6 Tips to Paint Your Room Correctly

Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all a room needs to look brand new. But when done poorly, it might give different results than you were expecting.

If you plan on giving your room a much-needed makeover, remember that painting takes more than picking up a paintbrush. Since a few simple painting mistakes can lead to a costly disaster.

So to help you paint like a pro, here are six easy tips you can do to give your room a professional finish.

1. Clean surfaces

Cleaning the walls and ceilings may feel contradictory when you’re about to paint over them. But paint adheres better to surfaces with no dust or stains between them. You might be tempted to skip over this step, but you’ll be surprised to find out how much grime your walls can accumulate over time!

To do this, use a damp towel or sponge to wipe away any dirt, marks, or cobwebs. You can also add a small amount of mild dishwashing soap if you’re dealing with a stubborn stain. Then rinse with clean water to get rid of the soap residue.

Once you’re done, make sure to let the surfaces dry completely before moving on to the next steps.

2. Patch up holes and cracks

As much as you want it to, painting over holes and cracks won’t cover them up. So it’s necessary to repair them beforehand if you want your room to look flawless.

For small dents or cracks, you can apply a coat of spackling or joint compound. But for bigger damages, you’ll need to use a mesh patch to cover it up before applying a thick coat of spackle. 

Don’t forget to sand the patches once they’re completely dry. Since they tend to have rough surfaces, sanding them down will provide the paint with a smooth surface to apply on.

3. Get the right nap and paintbrushes

If you’re on a tight budget, getting the cheapest rollers and paintbrushes may seem like the most sensible idea. But considering they tend to be low-quality, you won’t have the best application experience.

Avoid paintbrushes with stiff bristles because they could leave noticeable streaks and brush marks on the paint. Poor-quality roller naps also tend to shed quickly and leave white fuzzy fibers on the wall.

That’s why it’s better to invest in high-quality tools and materials to ensure you get the best results. As long as you store them properly, you can also reuse them for other painting projects in the future.

4. Use painter’s tape

If you don’t want to paint over certain areas of your room, you can separate the sections with painter’s tape. This includes trims, moldings, windows, or doorframes, so you won’t have to repaint them later if you stray away from the borders. This will also give the edges of the wall or ceiling a crisp straight line with minimal effort.

You can also use the tape to cover any light switches, fixtures, or door knobs to protect them against paint splatters. Just remember to remove them once the paint is dry to the touch to avoid peeling it off.

5. Apply primer

The question of whether you should or should not apply primer is debatable depending on who you ask. But if you want to get a long-lasting finish, you should definitely go for it.

Primer provides your walls and ceilings with an extra layer of protection against molds and moisture. It also fills into textured walls, giving the paint a smoother surface to adhere to.

It’s also necessary if you’re planning on switching the surfaces from a darker color to a lighter hue since it prevents the previous color from bleeding onto the new coat. 

1-2 coats of primer usually do the job. Just remember to let each coat dry completely before applying another layer.

6. Don’t forget to cut in

In painting terms, cutting in is the process of applying paint to the corners of the room where paint rollers won’t be able to reach. It’s a subtle process, but it makes a massive difference in the overall results.

To do this, use a small paintbrush to cut in on ceilings and walls to ensure you can get every nook and cranny. If you don’t have a steady hand, you can also get the help of painter’s tape by applying it to the edges so you can get a smooth line every time. You’ll also have to cut in first for every layer of paint you apply to keep each layer even and smooth.

Need help with painting your room?

If the process of painting your room still feels intimidating, maybe it’s time to leave it to the professionals. Soho Painters are the best painting contractor in New York, so you can always expect impressive results. They offer interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, and custom murals. For questions or inquiries, feel free to contact their team now and book a free estimate.