Paint Like A Pro

Whether you’re inspired to splash a new hue across a room’s walls or they’re just due for a fresh coat of the same ol’ color, make sure you DIY with these tips in mind. Choose your paint wisely. It’s important to choose indoor paint for indoor paint jobs. Water-based paint is easy to use and clean up, while oil-based paint is more appropriate for specialty jobs. Check with an expert at the paint store to choose the right type of paint for your situation. Prep like a pro. This may take more time than the actual painting itself, but take your time here to avoid mistakes. Prep work includes:  Laying down drop cloths.  Cleaning off dirty areas.  Filling in holes in the walls with spackle.  Sanding any uneven surfaces.  Priming the walls, if needed.  Taping off non-paint zones like outlets and molding. Do detail work. Use a thin brush to paint around window and door frames, baseboards, and trim. Use a roller brush. Roll the full height of the wall and keep a wet edge. Start near a corner, and move over slightly with each stroke of paint. Don’t let the roller become dry, and paint so the open side of the roller frame faces the area that is already painted. Let it dry. Once your entire paint job is dry, make sure everything is evenly coated. Add a second coat as needed. Wait at least 24 hours before removing the tape between the painted walls and unpainted places. Use a sharp utility knife or box cutter to slice the tape; do not just pull it off.