Painting Hacks To Get The Pro Look Without The Pro Price

Painting is arguably the simplest way to completely reinvent any room in your house. But laying down a flawless coat of paint is easier said than done, which is why many homeowners call in a team of pros for interior painting. The problem is a professional paint job often comes with a hefty price tag.

Luckily, you can get a professional look with a little work and some DIY know-how. These easy painting hacks will have you painting like a pro in no time.

• Preparation is crucial
  The most important steps take place long before you ever open a can of paint. Start by filling any holes and imperfections with a filler, and then sand down the filler once it's dry to create an even surface (and get rid of any cracked, flaked, or peeling paint). Once that's done, use a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt from the walls, and don't apply any paint until the surface has dried thoroughly.
• Watch the weather
  Moisture in the air has a big effect on the way paint dries. Specifically, it makes the paint dry slowly, which gives it time to drip and create an uneven surface. Wait for a rain-free day with low humidity to get the best results. If the paint takes more than four hours to dry, use a dehumidifier to speed things along.
• Don't skip the primer
  Laying down a coat of primer is especially important if you're planning to paint a surface that's never been painted before, such as bare drywall. But it's a good idea to start with a primer coat, even if you're repainting. The primer will block stains from bleeding through, improve paint adhesion, and allow your new paint to look its best with only a single coat.
  
  Here's a pro tip: add a little bit of your topcoat color to the primer to tint it slightly toward the finished color. This will make it easier for the topcoat to completely hide the primed surface.
• Consider nap thickness
  The thickness of a paint roller's woven surface is known as its nap, an often-overlooked consideration that makes a big difference. If your walls already have some texture, a thicker nap will enhance the roller's ability to get paint into every little crevice. But be careful—if the nap is too thick, it could create a textured surface where you don't want one.
• Protect anything you don't want to be painted
  Drips happen to the best of us, and this is a step that you're certain not to regret. A sheet of plastic is an inexpensive option to cover your floors (although canvas is better, as it is more durable, drip-resistant, and lays flatter), and you can protect doorknobs by taping plastic sandwich bags over them. For awkward and oddly-shaped objects that you want to protect from dripping paint, use plastic wrap secured with masking tape. And the best way to avoid getting paint on a light switch and outlet covers is to remove them completely before you start painting.
• Work from the top down
  After you've painted around the edges of each wall with a brush, use a roller to apply an even coat of paint, starting near the ceiling and working your way down to avoid drips and splatters.

There's no need to shell out for a professional paint job when you can do it yourself with these simple home painting tips. The most important tip of all: call up some friends and have them help you out! A little help makes it a fun project, and you'll be amazed how quickly it gets done.

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