DIY: Painting Interior Walls

Make a checklist for necessary tools and supplies.

Preparation and planning are the keys to successful interior wall painting on a commercial or residential property. Use color wheels from the paint store to determine what shades will complement the interior and make the most of features like wainscoting and window frames. Get expert advice from paint store professionals about what brands work best for specific materials. Higher-quality paints save money in the long run because they resist cracking and peeling.

Wall Preparation

It's important to take certain steps to ensure good results when painting interior walls. Obtaining a smooth, even finish is possible only when the wall has been properly cleaned, sanded and primed. Remove all hardware and doors from the areas in advance and repair any gouges or scratches in the walls. Proper masking of trim and baseboards will pay off with sharp, crisp lines that give rooms a well finished look.

Benefits of Work Stations

By taking the time to set up all your equipment before you begin interior wall painting, the task can be completed quickly and with minimum effort. Create a central work station for the tools, ladders, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, rags and buckets you need ahead of time. Make plastic paths from the rooms you plan to paint to your work station in case you get paint on your shoes.

Significance of Good Equipment

As with most things in life, the better the equipment, the better the results. Good-quality paintbrushes cost more, but they deliver the paint onto the surface much more evenly and with less effort than inferior brushes. The same concept holds true for the more expensive sheepskin roller covers, because they require less paint to cover more area, especially on textured walls. Look for bargains only on disposable items, like paint buckets, drop cloths and trim tape.

Considerations

When painting an interior room, make a preliminary plan of the steps you will need to complete the job. Apply primer to closets and shelves and allow to dry. If the ceiling is going to be a different color from the walls, paint it first. Once the walls, ceilings and closets are finished, tackle the window frames, baseboards and door jams. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before reattaching hardware and doors to prevent peeling.

Paint Types

Seek professional advice on what types of paints are best for your locale. Water-based acrylics that can stand up to heavy humidity like the bathroom do not work well in bedrooms and dining rooms Achieve a decorative effect by contrasting a high-gloss paint on a wooden accent trim in a bedroom that has walls painted with flat paint. Satin and semi-gloss paints are easy to clean and work well in high-traffic areas like kitchens and family rooms.