Does your home interior need repainting? Painting a home can be a big and time-intensive decision. It is something that defines you and can have a huge impact on your lifestyle. If you’re like most people, you probably would love the renovation but don’t enjoy painting the interior of your house—it can be messy and time-consuming. Learning to get the best paint for interior walls for DIYers and beginners can make your journey relatively easy, enjoyable, and cost-effective. And should something go in the wrong direction—you can fix it. Furthermore, if you follow a process, it will be much easier and neater.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of painting the interior of your house. We’ll start by taping the trim and then moving on to the different steps involved in painting walls, ceilings, and corners. By following this process, you’ll be able to achieve a neat and professional paint job!
Steps for Interior Painting
STEP #1: PLAN YOUR APPROACH
Start by figuring out what will be your approach to the home revamp. To determine your approach, refrain from limiting yourself to painting the four walls and consider fixtures, natural lighting, and more. You could consider painting one master wall bold or enhancing the moldings with a contrasting hue. The paint is what sets the tone of the entire home and reflects your personality so make sure you set the tone right in the beginning and your entire project will fall in place automatically.
STEP #2: FIND THE BEST PAINT FOR YOUR INTERIOR WALLS
Are you a person who loves vibrant shades, or are you more of a pastels fan? Would you like natural paint colors for your bedroom or is the new-age boho theme your thing? Understanding and finding the right theme can get half the work done here. Otherwise, cluelessly browsing through shade cards and paint chips can be a daunting process with no end to the road.
Once you will know what you’re looking for, it will be easier to pick shades. You could also check out the popular interior paint colors from magazines or online to navigate your search in the right direction.
You must also consider your existing furniture or art at this point in time to make sure that your new paint complements these elements. To finalize the shades, you can request samples to see how the paint actually looks on your walls at different times during the day. There are various paint manufacturers who now have developed online tools where you can upload photos of your room and preview multiple colors on your walls virtually. It might not be 100% accurate but will give you a fair idea of the same. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to consult a professional. They can help you choose the right primer and paint for your specific situation.
STEP #3: DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF PAINT YOU’LL NEED
Before you hit the store, determine how much paint do you need for the area. A rule of thumb for both exterior and interior painting is one gallon for every 400 sq. ft., suggests Carl Minchew (Vice President, Color & Innovation–Benjamin Moore). But this is a very rough idea. To get the precise numbers for your project, you can try paint calculator tools that take into consideration at least two coats for every wall.
Also, if you’re planning to re-paint that dull, charcoal grey wall of your and make it lighter and vibrant, it adds another step of whitewashing to the whole process. Darker color bases need more paint coats as compared to lighter ones. Another factor to consider is the texture you want. If you’re planning to give your walls a unique, highly-textured surface then buy a little extra paint than the suggested quantity.
STEP #4: GET YOUR MATERIALS AND TOOLS
Now that you’ve figured out your approach and colors, it’s time to get to the action and buy material and tools for the execution stage. Every project is unique and will need different tools depending on your paint and wall conditions. Nonetheless, here is a list of things that are must-haves for every painting project:
- Paint & primer
- Sandpaper
- Paintbrushes, roller
- Paint roller extension pole
- Paint tray
- Drop cloths and rags
- Painter’s tape
- Putty knife
- Stairs
STEP #5: TAPING THE TRIMS
Taping the trim is an important first step in painting the interior of your house. You don’t want to paint over your beautiful trim work! Once you’ve taped the trim, you’ll need to determine the type of paint you have on your walls and get all your paint & primers in place to begin the work.
STEP 6: PREPPING THE WALLS WITH PRIMER
Now that you’re through the prep stage, it’s time to apply the primer! This step is important because it will help your paint adhere to the walls better. It also helps in covering the dark paint underneath, allowing the new colors to look exactly how you imagined. It also reduces the number of coats you’ll need to reach the perfect color for your walls. Carolyn Noble (Color Managing & Design Manager–Pratt & Lambert) recommends using a grey tinted primer to help reduce the number of coat applications.
STEP #7: THE PAINTING BEGINS
Once you’ve applied the primer, you can start painting the process. Remember to always paint the ceiling first and then the walls. If you leave the ceiling at the end, you will run the risk of damaging the perfectly painted new walls with drips and streaks all around. When painting ceilings, it’s important to use a roller—this will help you reduce drips or streaks.
Once you’ve finished painting the ceiling, it’s time to move on to the walls. When painting walls, you’ll want to start by cutting in the corners. This is a crucial step because it will help you avoid any paint buildup in the corners. Once you’ve cut in the corners, you can paint the walls along with the trim. Be sure to use a brush when painting along with the trim. This will help you get a clean line.
PRO TIP: One thing that most DIYers ignore is mixing the paint well. Doing this little step right can make a big difference in the final process. Use a wooden stick to stir and re-stir your paint throughout the process to avoid ingredients from separating and compromising the actual color. If you think that the wall will need more than one gallon of paint, combine all the cans in one large bucket to avoid inconsistencies in the paint and get that uniform and smooth coat on your wall.
STEP #8: PAINTING OTHER SURFACES
After you’ve finished painting the walls, it’s time to apply the paint to the rest of the surfaces in your house. This includes doors, windows, and baseboards. Be sure to use a brush or roller when applying the paint. This will help you avoid any streaks or drips.
Last but not the least, take all your safety measures while painting your house to stay out of trouble and make the experience pleasant. To know more about this, you can check out our blog on Professional Painting Tips to Avoid Injury and Increase Your Home’s Value.
By following this process, you’ll be able to achieve a professional and neat paint job! So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of painting your house, just remember to take it one step at a time. And before you know it, you’ll be finished!
Hire Professionals for your Project
For more information or to hire a professional for your home interior painting, connect with our experts who will help you through every stage of your process and beyond.