A Step-By-Step Guide to Painting Walls Like a Pro

Painting walls is a fantastic way to give a room an update and bring in new colors, but in order for your work to appear professional it’s essential that you follow all necessary steps.

Begin by “cutting in” the corners and edges of your wall using an angled brush, and roll over the remaining wall while the cut-in paint is still wet.

Prep the Walls

Your painting job’s success hinges on the condition of your walls. Therefore, the first step should be thorough cleaning followed by patching holes and cracks as needed and then sanding to create an even surface before painting commences. This will create a smooth and even finish when applying paint.

Failing to properly prepare walls before painting can result in trapped mildew and poorly adherent paint that quickly peels off. Prep work is an integral component of painting success and includes washing, filling, sanding, cleaning and taping – in that order.

To repair a crack in a wall, first use a trouble light to rake over it (Photo 1). Afterward, tape off its corner with mesh tape and apply joint compound over it – be sure to extend past its corner bead for best results!

Prime the Walls

Painting walls is a DIY task most homeowners can tackle themselves and save money compared to professional painters, but many overlook certain procedures and techniques that help the paint job go faster, look better and finish cleaner – incorporating these insider tricks will ensure a successful home painting project!

Prime the surface prior to painting over with new coat. A primer acts as an adhesive sealant and ensures a secure basecoat for adhesion of new layers.

When applying a primer, use a roller with an appropriate nap size (i.e. 3/8-inch for smooth surfaces or 1/2-inch for textured walls) to spread it on. Be sure to overlap each area by 30-40% when covering all.

Apply the First Coat of Paint

Painting walls is an easy and cost-effective way to give a room new life, whether you’re trying to sell your home or simply refresh its appearance. Just follow this guide’s steps carefully for a quality result!

Before you begin painting, use a broom to clear away any dust or cobwebs. Vacuum the baseboards and window sills as well as light switch covers and outlet plates. If necessary, fill holes and cracks with lightweight spackling compound before filling holes with lightweight spackling compound if necessary; once filled sand the area again before vacuuming any residual spackling residue from this step.

When painting, ensure optimal conditions with regards to temperature, humidity and ventilation are maintained in your work area. Bright lighting helps avoid missing any bare spots or lap marks in your painting process.

Apply the Second Coat of Paint

After you have allowed the first coat to dry, add another. Make sure that each layer dries completely; painting over wet paint could cause bubbles, cracking or unevenness if painted too soon – the length of time this takes depends on weather, temperature, humidity and the size of your surface area.

Latex or water-based paints typically dry within hours. Oil-based paints could take 24 hours.

As with the first coat, when applying your second layer make sure to keep track of where and what has already been painted – any missed spots could prove difficult or impossible to correct later. Also avoid submerging your paintbrush or roller into too much paint at one time as this can mat down its bristles, making cleaning harder.

Apply the Final Coat of Paint

Applying your final coat of paint correctly is key to creating an even finish in any project, from updating existing wall colors or giving trim new life. Follow these steps for successful application of topcoat paint:

Start by masking off any necessary trim. Next, paint any areas not covered by tape using a freehand technique called cutting in (which professionals employ). Work in four-foot sections until all the paint has dried before replacing furniture and taking down tape.

When working with dark colors, denatured alcohol is an effective way to test for solvents which could contribute to early paint failure or produce streaky finishes.

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