So, it is time for a fresh new look on the interior of the home, and painting it is the answer. What a good choice! Paint can add so much character to an otherwise dull room.
So, when homeowners get a professional interior house painter, they won't be disappointed. The result will be stunning and well worth the expense, mainly when the painter follows the best practices for painting an interior surface. Although the best house painter will have some tricks of his own up his sleeve, they all tend to follow the same methods, like these below, to achieve the best results:
1. Ensure The Surface Is Clean
Most painters prefer to work with a blank canvas to live out their creativity. It includes a clean, oil-free surface to ensure the paint layers adhere perfectly. Every residential house painter will know how critical this step in the process will be.
Painting on dirt or oil will undoubtedly be a recipe for disaster as the paint will soon start to peel or bubble, making all efforts futile. A day or two before the painter arrives to begin, take a soft cloth and mild detergent and start wiping down all the surfaces to be painted. Not only will this help save some time, but everything will be dry for the painter to start immediately.
2. Use High-Quality Products
A flawless finish depends on more than the skill of the painter. High-quality brushes, rollers, paint, and other equipment will make the task much more manageable. Professionals like interior designers will agree that this isn’t the area to skimp on in the process.
Homeowners shouldn't be afraid of getting a rich, high-quality color either. Choosing the best color is vital if you want a room to spend more time in daily. After all, staring at a poorly painted wall won't improve the mood; it doesn't matter how vibrant the color is.
3. Check The Current Paint Layer
Before starting any new painting in a room, it’s best to check the condition of the current paint layer if the room has any. Many inexperienced painters would start painting over the old layer without much thought.
As a result, homeowners may find peeling or chipping paint a few months later. Per an article for The Spruce, a duct tape test is a quick and easy way to check surfaces. Just take duct tape, stick it to the surface and rip it off. If any paint stays behind on this strip, the paint area would need a good sanding down before painting the fresh new layer.
4. Prevent Paint Splashes And Stains
There’s possibly nothing more unsightly than having paint splotches all over a newly painted room, and it certainly takes away from the beautiful work the painter has done. Fortunately, one of the first things painters learn is to lay down protective layers.
Painters also use gloves, painter's tape to protect windows and trims, and a cotton floor covering to prevent any droplets landing on the floor from creating stains. Another good practice for this will be cleaning as they go to avoid tracking paint into other parts of the home.
5. Patch Any Holes Or Uneven Surfaces
To have a smooth and even surface to paint on, a house painter must fill up any holes or uneven parts before beginning the process. Another wise decision would be to paint a layer of primer over the newly patched wall to ensure that the other layers adhere properly.
There’s a 4-in-1 tool that will make the patchwork much easier for painters as it has everything they need to fill and prime any holes in the wall successfully. With the house painter cost being $20 to well over $70 per hour in some areas, the homeowner would want value for their money.
6. Avoid Irregular Strokes Or Layers
Any painter worth their salt will know that irregular paint strokes or layers will be unacceptable by any standard. To avoid this, they must employ all their best painting practices and techniques, like ensuring they keep a wet edge and mixing large buckets of paint for consistent color.
The areas of a room most people will struggle with to get even layers are corners and joints. Expert painters use a technique called "cutting", to get this done right.
The Final Touches
Painting isn't a skill everyone will excel at, but thankfully there are professional home painters who’ll be up for the task. Following the best practices for painting an interior surface, they can also add their experience into the mix to ensure that they do a fantastic job
MIT Citations
Dan, S. (2022, February 22).
10 Simple Steps for Interior Paint Prep. The Handy Man
Retrieved January 9, 2023, from
https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/10-simple-steps-interior-paint-prep/
Laura, J. (2022, August 9).
The Best Paint Tools and Gadgets for Prepping, Painting and Touching Up Your Home. HGTV
Retrieved January 9, 2023, from
https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/the-best-tools-for-painting-your-apartment
Christine, E. (2023 January 9).
How To Paint Corners Like a Pro. Real Simple
Retrieved January 9, 2023, from
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/painting/how-paint-corners
FAQs
What should not be done before painting interior walls?
Avoid painting over dirty, oily, or damaged walls. Don’t skip cleaning, sanding, or patching holes, and never paint on wet surfaces. Skipping prep work can cause peeling, uneven finishes, and poor paint adhesion.
How to paint an interior house like a professional?
To paint like a pro, start by cleaning and priming walls, repairing damage, and using high-quality paint and tools. Apply consistent strokes, maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks, and finish with at least two coats for a smooth, durable finish.
How to get rid of cutting in lines when painting?
To prevent visible cutting-in lines, keep a “wet edge” by blending brushwork with roller strokes while the paint is still wet. Use high-quality brushes, feather out edges, and work in small sections to achieve a seamless, uniform finish.
What is the best strategy to paint a room?
The best strategy is to work top to bottom: start with the ceiling, then walls, and finish with trim. Cut in edges first, then roll large areas while keeping strokes consistent. Protect floors and furniture, and always apply at least two coats for durability.
How soon after washing walls can I paint?
Wait until walls are fully dry before painting—typically 24 hours depending on ventilation and humidity. Painting over damp surfaces can cause blistering, bubbling, or peeling, reducing the paint’s lifespan.
What is the best cleaner for walls before painting?
The best cleaner for walls before painting is a mild detergent and warm water solution. For tougher stains or grease, use a diluted trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner. Always rinse and let walls dry completely to ensure proper paint adhesion.
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