Painting Tips: How to Achieve Professional Looking Results

Photo credit to jdigger.

Using a roller to paint walls might seem uncomplicated, but it is possible to botch a simple paint job if the walls are not properly prepared and if paint is improperly applied. Painting walls really is easy - if a little extra effort is taken to protect flooring and woodwork, and if the correct painting techniques are used. With a few simple tips and painting tricks, anyone achieve professional looking results when painting interior walls.

Protecting Flooring and Woodwork

First-class professional painting is neat, and taking the time to properly protect woodwork and flooring can make the difference between a neat and professional looking paint job and a project that turns out shoddy. Purchase top-quality painter’s tape, and take your time applying the tape to the edges of woodwork, countertops, and cabinetry before opening that can of paint. Take the time to remove light switch and outlet plates, and protect flooring and furniture with tarps. It will be time-consuming to apply the tape and remove electrical plating, but it will make a huge difference in the outcome of the finished job. Anyone can apply paint to walls, but it takes patience and determination to achieve outstanding results. Of course, you should take remove as much furniture from the room as you can, and take the metal home decor or other wall art off the walls.

Wall Preparation

One of the biggest mistakes people make when painting is not preparing walls. They rely on the paint to fill in cracks and holes, but it does not work that way, and the cracks and holes will still be highly visible after the paint dries. Take the time to prepare and you will end up with professional looking results, even if it is your first time painting.

Begin by patching holes and fine cracks with a high-quality filler, and lightly sand the dry filler until it blends in seamlessly with clean, smooth, and dry walls. Also, choose top-quality wall primer for walls that have never been painted, stained areas, and patches. If painting a light color over dark or bold colors prime the entire area, and always follow product label instructions for best results.

Photo credit to pittaya,

Painting Order Tips

Many people have no idea where to begin painting and they begin at eye level. For professional looking results and ease in painting, begin with the ceiling, even if the color will be different from the walls. Next, paint the walls, crown moldings, chair rails, and lastly, paint around windows and doors, but do not begin before learning the right way to apply paint. It might seem obvious that paint should be applied to a roller and simply rolled over walls, but a few simple tricks and tips will help you get the job done quickly and achieve professional looking results. 

Applying Paint for a Professional Look

After taping off woodwork and other areas that require protection, get out the paintbrush and paint any areas that cannot be easily accessed using the roller. This is known as cutting in by professional painters, and once this is accomplished it is very easy to fill in the open areas with a roller. Cut in around doorways and windows, in corners, next to moldings, and where the walls meet the ceiling. These are some of the toughest areas to paint, but a quality paintbrush will help make the job easier than ever.

Once you are ready to begin using a roller, concentrate on a small area at a time. Painting a four foot by four foot section before moving on is ideal. Load the roller without overloading it, and be sure to roll it over the paint tray ridges a few times before applying it to walls. Also, keep in mind that rolling fast will cause spattering, and you do not want to end up with speckles on yourself or all over the room.

Rolling the paint onto the walls is somewhat of an art, but anyone can paint like a professional. Always remember to roll into freshly painted areas to avoid making lap marks, and begin at the top of the wall by forming an M with the roller and go across it horizontally while all the while maintaining contact with the wall. The paint will be evenly distributed, and when applied correctly, roller marks will not be visible.

Tips on Preventing Damage after Painting

Once the walls are completely covered you can stand back and admire the room, but the job is not quite finished until the tape is removed. Contrary to popular belief, do not leave the tape in place until the walls are dry. When dry paint is connected to tape and walls, the paint will come off at the edges when the tape is removed. Be sure to remove the tape while the paint is still wet for best results. The finished job will look professional in appearance, and you will be amazed by how fast you complete the work.