DIY Painting Tips: Complete House Painting Guide

Essential DIY Painting Supplies

Before starting your DIY interior painting project, gather all the necessary supplies to paint a room. Having the right painting equipment makes the difference between amateur and professional results.

Paint and Primer

• Quality paint: Don't skimp — premium paint covers better and lasts longer
• Primer: Essential for new drywall, repairs, or drastic color changes
• Paint + primer combo: Good for repainting similar colors

Brushes and Rollers

Complete Supply Checklist

How to Prep a Room for Painting

Room preparation for painting is the most critical step for professional results. Most DIY painting mistakes happen because of poor prep. Follow these steps to prepare walls for painting.

Step 1: Clear and Protect the Room

1. Remove all furniture or move to center and cover
2. Take down curtains, blinds, and wall décor
3. Remove outlet covers and light switch plates
4. Lay drop cloths over all floors and remaining furniture

Step 2: Clean the Walls

Wall preparation painting starts with clean surfaces. Paint won't adhere to dirty, greasy, or dusty walls.

• Dust walls with microfiber cloth or vacuum with brush attachment
• Wash with TSP (trisodium phosphate) or dish soap solution
• Pay extra attention to kitchen and bathroom walls (grease, mildew)
• Let walls dry completely (24 hours minimum)

Step 3: Repair Imperfections

Before painting over holes and cracks, all defects must be addressed:

1. Small holes (nail holes): Fill with lightweight spackle
2. Medium holes: Use mesh tape + joint compound
3. Large holes: Patch with drywall piece
4. Cracks: V-cut, fill with joint compound, tape if needed
5. Sand smooth: 120-grit first, then 220-grit for feathering

Step 4: Prime When Necessary

When to use primer:

• New drywall or repairs
• Painting over dark colors with light
• Porous surfaces (bare wood, new texture)
• Stains (water, smoke, markers)
• Glossy surfaces (helps paint adhere)

Step 5: Apply Painter's Tape

Taping for paint properly is essential for clean lines:

• Apply tape in short, manageable sections
• Press firmly with putty knife or credit card
• Seal the edge to prevent paint bleed
• Remove within 1 hour of final coat to prevent peeling

How to Paint Walls Like a Pro

Follow this step-by-step painting guide for professional results. These interior painting techniques apply to any room.

Step 1: Start with Cutting In

Cutting in painting means using a brush to paint edges, corners, and areas where rollers can't reach:

1. Load brush about 1/3 up the bristles
2. Tap brush on inside of can (don't wipe)
3. Cut a 2-3 inch band around ceiling, corners, outlets
4. Work in 4-6 foot sections at a time
5. Keep a wet edge to blend with rolled areas

Step 2: Roll the Walls

Rolling technique for smooth, even coverage:

1. Load roller by rolling in paint tray (not dunking)
2. Roll out excess on tray grate
3. Start with a W or M pattern on wall
4. Fill in without lifting roller
5. Finish with light, straight vertical strokes
6. Overlap cut-in edges while still wet

Step 3: Second Coat

After the first coat dries (typically 2-4 hours for latex):

• Lightly sand if there are any drips or rough spots
• Repeat cutting in and rolling process
• Work perpendicular to any visible brush marks
• Don't skip second coat — coverage and durability require it

Common DIY Painting Mistakes to Avoid

How to Paint Trim and Doors

Trim painting techniques require extra care for a professional finish. Here's how to paint trim and baseboards:

Prep Work for Trim

• Clean with TSP or denatured alcohol
• Fill any nail holes with wood filler
• Sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper
• Apply painter's tape to wall edges

Best Paint Finish for Trim

Use semi-gloss or satin finish for trim (eggshell minimum). These finishes are more durable and easier to clean than flat paint.

Painting Technique for Trim

1. Use a quality angled brush (2-2.5 inch)
2. Apply thin coats — trim paint is self-leveling
3. Brush in one direction along the grain
4. Avoid overworking — it causes brush marks
5. Allow proper drying time (may be longer than wall paint)

How to Paint Doors

For panel doors, paint in this order:

1. Inner edges of panels first
2. Flat panel centers
3. Horizontal rails (cross pieces)
4. Vertical stiles (outer edges)
5. Door edges (hinge side matches room painted, latch side matches room it opens into)

How to Paint a Ceiling

Ceiling painting tips for avoiding drips, fatigue, and roller marks:

Ceiling Painting Technique

1. Use flat ceiling paint (hides imperfections better)
2. Use a quality extension pole — essential for ceilings
3. Cut in around edges first
4. Roll in one direction, overlapping previous strokes
5. Work in sections toward natural light source
6. Two light coats beat one heavy coat

Choosing Paint Colors

How to choose paint colors that look great in your home:

Color Selection Tips

• Test samples: Always test 2-3 colors on the wall before committing
• Paint large swatches: At least 12x12 inches in different areas
• View at different times: Colors look different in morning vs evening light
• Consider undertones: Every color has warm or cool undertones
• Flow between rooms: Adjacent rooms should complement each other

Popular Neutral Colors

Safe choices that work in most homes:

• Warm whites: Benjamin Moore White Dove, SW Alabaster
• Cool grays: BM Revere Pewter, SW Agreeable Gray
• Greiges: SW Accessible Beige, BM Edgecomb Gray

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

Should you paint yourself or hire professionals? Consider these factors:

When to Hire a Pro

• High or vaulted ceilings (safety + quality)
• Extensive repairs needed
• Lead paint concerns (pre-1978 homes)
• Limited time or physical ability
• Premium finish required (cabinets, special paints)