Are you looking to update your home’s interior without breaking the bank? One way to give your space a fresh new look is by painting the walls. And the best part is that you can do it yourself! Here are some tips and tricks for achieving a professional-looking finish on your DIY interior painting project.

Choose the Right Paint

Elevate your painting project by selecting the perfect paint. Learn how to choose the right type, check labels, consider colour, prioritize quality, and calculate quantities for a successful DIY room transformation on budget.

1. Select the Paint Type

• Choose a paint type based on the room’s purpose and the expected wear and tear.
• For high-traffic areas, use a satin or semi-gloss finish that is easier to clean.
• For low-traffic areas, a matte or eggshell finish can work well.

2. Check the Paint Label

• Check the paint label to make sure it is suitable for your surface type (e.g. plasterboard, wood, render).
• Check the recommended application tools and techniques.

3. Consider Colour and Tone

• Test paint swatches in the room and observe how they look under different lighting conditions.
• Choose a paint colour that complements your furniture and decor.

4. Don’t Cut on Quality

• It’s tempting to reach for the cheapest paint on the shelf but budget paints don’t always stack up
• Higher-quality paint will typically have better coverage, durability, and colour retention.
• Investing in quality paint can save time and money in the long run.

5. Calculate the Quantity

• Measure the walls’ height and length and calculate the square footage of the room.
• Determine how many coats of paint are necessary and purchase enough paint to cover the entire space.

Prep the Room

Before picking up that paintbrush, follow these essential steps for a picture-perfect interior painting project: clear the space, clean the walls, repair imperfections, protect floors/trim, and prime if needed. Get ready for a flawless paint job!

1. Clear the Space

• Remove all furniture, fixtures, and decorations from the room.
• Cover any remaining items with plastic or drop cloths.

2. Clean the Walls

• Dust the walls with a microfiber cloth or vacuum cleaner.
• Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or grime.

3. Repair Imperfections

• Fill any cracks or holes with spakfilla paste or joint compound.
• Sand down the patched areas until they are smooth and flush with the wall.

4. Protect Floors and Trim

• Use painter’s tape to protect baseboards, trim, and floors from paint splatters.
• Place drop cloths or plastic sheets on the floor to catch any drips or spills.

5. Prime the Walls (if necessary)

• If you are painting over a dark colour or a glossy surface, prime the walls with a quality primer.
• Priming helps to ensure the paint adheres properly and covers evenly.

Apply the Interior Paint

Transform your space with a fresh coat of paint. Learn how to prep the room for flawless results: clearing, cleaning, repairing, protecting, and priming.

1. Use the Right Tools

• Choose a high-quality paintbrush or roller that is suitable for your paint type and surface.
• Use a paint tray or bucket to hold the paint and distribute it evenly.

2. Cut in the Edges

• Use a paintbrush to “cut in” the edges of the walls, around windows, doors, and corners.
• This will create a clean, sharp line between the wall and the trim.

3. Roll the Walls

• Use a roller to apply paint to the rest of the walls, working in 3-foot sections.
• Roll up and down, then side to side to ensure even coverage.

4. Use Proper Technique

• Apply the paint in thin, even coats.
• Avoid overloading the brush or roller with paint, which can cause drips and uneven coverage.

Frequently Asks Questions (FAQ’s)

Q: What are some DIY tips for painting the interior of my home?

A: There are several DIY tips that can help you achieve a professional-looking finish when painting the interior of your home. These include:

• Prepping the walls: This involves cleaning the walls, filling in any holes or cracks, and sanding the surface to ensure a smooth finish.
  
• Choosing the right paint: Consider the type of paint (e.g. matte, eggshell, satin), as well as the colour and quality. Remember to choose paint that is appropriate for the room you are painting.
  
• Using high-quality tools: Investing in good brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape can make a big difference in the overall look of your paint job.
  
• Applying paint in thin, even coats: This will help prevent drips and ensure a smooth finish.
  
• Allowing ample drying time: Be patient and allow the paint to dry completely between coats.
  

Q: How can I prevent brush strokes when painting?

A: To prevent brush strokes when painting, you should use a high-quality brush and apply the paint in thin, even coats. Avoid overloading the brush with paint and apply light pressure when painting. You can also try using a paint additive, such as Floetrol, to help the paint flow more smoothly and reduce brush strokes.

Q: How do I choose the right paint colour for my room?

A: When choosing a paint colour for your room, consider the mood you want to create and the existing colour scheme of your furniture and decor. Neutral colours like beige, grey, and white can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, while bolder colours like blue or green can add a pop of colour and energy to a space. Remember to test paint colours in the room itself before committing to a colour.

Q: Should I use a primer before painting?

A: In most cases, it is recommended to use a primer before painting. Primer can help the paint adhere better to the surface, hide imperfections, and provide a more uniform finish. If you are painting over a darker colour or a surface with stains, it is especially important to use a primer.

Q: How many coats of paint should I apply?

A: The number of coats of paint you need will depend on the quality of your paint, the colour you are using, and the surface you are painting. In most cases, two coats of paint are recommended to achieve a professional-looking finish. However, if the existing colour is very dark, you may need to apply additional coats.