10 steps to the perfect DIY paint job

Breathe life into your home with a fresh coat of color. You decide how bold to be.

Whether in desperate need of a refresh, or you’re just plain bored with your walls, a coat of paint can reinvent your space. Boring beige becomes green apple, buttercream yellow or pink cotton candy perfection — and suddenly, you love your house again. If starting a interior or exterior painting project seems daunting, rest assured — anyone can redo a room with beautiful results. Transform four walls in just a few hours with KSL Homes DIY painting tips.

1. Get the right tools

Walking down the painting aisle can be intimidating. Which brush do I need? What tape? Paper or plastic? Brands may not matter when it comes to a can of corn, but when you’re painting, going cheap will ultimately cost you more in time and money. Use quality supplies: They’ll make the job go smoother and give you more professional results.

• Brushes: Use roller brushes to cover large areas — the more textured your walls, the thicker the nap should be. (Wash the brush before painting to remove any loose fuzz.) Invest in an edger or small angled brush for smooth lines along corners and baseboards.
• Prep tools: Before painting, use a putty knife, spackle and a fine sanding block to patch and smooth any holes.
• Tarp: Opt for a canvas tarp over a plastic one to cover belongings, especially if you’re doing more than one room. It’s more durable — so it can be used for a lifetime — but it’s also safer. Paint stays wet on plastic longer, increasing your chances of an errant step leaving colorful footprints around the house.
• Painter’s tape: Only use tape labeled for painting. Other tapes may leave sticky residue and may shrink, allowing paint to seep through. Painter’s tape can be left on safely for up to a week.
• Extension pole: If you have high ceilings, the pole allows you to reach without straining or hanging precariously from a ladder.

2. Splurge on quality paint

The type of paint you should use depends on the room. If there will be lots of sticky handprints — on a stairwell or in a playroom — you’ll want something that washes well. If you’re painting an exterior, choose one specifically made to withstand elements.

For either interior or exterior projects, choose the best that you can afford for more vibrant colors and greater durability. Higher quality paint may seem more expensive upfront, but it could end up costing you less. Typically, you’ll only need a couple of coats, unlike cheaper brands. In addition, it usually holds up better, so you can wipe away dirt and grease without removing the paint with it. Also, because it holds up so well, you won’t need to repaint as often.

Depending on the surface, you may also need to apply a primer. If the area hasn’t been painted in more than eight years or isn’t smooth, primer will help the paint adhere and give you a more vivid finish. This is especially important if you have patches because the spackle absorbs moisture, leaving a dull spot when you paint.

Tint the primer the same color as the new wall cover, or with a light gray. Some paints are now formulated with primers, which might make them less expensive overall. But, if you haven’t painted in a long while, experts recommend taking the extra time to apply a primer.

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3. Choose the right color

Perhaps the hardest part of painting is choosing the right color. Darker shades give a room a warmer, more intense feel than bright ones. Light colors can make a room feel more open. But really there is no wrong color, so if you want a darkest forest green room, do it. Don’t be afraid to be bold or to use a design on one wall. 

Of course, making that kind of decision based on a 1-by-2-inch swatch may be too scary. Paint stores usually sell small sample jars for a moderate price that you can have tinted in colors you’re considering. Brush a swath across a wall (or onto a large piece of paper) and see what the color looks like at all times of the day — or, at least, the hours that you’re most likely to be in the room. And if you decide you did choose poorly, you can pick again.

4. Combine all your cans

If you’ll be painting a large area and will need more than one can of paint, buy them all at once and combine the contents together in one large bucket (a 5 gallon works well). Even though each paint container receives the same tint ratios, they can vary slightly. And if you think you won’t notice, rest assured — you will. Each time you sit down to watch television or visit with friends, you’ll see that one section of wall is just a little off. Trust us. 

5. Protect the landscape

You know how you splatter spaghetti sauce on your shirt every time you eat it, no matter how careful you are? It happens with paint, too. Tiny particles seem to bounce off the walls and land on whatever isn’t covered. Protect your furniture, carpet, doorknobs — everything!

• Remove any outlet or light switch covers
• Tape around or cover knobs with plastic sandwich bags, securing them with an elastic band
• Pull all your furniture into the center of the room and cover it completely with a tarp
• Tape a tarp or brown paper to protect baseboards
• Cover floor

You never know when a paint tray might get bumped or you drop a brush. Yeah, it happens. A lot. For exterior jobs, cover any shrubs, flower beds, grills or other furniture.

6. Clean your surface

Fresh paint doesn’t stick well to dirty or rough surfaces, so it’s especially important to clean up exterior surfaces before getting out your brush. Wash with a mild soap, let dry, then sand off any peeling paint. If the surface is already smooth, wipe it with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust.

Interior walls that may have grease or dust should be wiped down as well, giving your paint a clean surface to adhere to. Sand any filled spots and apply any texture, as needed, to match the rest of the wall.

7. Check the weather

When painting the exterior of your house, check the forecast before you begin. Choose a few days when it will be dry, without much wind and not too cold.

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8. Start at the top

Now that all the prep work is done, you’re finally ready to paint. Use your small corner brush or edger along the corners of the wall you will paint first. It’s tempting to do the entire room at once. Don’t! You’ll see seams if it dries before you roll on the rest of the paint. 

Fill your brush with paint, gently tapping off excess. Then, start at the top of the wall and work your way down, painting large Ws. Use horizontal strokes to fill in the area. If the paint drips, and it will, you’ll be able to smooth out the drops so you won’t have dry chunks. Repeat process on the next section, slightly overlapping the painted area.

All paint should be thoroughly dry before you begin a second coat, usually at least one hour. Follow the recommendations on the can. Dry times will be longer if your home is humid or cold.

9. Inspect your work

It’s inevitable that you’ll miss a spot or two. And, once everything is cleaned up and put away, the last thing you want to do is pull it all back out again. Take a bright light and shine it over your wall. Before applying your second coat, do some quick touch up strokes. Once dry, add your next coat. If you still missed a spot, touch it up lightly before the paint dries to avoid leaving streaks. 

10. Almost done

If this is a multiday project, or you’re just taking a lunch break, cover your supplies to keep them from drying out. Rollers and brushes don’t need to be washed just yet — instead wrap them in a plastic grocery bag and tie it tightly. Put the cover back on the paint can, lightly hammering it in place with a rubber mallet. Add a layer of plastic wrap if you’re concerned about a tight seal. The next day, everything will be ready to go.

That’s it! You can easily renovate a room or your entire house with a bit of time and paint. Find more tips for making your house fit your style, from organizing hacks to current trends, on KSL Homes.