t forget to stock up on that pseudo-sticky blue tape! 

Trim the baseboards, any molding, sides of the wall, any doors, and especially the area between the wall and the ceiling. 

Plain and simple advice with this one. But remember, not all paint brushes are created equal!

Stock up on rollers, trim brushes, as well as any texture brushes you may need to use for your chosen wall painting job. 

Before the actual painting begins, do a caulk job around the doors, baseboards, trim, and moldings.  

Don’t rush this process, and make sure your caulk gun is in good working condition so it doesn’t get stuck.

There is a fantastic option to prime and paint with the use of one simple can.

A one-stop-shop, if you will.

Kilz used to be the main contender for this wall painting option, but nowadays, most every paint brand has a primer+paint in one option. 

Even if you choose the primer+paint option, there is no reason NOT to apply multiple coats.

A good rule of thumb would be to apply at least two coats, but three or more will lock in that color and solidify your hard work and labor on a wall painting job well done. 

Just don’t forget to let each coat dry before applying the next. 

A great paint job must be comprehensive.

If you’re adding a nice color update to your walls, don’t forget to show your baseboards and molding a little TLC, too.

Baseboards tend to become extremely dirty due to pets, kids, and life in general. 

Adding a nice semigloss or high-gloss white to your baseboards and moldings will really make your new wall painting job shine!

After you finish a spectacular wall painting job, make sure to keep the fans blowing and the windows open to alleviate that fresh paint smell.

Then, take a moment to revel in your hard work and great color choices!

Follow these 5 simple wall painting tips and tricks and you’ll have an incredible finished paint project you can be proud of!

Feeling overwhelmed? You can always call in the pros for a quick and flawless paint job.