Painting your home can be incredibly satisfying! It’s a cost-effective way to refresh your space and make a big impact with relatively little effort. But for a job that seems straightforward, it can get messy fast without the right prep, tools, or know-how. Whether you’re updating a single room or the whole house, these 10 pro paint tips will help you achieve professional-quality results without the stress.
Let’s dive in.
1: Use the right tools – it really matters
If you’ve ever tried to cut corners with a cheap brush or low-quality painter’s tape, you already know how frustrating the results can be. High-quality tools may cost a little more upfront, but they’ll save you time and ensure a better finish.
- Brushes: Use an angled sash brush (2.5–3″) for trim and corners. For large areas, microfiber or woven rollers reduce splatter and help achieve smooth, even coverage.
- Tape: Avoid general household tape. Instead, opt for a premium painter’s tape. Apply it firmly and remove it while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid peeling.
- Other essentials: Invest in a paint tray with liners, an extension pole for ceiling work, and a drop cloth to protect your furniture and flooring.
2: Save time with overnight storage hacks
Painting a room often takes more than a day, and constant washing between coats or sessions can feel like a chore. Here’s how to pause your project without ruining your tools:
- Brushes & rollers: Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a sealed plastic bag. Store them in the fridge overnight, or for up to 2 days.
- Paint tray: Cover the entire tray with cling film or place it inside a large plastic bag and seal it. This saves both time and water.
This hack is perfect if you’re waiting for coats to dry or taking a well-deserved break before finishing up the next day.
3: Know your surface before you paint
Not all walls are created equal. Understanding what you’re painting helps determine the prep work and products you’ll need:
- Drywall: Needs a primer before painting to seal the surface and prevent blotchiness.
- Brick or stone: These porous surfaces need masonry paint, and sometimes a specialty primer, to adhere properly and resist moisture.
- Wallpaper: In most cases, remove the wallpaper first. If this is not an option, use a high-adhesion bonding primer before painting over it.
- Wood paneling: Sand glossy surfaces, fill cracks with wood filler, and apply a stain-blocking primer before painting.
- Textured walls: Use a thicker roller nap (3/4″ or higher) to cover grooves and crevices.
Proper surface prep ensures the paint bonds correctly and looks good long-term.
4: Always do a test patch
Paint swatches on paper or in the store won’t show you how the colour reacts in your actual space. Light, time of day, and surrounding decor all affect how a colour appears.
- Apply 2–3 colour samples directly to your wall. Paint at least a 12″x12″ section for each colour.
- Check the samples in daylight and evening light. A soft grey might look purple under warm lighting, while a beige might turn yellow in full sun.
- Observe how the colour changes next to trim, furniture, and flooring. It may clash in ways you didn’t expect.
Taking the time to do this avoids costly and time-consuming repainting.
5: Colour affects how many coats you’ll need
Dark, bold colours (like navy or forest green) often require 2–3 coats for full, rich coverage. Similarly, painting a light colour over a dark wall can take multiple coats unless you use a tinted primer.
- Tip: Use a grey-tinted primer under reds, yellows, or deep blues to reduce the number of coats needed.
- Finishes matter too: Matte finishes may need extra coats for durability in high-traffic areas, while glossier finishes offer better coverage with fewer coats but show imperfections more.
Estimate your paint needs accordingly to avoid running out mid-project.
6: Don’t skip the prep work
Prep might feel like a chore, but it’s arguably the most important part of a great paint job.
- Clean: Use mild soap and water to remove dust, grease, and residue. Painting over grime leads to peeling.
- Repair: Fill nail holes, cracks, and dents with spackle. Once dry, sand smooth.
- Sand: Lightly sand glossy areas so new paint adheres better.
- Tape: Apply painter’s tape to protect trim, baseboards, and ceilings.
- Protect: Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect your floors.
This upfront work can save hours in touch-ups later.
7: Cut in first, then roll
‘Cutting in’ is the process of painting around edges, where the wall meets the ceiling, or trim. This is done by using a brush before you start rolling.
- Why it matters: Cutting in first creates a border so your roller doesn’t have to get too close to the edges (where mistakes often happen).
- Technique tip: Use a steady hand and a good quality angled brush. Don’t overload the brush with paint. Feather the edges to blend with the roller strokes.
Taking the time to cut in properly will result in a cleaner, more professional finish.
8: Keep the air moving and paint fumes out
Good ventilation is essential for both safety and finish quality.
- Open windows and use fans to speed up drying and remove fumes.
- If you’re painting in a basement or closed room, consider using a mask rated for paint fumes.
- Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints are available and safer for indoor air quality.
Bonus: Proper airflow helps paint cure evenly and reduces the chance of streaks or bubbling.
9: Follow proper paint drying times
Patience is your friend. Most labels recommend waiting 2–4 hours between coats. But drying times depend on humidity, temperature, and ventilation.
- Don’t apply your second-coat too soon. It can lift the first coat or create texture inconsistencies.
- To be safe, wait 4–6 hours between coats, and let it cure for at least 24 hours before hanging art or moving furniture back into place.
When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
10: Visualize before you commit with Roomvo’s paint visualizer
Choosing the right colour is often the trickiest part of the process and getting it wrong can be costly. Roomvo’s Paint Visualizer takes the guesswork out of the equation by helping you see exactly how a colour will look in your space before you ever pick up a brush.
- Upload your own room: Instantly preview paint colours on your actual walls, using a photo of your space or one of Roomvo’s pre-designed templates.
- See realistic lighting and textures: Roomvo automatically adjusts for shadows, lighting, and surface details, giving you ultra-realistic results.
- Compare options with confidence: Visualize before-and-after scenes or place multiple colours side-by-side to help you make a confident decision.
The Roomvo Paint Visualizer brings your ideas to life and simplifies the process from inspiration to execution, so you can paint with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re deciding between off-white and greige, or trying something bold like emerald green or charcoal black, Roomvo helps you visualize your dream space, before making a single purchase.
Try it out for yourself and start testing colours with confidence: roomvo.com
Want More Expert Advice?
Still unsure how much paint you’ll need for your next project? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Roomvo was recently featured in Redfin’s article, “How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a House? 13 Expert Tips to Estimate Like a Pro.” Check out our advice (and 12 other industry experts) to ensure you buy the right amount and avoid waste.
Read it here: //www.redfin.com/blog/how-much-paint-do-i-need-to-paint-a-house/
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