Home Painting

Professional Painting Tips & Techniques to Update Your Home

Gavin Kane
January 6, 2023

Is your building’s paintwork worn out? Do you want to refresh your home with a new look?

Whether it’s touching up a previous paint job or repainting an old wall, a stunning paint job is a sign of quality. Not only does it improve curb appeal but also protects your walls against mold and mildew.

But paint does not last forever. From blistering to flaking once paint dries out, not everyone has the expertise to know why something isn’t right or how to fix it. This is where some professional tips and tricks will go a long way to achieving a solid finish.

So, which paint techniques work best for you and are there any painting tips you can consider for effective results?

Let’s find out.

Prepare the Surface Before You Start Painting

From choosing the right tools to ensuring the appropriate application of paint, a paint job isn’t as easy as it looks. Before painting a room, there are certain measures you need to take.

One process critical to a long-lasting finish is the thorough preparation of the surface. When you paint interior walls, even the most extensive coating mechanisms can fail, if the surface isn’t treated first.

Here are some surface preparation guidelines:

Decontaminate the surface with organic solvents and cleaners
Use hand tools to remove loose, peeled-off paint from the surface
Rinse the surface with fresh water to remove grime and dirt
Ensure suitable environmental conditions before painting
Coat the surface with a priming agent to increase durability
Start the painting process once the primer has dried off

Start Painting

There are two painting methods you can use to achieve the desired coverage and finish: brush or spray.

Brush Paint Application

One of the best painting techniques for beginners is the use of brushes and rollers. Both are ideal texture painting techniques for homeowners taking a DIY approach.

A brush or a roller gives you better control of the painting process, offering multiple angling options and styles.

But how can you paint the right way? Start from the tapered corners and the ceiling and work your way down, painting from top to bottom.

Painting Tips on Brush Paint Application

Using a roller attached to an extension stand, you can easily paint interior walls and the ceiling with more flexibility.

Cut in the edges of the wall or ceiling with a paint brush first, then fill in the wall with a roller.

When painting windows and doors, use a small paintbrush to apply two coats of wood paint.

Apply 2-3 coats when painting, depending on the level of coverage needed, allowing each coat to fully dry before applying the next.

Take note that you have to stir the paint bucket thoroughly before application.

Aerosol Paint Application

Aerosol spray painting is a prevalent application that suits well-ventilated spaces. Using an airless sprayer, you can ensure short, even strokes for a consistent coat. You must hold the can 10 inches from the surface, keeping the spray can parallel and approximately 10-16 inches from the surface.

Please be aware, this is not a tool for a beginner and is not recommended you attempt to do this yourself if you have not used this method before.

Painting Tips on Aerosol Paint Application

Position the gun before pulling the trigger to avoid excessive material loss at the beginning and end of a stroke.

Apply even pressure on the trigger and use drop clothes around the gun to prevent spillage or excess paint on the walls.

Spray within your reach by angling the tip of the spray gun only on those surfaces that fall within the capacity of your space.

Aim the aerosol spray directly into the corner of where the two walls meet to ensure an even and consistent coating on either side.

This method needs a lot of ventilation and you need to wear protective gear to protect your eyes and filter the air you’re breathing. It’s also best to complete work with the spray gun outside if possible.

How to Pick The Right Paint Colour?

To choose a suitable colour palette, you have to consider factors, such as the size and shape of the room, including its functionality.

Paint colors also help you set the mood for a room. For instance, tones of blue, gray, and off-white, create a cool and modern feel. In contrast, earthy greens and hues of red create a warm and inviting ambience.

Don’t be afraid to explore different paint options to create contrast. You can choose the type of interior colours based on the theme and colour palette of the house. With wainscoting, you can highlight certain aspects of a room.

The right paint colour can also visually segregate your interiors, make small spaces seem bigger, and bring attention to detail. To enhance the painting process, here are some expert painting tips you can consider:

Pick a color scheme that best matches your home furniture.

Decide on the finishing type to create visual effects on the wall.

Match the room’s mood profile with a suitable paint style.

Know how and where to distribute white light into your space.

Use specific colors to make small spaces look bigger or cozier.

Transform your paintwork with structural furnishings.

Paint doorways and moldings to create contrast.

Add a contemporary edge with creative wall accents.

Pick colors having the same undertones for adjoining rooms.

Use acrylic paints for dry brushing, dabbing, or detailing work.

You can also consider the 60-30-10 percent decorating rule: 60% of the color comes from the walls, 30% from window treatments and upholstery, and 10% from artwork and wall accents.

How many coats of paint do you need?

A general rule of thumb is that you will require approximately two coats for a smooth finish, depending on the area.

New Wall: Two coats of paint after a primer

Repainting: One coat of paint if it’s the same color; two or more if it’s a different colour.

Ceiling: One coat of paint color and the primer.

Light over dark: At least two coats of the light paint color.

Exterior surfaces: Two coats of the primary paint color.

What Painting Tools Should You Consider?

Rollers

A painting roller ensures walls get adequate coverage. It’s one of the most easy to use painting tools that comes with a paint tray. Rollers come in all shapes and sizes, and few options even feature embossed patterns. Although they’re slightly more expensive. But these rolling heads are an excellent choice for creating a patterned surface.

Adjustable Roller Extension Pole

This is one handy tool that allows you to paint hard-to-reach surfaces, like the corners and edges of a room. A roller extension pole also lets you reach across high ceilings, without smudging paint onto the surfaces.

Paint Brushes

When you want to add a unique texture to your walls or tidy up painted corners, using a paint brush is ideal. The tool is excellent for coating smaller areas, offering more flexibility for painting trim or cutting in.

Painter’s Tape

High-grade painter’s tape is excellent for preventing streaking on surfaces. If you don’t want to cover certain imperfections with paint, like door frames, always use painter’s tape. A cheaper alternative to this is masking tape.

Sanding Sponges

A sanding sponge is used for preparing the surface before you lay on a coat of paint. May it be walls or the ceiling, sanding is important because it helps the paint settle in. Preparing the surface with a sanding sponge facilitates a smooth and even finish.

Putty Knife

A putty knife helps you cover up holes or cracks in the walls and other rough spots. This tool can evenly spread the material inside the imperfections, like seams, to ensure your wall has a smooth and completely dry coat.

Expert Painting Techniques You Can Try

Paint jobs can be quite overwhelming at times. You should never cut corners to minimize the clutter. To protect your walls and get the perfect finish, here are top 10 tips from industry experts:

Clean your walls with sugar and soap solution
Use a sanding sponge for trim
Wear rubber gloves to handle oil-based paint
Paint lighter hues to create an open space
Scrape off loose paint with a firm-blade tool
Use canvas cloth to cover and protect flooring
Maintain a wet edge for an even finish on the wall
Preserve your brush with disposable gloves
Keep the room well-ventilated to avoid paint fumes
Tackle the trim paint before painting the interior walls

I Just Finished Painting My Walls But I Can See Patches. What Does That Mean?

Patches on the wall often result from using less paint or an uneven application. With a little more paint, you can cover up such imperfections, one at a time.

Changes in the gloss level can also help you reduce something called the ‘glancing light’ when light falls at an angle. This can make deformities stand out. You can fix patches on the wall by applying two coats of low gloss paint to reduce light reflection.

If you’re facing another problem, get in touch with reliable painting contractors.

Paint roller, rolling blue paint on wall

Thinking of starting a new painting project? Speak to a Painting Professional

At Hunter Coast Painting, we deliver the highest quality painting solutions to our customers across the Newcastle and Hunter region. We have over 10 years of industry experience in providing a myriad of painting skills and services.

From home renovations to commercial refurbishments, we have the resources and the personnel to complete all kinds of paint jobs. With careful planning, our experienced painters can ensure a high-quality finish with minimal setbacks.

Professional Painting Tips & Techniques to Update Your Home 1

Gavin Kane

Gavin, is the founder and director of Hunter Coast Painting who are experienced Newcastle Painters. Combining 10 years experience in the industry and having worked on multi-million dollar homes in Europe and Australia, Gavin is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Gavin Kane

Gavin, is the founder and director of Hunter Coast Painting.

Combining 10 years experience in the industry and having worked on multi-million dollar homes in Europe and Australia, Gavin is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and experience.