44 Expert Home Painting Hacks And Tips From The Pros
By Israel O
Painting is an art, it is a known fact, but do you know that anyone has the potential to be a painter? You don’t necessarily need many years of experience to be a good painter; you just need to follow a good manual. One of the most popular places to find a good manual or instructor is on YouTube. Combine that with the right tools, and you can paint just like any professional would. Of course, it’s easier to call in the experts, but it’s also expensive. So rather than forking out a considerable chunk of money, finding a good afternoon and watching DIY tutorials will save you the extra bucks. Aside from saving money, you could also discover a newfound interest in painting. So sit back and read on as we explore those hacks you need to master to paint like a professional.
1- A specific type of paint
The purpose of painting is to beautify a home, and just like when you are putting makeup on your face, you must combine certain products to make the job alluring. Do you know how to identify the different types of paint?
There is a need to check the type of paint on your wall. Simply soak a cotton cloth in alcohol and use it to wipe the wall. The paint will not stain on the cotton if it’s oil-based; otherwise, the paint is latex-based.
2- Tackle wayward drops using face wipes
Some drops of paints may fall unnoticed and may drip onto the tiles or other items. If it’s rogue, then you’re up for serious trouble. If you mistakenly step on it, you will track and stain it across the room.
If you try using mops, it will ruin your mop and complicate the issue. Face wipes for acne will do a good job. They are easy to use, and they can easily wipe paints off the floor because it contains an alcohol-based solution.
3- Strip in a simplified manner
It’s paramount that you strip your furniture before painting. You should remove the remaining old paint job and its varnished parts in order to best restore the piece. It’s a very tedious task that may require the use of smelly chemicals.
The corrosive nature of chemicals can expose you to danger, so use Citristrip. Citristrip will make the process easy while protecting your hands and the surface. After applying Cistristip, ensure to cover the furniture using plastic bags accurately.
4- Make a DIY brush holder
Your brush shouldn’t be placed in any random position after a painting task, or you risk staining your already painted walls and items. This can be very annoying and could make all of those hours you spent painting go to waste.
The solution to this biting problem is not far-fetched. You can simply customize your milk jug to hold not only the paint but also your brush. The bottom of the jug will contain the paint while the brush sits on the spout.
5- Add some golden splendor
The addition of gold accents to your remodeling efforts will guarantee a touch of class to your work. You can do this by using a can of spray paint. This will add some gold paint to give it flair and style.
Add some grandeur and splendor to your room by spraying small or large gold accents on your paint jobs. The use of metallic gold spray is an excellent idea as it would add a nice effect and graininess to your painting job.
6- Use bed raisers or plates
The great thing about furniture is you rarely have to upkeep it since the only notable stain it always has is dust. Luckily, you can clean dust pretty quickly. However, if its painting starts to wear off, you will find yourself running into a problem.
Your bedframe and tables are two pieces of furniture that are common to nicks, and luckily, they are straightforward to paint. Simply use bed raisers or plates instead of nails at the bottom of the bed or table to evenly spread the coating across the furniture and the legs.
7- Be ruthless with excess paint drips
Paint stains. If you leave it on the ground or on your clothes, it is likely there for good without a solid effort to clean it up. An angled brush can help, but it won’t prevent this from happening. You need to be careful and aware of excess paint drips.
Do away with the droplets and spills of paints and by keeping a wet rag around at all times. This idea is a quick fix; it is easy, straightforward, and will quell such accidents and imperfections that might occur. Consider it your most straightforward but most handy tip.
8- Go for smooth finishing
Painting seems simple. You may be tempted to start rolling your brush across your walls in a linear fashion. Painting with a roller requires a different technique to ensure a better finish. Start by brush painting all of the edges.
Then ensure that your roller cover is fully loaded with paint. While using the paint roller, professional painters get it right by applying the W method, otherwise called the Zig-Zag technique. You will appreciate your painting if you deliver a smooth finishing.
9- Painting begins from the legs
You could easily find yourself in trouble with your family members when painting furniture at home. Imagine flipping your grandmother’s highly valued chair or the long-standing dining table of the family just to find the furniture worse than you started.
Avoid trouble by starting your painting from the legs. There is no need to flip the furniture because gravity will not be friendly to you. It’s possible to paint like a pro without flipping. Simply raise the legs of the chair or table by tapping a nail into the bottom.
10- Thin coating looks great on Concrete.
Have you ever heard that painting concrete is pleasurable? Concrete is rough, grey, and sometimes dirty, and it is used in many constructed structures. Many painters prefer working on concrete surfaces because they look great when painted with any color.
Concrete is rough, so it may not be too comfortable for you when you paint it. It is also not easy to control the flow of paint on concrete. The best advice we have is to use a paint thinner and more absorbable paint specially formulated for concrete.
11- Consider the longevity of your painting
Painting lasts longer on smooth surfaces, so you must treat broken walls before painting. The state of the wall can affect the longevity and the brightness of the color. Your painting will last longer when the concrete is in excellent condition.
You can prepare the wall by applying layers of white vinegar and allowing it to soak and be absorbed by the concrete. With this, the adhesion between the concrete and the paint will be high, and it will not crack.
12- Curb the spillages
You can become dirty and messy during painting. It is expected that paint drips and spills quickly, but this should not allow you to be dirty and unkempt all the time. You can control the level of mess while painting.
It’s easier to make a mess but harder to put things back in place. You won’t just have to clean; you’ll probably have to scrub too. So instead of creating problems for yourself, having all your supplies together in a water bottle casing is an effective solution.
13- Consider mixing colors with a spray can
Every color comes with its own energy and exuberance, and you may prefer specific colors for your room. Now, if you don’t have the color shades that match your desired energy, you can talk with a specialist and mix the paints to create exactly what you have in mind.
The best way to ensure it’s well mixed? You need spray paint and a spray can. Martha Stewart DIY spray can save you the stress of trying out a plethora of shades. It is straightforward if you adhere to the instructions.
14- Spray with Caution
Spray paints are great and easy to use, but they can diffuse everywhere and stain items around like your walls or furniture. Painting household items is good, but you must try not to spoil other things around your painting area.
A very easy trick for this is to use an old cardboard box that is well-sized as a studio. This box will house any object you want to paint. Go ahead and spray while the object remains inside the box.
15- Paint at various angles
Painting requires some angular positioning of your brush, especially in places that need trimming, places around the doors and frames. These places are decorative and can add real beauty to the room if done professionally. However, it can be very tricky.
You can easily put your paint in any crevice by placing your brush in angular positions. When the brush is angular, you will be able to cover all the nooks and crannies with little effort. With this, you wouldn’t need to place tape around corners.
16- Ensure the walls are clean
Don’t paint the walls when they are still dusty and full of dirt. You must maintain a clean wall by either scrubbing or carrying out other prep work to keep the wall clean. Painting on an unclean wall will produce shabby results.
It is better to wipe the wall and keep it clean before painting. Otherwise, you will have to manage the dirt while painting, and that is gruesome work. Simply get yourself a towel and a Swiffer stick and clean beforehand.
17- Consider a paint stirring stick or pad for the work
Clearing or carrying items from your room to another room before painting is very stressful and time consuming. You are likely to discomfort yourself and others. Moreover, you may disrupt activities in the room, especially if you’re not the only occupant.
Go ahead and paint tight spots within a small room by using a paint pad attached to a stick. With this, you won’t disturb people in the room, and you won’t consider moving things from the room. A paint stir stick is a perfect tool to adhere the paint pad to.
18- Be very precise
Everyone wants things done perfectly, but only a few are ready to put in the work. When painting, awareness is critical, not just during work hours but after you’re done. You need to ensure you don’t do anything that’ll stain your newly painted wall.
Feed yourself with some precision tips, and you’ll surely be happy. If you find a spot that needs to be retouched or an area you missed, you can make do with a Q-tip. Apply a small amount of paint on the Q-tip to ensure you have better control of the area.
19- Get a can for storing your roller brush
Let us take you back to a previous tip. Remember, we mentioned that rollers and brushes are most likely to dry, especially at the edges, when they are kept for a long time. This can happen due to a packed schedule or being tired after a hard day’s work.
To avoid that, you can store your roller quickly in a chip can. First detach the head of the roller from the handle and place it in a Ziploc bag. You will can then use the empty Pringles can to store the bag. Finished so soon? Time to eat the chips that used to be in the can!
20- Spice up the scent with some vanilla
All paints don’t have the same scent, but most people can agree that the aroma from a fresh can of paint can be futile. Although some people enjoy the smell, it causes headaches and discomfort for most of us.
Some vanilla extract can add some splendor to the aroma of your paint. A tablespoon of vanilla will be enough to help neutralize the pungent paint smell. Now you can enjoy the lovely scent of vanilla at home all day long.
21- Revive the Stickiness of your tape
Masking tape is an essential tool to have when painting. It is useful for both amateurs and professionals alike. With masking tape, you are assured of neat and well-aligned finishing. You cannot afford to miss it in your toolbox.
Masking tape tends to become less sticky without use, and it becomes older. But don’t fret; within 10 to 15 seconds, you can revive it again. Simply place your old tape in the microwave, and you can use your adhesive again.
22- Curb corrosion
Metals are strong and malleable, but in reality, they don’t have the most incredible durability because they can still corrode and rust when exposed to environmental elements. Don’t forget to coat your metallic furniture before painting; it’s= the only way to preserve them.
Painting can expose your metals to corrosion and rust, but you can prevent it by coating the metal with vinegar before painting. Some diluted vinegar and water, and a sponge is all you need to cover the metal. Allow for it to dry completely, and you are ready to paint.
23- Tackle the clumps
Non-specialists may be tempted to believe that latex paint contains latex, but this is not true. Latex paint is a water-based paint, which is ideal for painting expansive commercial surfaces. However, latex paints usually clump when kept for a long time.
Ensure that you use thinner to reduce the clumpy nature of the paint. There are several types of thinners, but Flood Floetrol will perform the magic for you by giving you a smoother finishing. It is specially formulated for latex paints.
24- Harness vaseline in protecting your surfaces
It can get annoying fast when droplets of dye get on your nose or ear when applied to your hair. The same applies to painting, your paint can spill, just like the dye. You need to be prepared for situations like these.
Vaseline can save you a great ton of stress by protecting against unwanted stains. Simply rub thick layers of vaseline on the surfaces you don’t want to stain. It will save the surface from splashes and dots. This works excellently on sockets, screws, and hinges.
25- Consider a tent
Get ready for a more elaborate cleaning work when painting a larger item. For this to have a great result, you’ll need a bigger cove; an old cardboard will not cut it. It won’t be as convenient, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Get yourself a collapsible tent for this task. It’s a perfect fit for this purpose because it can comfortably house any item that is bigger than the cardboard. The tent is more portable, as you can fold it back after every job.
26- Avoid mountains of paint cake
You have to wipe off old and excess paints from your brush before you start painting. It is common practice to wipe it off at the rim of the paint containers. The only dilemma is that it forms a cake after some time.
To avoid building a mountain of thick and hard paint around the rim of your paint container, simply put a rubber band around the top of the paint container. You’ll have to press and wipe your brush on it instead of the rim.
27- Make provision for reusable trays
Painting your room by yourself will save you some money. But you don’t want to overwork yourself in the process of painting and cleaning up the room. First, you need essential materials like a tray, the paint itself, and a brush.
Washing a paint tray can be very tedious, especially if you’ve kept it for a long time. This will cause the paint to dry and stick to the tray. You will need a foil or plastic bag and a liner to wash it clean.
28- Scrape the roller
Just like how you do the dishes after eating, painting only truly ends when you wash your tools and put them back in place. When cleaning, don’t just dip your rollers into the water. You need to remove the paints first carefully.
Your roller brush can soak large quantities of paint, and you’d be surprised how much you can even use leftover paint from your brush for another mini painting project. Extract large amounts of paint by using a bench scraper to scrape the roller.
29- Paint with confidence
Painting is an art, and you shouldn’t miss out on the proper techniques. The W or Zig-Zag technique is excellent for painting on walls, but there are other tricks you can apply while painting surfaces such as furniture, etc.
Your painting must be full of confidence to deliver the best results. With this, you won’t stress yourself in rolling extra coats of paints. You should be in one direction so that linings and marks from the roller will not show.
30- A brown paper bag will serve you
Painting is an art and should be done meticulously. Ensure precise checking and assessing of your work after applying your final finishing touches. Smooth surfaces will always boost the quality of your finishing; so do not spare filling in the cracks.
The use of sandpaper will not work in this case because sanding will scrape off parts of the paint. A brown paper bag, on the other hand, is highly recommended. It will serve you better. Simply rub it across the surface of the finished work.
31- Aftercare is imperative
It would be best to think proactively about how you can preserve the beauty of your paint job. No matter how beautiful your painting is, the walls or furniture will not stay beautiful forever, especially not when you have kids and pets running around the house.
You need hands-on tips for this issue, and the Rubbermaid Paint Buddy will do an excellent job covering the patches and stains. It can also help you in storing leftover paints, especially if it’s a shade that is difficult to find.
32- Fill the holes before you sand
As mentioned, try to ensure that the surface you are painting is smooth and devoid of cracks, holes, and bumps. Your painting will never look good if your surface is not smooth enough. Don’t forget what your old furniture looks like!
Wood Filler will do a great job in regard to filling cracks and holes easily and quickly without a high cost, so get one for yourself. A smooth and well-sanded surface will birth a beautiful paint job for you to show off.
33- Write to cover the tiny cracks
Certain damages need precise tools that are specialized for discreet and small places. As stated earlier, the Rubbermaid paint buddy will serve you well when used for treating major damages. But will it help in more hidden and small challenges and cracks?
Of course, you can fill tiny holes with a handy tool called a Slobproof pen. Simply fill it up with latex paint and use it to fill the small cracks. Just like a writing pen, this tool is easy to use.
34- Level up things after plastering
Plasters may not have as much use as they did back in the day, but they can still be used when covering walls. They are pasty and gummy when applied to the wall, and it leaves a chalky formation on the wall.
While using plasters, the chalky texture will make the wall uneven, but there is a way out! Self-leveling paint is a masterpiece in this matter and will quickly level up and smoothen things on your wall once it’s applied.
35- The plastic wrap can come to your rescue
Have you ever used plastic wrap before? It’s a very prolific item that can serve you a great deal. Whether you’re trying to protect your household items from dust or splashes from painting, the plastic wrap has got you covered.
Plastic wrap is easy to use and is a convenient item for covering any item that you don’t want to paint over. It will make a firm grip on the item you don’t want to be exposed to paint and will not consume any space.
36- Cover from air
The drying duration of paint increases drastically once it is exposed to air. The paint will dry up unexpectedly and this can be very detrimental, especially when you only go for a quick break. Correcting errors and mistakes will become very difficult.
Your paintbrush is not an exception, as it can also dry quickly when exposed to air. Simply wrap a plastic bag to the brush and tie using a rubber band to curb this. With this, you will preserve your brush for a long time.
37- Dissolve old paints by using vinegar water
Sanding off surfaces, wiping off splatters, and cleaning all supplies are all straightforward tasks. But how about washing off the brushes? That one seems to be very tedious, especially if the paints are firmly glued to the brush.
The use of thinners and solvents to dislodge and dissolve old paints is very common. However, you can easily wash it off using hot vinegar water. It wouldn’t take up to 30 minutes. Just use soap and water to rinse it off.
38- Cut the grease
Your paintings will never give you your desired touch of class if you fail to clean and make the surface is entirely well preserved. The presence of grease on the wall can be a very serious issue. First off, try to degrease the surface.
The paint will look better on a surface once it is well degreased. We recommend the use of liquid TSP for this task. It is a powerful cleaner that can clear heavy-duty dirt and greasy deposits from your metals and furniture.
39- Give the roller a trim
Painting requires lots of creative ideas. Keep in mind that you have to be sure that your roller does not mess things up for you. Be sure that your post-maintenance steps are well-planned and that your roller does not add a blip on the finish.
You have to reuse your roller once again whether you’re on break or not. Rollers are pretty expensive now, so getting a new one might be off your radar. Simply trim the ragged edges of the roller before using it again.
40- Wax it up!
This tip will add decorative style to your room; that’s why it’s not for everyone. If you want to maintain the alluring appearance of your room even when your furniture is not glittering, then you can make do with this tip.
Simply take some candle wax and rub it on the furniture parts that you intend to reinvigorate. Wipe it off lightly, leaving room for some part of the wood to show up and give your furniture the desired vintage appearance.
41- Get the tips and tricks about painter’s tape
Having painter’s tape will massively boost your painting arsenal. We mean the bluish tape used for getting clean and uniform lines during commercial and professional painting projects. As a newbie, you shouldn’t miss out on getting this item.
There are several tips on how inexperienced painters like yourself can harness the painter’s tape in getting straight lines, appealing patterns, and even labeling. Just be cautious; the paint can chip on the edges if you fail to remove the tape before it dries.
42- Remove the tape at the right angles
Painter’s tape is very useful in painting and should be well utilized. You shouldn’t be hasty in pulling off the tape, slathering the paint on it, and trying to rip it off with a reckless abandon. Do not take it for granted.
Remove the tape carefully and slowly. You can achieve clean lines and the best results by removing the tape at the right angle. We recommend 45 degrees, but you can try 90 degrees if the stickiness of the tape is strong.
43- Blend and seal
Using a caulking gun, you can efficiently blend and seal off joints and leakage points on several structures. It can serve you in several areas of repairs while ensuring adequate protection. It’s also efficient in sealing tiles. We strongly suggest having one on hand.
You can smoothen some uneven areas of the surface and trims by using this caulking gun. The caulk will shrink and draw some uneven surfaces to itself, thereby causing them to fall back, orientate, and fit well. These can easily be found at any home improvement store.
44- Seal your tins
So far so good. You’ve been fed with ideas on using and preserving rollers, brushes, and their angular placements. You should also know how to store unique and custom shades in containers, but how will you keep them in tins?
Exposure to air can quickly cause the paint to dry up. You can comfortably deal with this issue by using a plastic wrap which will function as a seal for the paint against air, thus keeping it fresh and potent.