Yup, my hand is up too.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate the end result of a freshly painted room or item – it’s just the act of painting itself that I find tedious.
But after years of begrudgingly painting various things, I’ve learned some tricks to make the experience less painful.
Table of Contents
Why I hate painting
As a DIYer, I love to build things and fix things around the house.
However, one task that I have come to hate is painting. It can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you are not properly prepared.
Additionally, the financial investment in quality paint, brushes, rollers, and other tools can add up quickly.
This can make hiring a professional paint crew seem like a more attractive option.
Tips on how to paint yourself
Despite my feelings about painting, there is no denying that it is an inexpensive and easy way to dramatically change the appearance of a room.
If you’re like me and want to avoid hiring someone, here are some tips for painting yourself:
1. Use high-quality paint
The essence of a good painting experience often lies in the quality of paint used.
Though more costly upfront, high-quality paint provides superior coverage, requiring fewer coats and saving valuable time.
Its refined texture ensures a smooth application, resulting in a professional finish that lasts.
Moreover, quality paint boasts greater durability, resisting chipping and fading, thus reducing future touch-ups.
It also offers a wider spectrum of hues and finishes, enhancing creative possibilities.
From personal experience, switching to quality paint minimized frustrations tied to the painting process.
It expedited project completion and improved final outcomes. Investing in high-quality paint can transform painting from a chore to a more satisfying task.
2. Investing in the right tools for the job
Having the right tools on hand can make a huge difference when it comes to the painting experience.
Good quality brushes, rollers, painters tape, and metal paint trays can be reused for years and are worth the investment.
Professionals advocate purchasing quality brushes and warn against purchasing the cheap 3-pack with plastic handles.
Angled brushes are highly recommended and preferred by the professionals over the straight ones.
3. Proper preparation for a successful paint job
Taking the time to properly prep your space will save you time and frustration in the long run.
This includes taping and securing your painting area, covering floors or carpet, and removing any hardware from walls and ceilings.
It’s also important to properly prepare the surfaces you’re painting by cleaning and sanding them if necessary.
4. Rolling before cutting in
Rolling the walls first will help ensure a consistent and even base coat of paint. Cutting in (painting the edges around windows, doors, and baseboards with a brush) can then be done with a new paintbrush for best coverage.
Additionally, the technique of the “V motion” helps minimize overlaps.
5. Using paintable caulk for seamless transitions
A well-executed painting project doesn’t end with the final brush stroke.
One crucial step involves using paintable caulk for seamless transitions between paint colors.
Caulk fills irregularities in the wall surface, ensuring a straight, clean line at corners and where walls meet the ceiling.
Once dry, the caulk can be painted over to match the adjoining wall colors. Paintable caulk not only enhances aesthetics but also protects against moisture, preventing peeling or flaking paint.
It significantly improves the final look of a room and maintains the paint’s integrity over time.
6. Choosing the right paint finish for your space
Another key decision that can significantly affect the outcome of your painting project is choosing the right paint finish.
The paint finish, also known as sheen, refers to how much light the painted surface reflects. It can range from flat, which is non-reflective, to high gloss, which is highly reflective.
Between these extremes, there are several options, including eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, each with its unique characteristics.
The choice of paint finish should be guided by the purpose of the room and its traffic.
For instance, an eggshell finish, which has a slight hint of shine and is easier to clean than flat paint, is often recommended for living rooms and bedrooms.
It’s durable enough for these moderately trafficked areas and offers a subtle glow that enhances the room’s ambiance.
On the other hand, a satin finish, which is more reflective and durable than eggshell, might be more suitable for higher traffic areas like hallways, children’s
7. Testing paint colors before committing
The process of choosing the right color for your walls is a challenge in itself, let alone the physical effort and time it requires to test paint samples before finally making the decision.
One might think that selecting a paint color would be as simple as picking a favorite color or matching a room’s decor, but the reality is far from this naive belief.
Once you’ve managed to narrow down your choices, the trial phase begins.
This is where you apply your chosen samples onto your walls. It’s not as simple as swiping a brush across a surface.
You have to take into account the wall’s texture, the type of light the room gets, and how the paint color changes under different lighting conditions.
A color that looks perfect under the store’s fluorescent lighting could look drastically different in the soft glow of your living room.
Then, there’s the hassle of returning or exchanging the paint if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
8. The value of investing in quality brushes for a better experience
When you think about painting, brushes are often the first tool that comes to mind.
They are the vehicle that transfers your imagination onto the canvas.
But, here’s the catch: Not all brushes are created equal.
A quality brush, despite its higher initial cost, can make the world of difference.
It offers better control, allowing you to make strokes exactly the way you envision them.
This precision can be the difference between a picture you’re proud of and one that ends up stashed away in the back of a closet.
Furthermore, a good brush offers superior coverage and a longer lifespan.
9. Storing paint and brushes properly
Store brushes and paint rollers in a plastic ziplock bag in the refrigerator for overnight use and store paint in glass mason jars in a temperature-controlled environment.
Overall, while painting can be frustrating, doing it yourself can save you money and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Investing in high-quality paint and tools, properly prepping your space, and taking your time will lead to a more enjoyable and successful painting experience.
