Ready to paint? Follow these 10 steps for a successful DIY painting project.
1. Plan your approach
Envision how you want your finished project to look. Remember that you’re not limited to four walls in the same color. Consider painting an accent wall, highlighting moldings, and don’t forget that your ceiling could use a refresh too.
2. Choose your color
Start by figuring out the basic color shade characteristics: Warm or cool? Neutral or saturated? If you have existing furniture or art, you’ll want to consider how the shade will compliment them. Once you have a feel for what you'd like, pick a few shades and get samples and test how they look in the room at different times of day.
3. Select your tools and materials
Every project is unique, so you may need additional tools depending on your paint and the condition of your walls. Here are a few essentials for any job.
Paint
Paint roller
Paint roller extension pole
Drop cloths
Paintbrushes
Paint tray
Sandpaper
Painter’s tape
Rags
Putty knife
4. Determine how much paint you'll need
No matter the painting project, a general rule of thumb is one gallon per 400 square feet. To get a more precise number, try using an online paint calculator or consulting with a professional paint expert.
The Househappy Concierge team is always available to help line you up with consultants or professional painters. Just call, text, or email our team at concierge@househappy.com or (855) 694-7868.
5. Prep the room
First, empty the room of all the furniture or push everything to the center if you don’t have extra room. Cover your furniture and floor with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting.
A good seal is key to preventing paint in unwanted spots around your room. Firmly apply painters tape to the edges of the room's corners, base, crown moldings, and door and window casings—using a putty knife to seal if needed. Also, remove outlet and light switch covers and apply painters tape to protect from paint drips.
6. Mix your paint
Use a wooden paint stick to stir the paint and continue to stir often throughout the project. If you’re using more than one gallon of paint, combine the cans in a large bucket in case there is a slight variation in color.
7. Select your painting techniques
Your paint is mixed and your roller is at the ready, but make sure to plan a strategy before you get started. Work from the top of the room down, starting with the ceilings.
Planning a bold focal wall? Paint the adjoining light-color walls first.
If you're covering up dark walls with a brighter hue, plan on three coats: your primer, plus two coats of the new color to ensure nothing shows through
Focus on one wall at a time. Use a brush to paint along the molding and corners from top to bottom. Use a roller to cover the main expanse of the wall, staying away from the more precise spots.
When applying paint with the roller, use long strokes in a W pattern for ample coverage (and to avoid annoying roller marks). Once the wall is dry to the touch, it's ready for a second coat.
If you are painting the trim, remove the painter’s tape and wait for the walls to dry before applying tape to the walls. Start with the trim closest to the ceiling, then door and window frames, and finally baseboards.
8. Keep in mind ventilation.
Encourage the drying process by making sure your room is well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans.
9. Clean up
Remove all painters tape, cloth, or plastic coverings, making sure any spills or splatters are dry before removal. Clean brushes with soap and water. If you plan on reusing roller covers, use the curved edge of a 5-in-1 painter's tool to remove the paint under running water.
10. Make sure to give yourself enough time
The duration of your project will depend on the size of your room, your painting techniques, and your overall skill level. While some spaces can be completed in a few hours, others may take days. Be sure to allot a cushion of time for prep and cleanup as well.
If you’d rather hire a pro to take care of your painting project, just submit a request below and the Househappy team will help you out.