Home Painting Tips

The 80/20 Rule: Prep Before Paint

Professionals say the same thing: a good paint job is 80% prep and 20% painting. Skipping prep is the #1 reason paint jobs look amateur.

Clear the room: Move furniture to the center and cover with drop cloths. Cover floors.
Clean the walls: Wipe down surfaces, especially near kitchens and doors where grease and grime build up.
Patch holes and cracks: Fill with spackle, let dry, and sand smooth.
Sand glossy surfaces: Lightly sanding helps new paint stick.
Tape the trim: Use painter's tape on baseboards, windows, and door frames.
Prime if needed: Use primer on bare drywall, stains, or when making a big color change.

Choose the Right Paint

Paint Type	Best For
Flat / matte	Walls, hides imperfections (less scrubbable)
Eggshell	Most walls — good balance of look and durability
Satin	High-traffic areas, bathrooms, kitchens, trim
Semi-gloss / gloss	Doors, trim, cabinets — durable and washable

Tip: A higher sheen is more durable but shows more imperfections. Use flat/eggshell on walls and satin/semi-gloss on trim and doors.

Pro Painting Technique

Cut in first: Use a brush to paint the edges, corners, and trim lines before rolling the walls.
Roll in a "W" or "M": This spreads paint evenly, then fill in the gaps with parallel strokes.
Work in sections: Keep a wet edge by finishing one wall section before moving on.
Two thin coats beat one thick: Thin coats dry more evenly and last longer.
Roll top to bottom: Paint the ceiling first (if doing it), then walls, then trim.

Common Painting Mistakes

Rushing prep: Dirt, grease, and holes show right through fresh paint.
Overloading the brush or roller: Drips and streaks come from too much paint.
Painting a wet edge wrong: Working in sections that dry before you return causes lap marks.
Removing tape too late: Pull painter's tape while the paint is still slightly tacky for clean lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much paint do I need?

As a rough guide, one gallon covers about 350–400 square feet for one coat. Measure your wall area (height × width per wall) and divide by that to estimate. Always buy a little extra for touch-ups.

Do I need primer?

Primer is worth it on bare drywall, over stains, after repairs, or when making a dramatic color change (especially light over dark). For a repaint of the same color family on clean walls, you can often skip it.

Can I paint over wallpaper?

It's usually better to remove wallpaper first, as paint can bubble and peel over it. If the wallpaper is smooth, well-adhered, and primed, it's possible, but removal gives a more durable result.