If your indoor walls are looking a bit old and outdated, now might be the time to give them a fresh coat of paint. Painting walls can bring a refreshed feeling to a room, revitalizing the space. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced DIYer, this is a relatively simple home wall improvement project.
Before you start painting, gather the necessary hardware tools, such as: protective sheeting, a utility scraper, a roller brush or paint brush, a paint bucket or roller tray, painter's tape (or washi tape for lower tack), sandpaper, and follow our step-by-step instructions. With these practical wall painting tips, you can achieve professional-level results and have new walls to be proud of.
Wall Painting Step-by-Step Guide: DIY Wall Painting Guide - Five Steps to a Brand New Home Interior
Step 1: Cover furniture and carpets
To avoid accidental drips or splashes of paint that could stain furniture and carpets, it's essential to cover and protect them properly before you start. We recommend laying down a protective sheet on the floor first, then using masking tape to cover the furniture inside the house with another protective sheet. Once all items are adequately protected, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Wall Preparation
The next important step is to prepare the walls. First, simply wipe down the walls with a cloth to remove dust. For a better painting result, it is also recommended to fill any holes or cracks in the walls; simply apply the appropriate spackle, allow it to dry, and then gently sand the entire wall smooth with fine sandpaper. This step is very important as it creates adhesion, allowing the new paint to bond more firmly.
After sanding, you need to remove the dust. Wipe down the walls with a clean cloth dampened with warm water to remove grease and residue. Make sure the walls are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: First, oil the edges and the area around the fixed position.
Before painting, carefully apply 3M masking tape or washi tape along the edges of walls, baseboards, door frames, and light switch covers. This will ensure clean, crisp lines and protect these areas from paint splatters. Open the paint can and stir thoroughly to eliminate clumps and ensure uniform color. Then, pour a small amount of paint (about 1 inch deep) into the paint tray to avoid getting too much paint on your brush or roller.
Use a narrow paintbrush or a mini four-inch roller to paint along the masked areas, such as ceiling edges, baseboards, and around outlets or door frames.
Step 4: Paint the main wall areas
After finishing the edges, you can start painting the main body of the wall. Dip the large roller (available in widths of 5-10 inches) into the paint, then roll off excess paint on the sloped part of the paint tray to prevent dripping and ensure an even coat.
It is recommended to roll the paint onto the wall evenly in vertical strokes (up and down) for better control and less dripping. Continue using this technique until the first coat of paint is complete.
Step 5: Apply the second coat of paint
Once the first coat of paint is completely dry, you can apply the second coat. Simply repeat the wall painting steps and apply another coat to cover any marks or uneven areas that may have appeared in the first coat.
For best results, it is recommended to use the W-track cross-rolling method for the second coat to achieve better coverage over the bottom layer of paint. Once finished, remove the masking tape while the paint is still slightly wet. If you wait until the paint is completely dry to remove it, it may cause the paint to peel or crack.
After removing the masking tape, you can admire your newly painted walls!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, after application, you can soak the tools in clean water for half an hour before cleaning (warm water makes cleaning easier). This is because wall paint is water-based emulsion paint (Smart tip: If you accidentally spill it on the floor during application, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth).
To create a neat, level edge along walls and to protect doorframes from paint stains, we recommend using 3M masking tape or washi tape along the edges. Washi tape has a lower tack than 3M masking tape. Use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to press down the tape firmly to prevent paint from seeping through, then use a narrow brush to lightly apply paint to the edges.
Evenly coating the roller with paint will result in a smoother finish. A roller tray (smart tip: line the tray with a plastic bag before pouring paint to avoid cleaning and allow for reuse) can remove excess paint, reducing waste and preventing drips and roller marks. Rollers come in many styles, with different widths and pile thicknesses affecting the smoothness of the wall surface.
The time required depends on the size of the wall and the amount of preparation needed. If painting an entire room, it is recommended to allow at least a full day, including wall preparation and drying time for two coats of paint.
Although it is possible to paint directly over peeling walls, it is not recommended. The new paint is likely to peel off again easily. For lasting results, you should first sand off any loose old paint, fill in scratches or cracks, and then repaint.
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