9 Interior Painting Tips for a Flawless Finish

Painting the interior of your home can feel like a daunting task, but with some planning and preparation, it is very achievable. The key is having the right tools, materials, and techniques to get a smooth, professional-looking finish. Follow these nine essential tips for flawless interior painting results.

Choose the Right Paint and Primer

The type of paint and primer you use will have a big impact on the final appearance. Consider the following:

Paint finish – Eggshell and satin finishes are good choices for most rooms as they are washable and resistant to scuffs while still providing some sheen. Flat paint works for ceilings and low-traffic areas. Semi-gloss is best for bathrooms, kitchens, trim, and doors.
Paint quality – Higher quality paints have more pigments and solids, providing better coverage and durability. They are worth the extra cost.
Primer – Primer creates a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. Use spackling to fill holes and cracks first. Apply primer to any surfaces that are unpainted, heavily patched, or a dramatically different color than the new paint.

Take the time to test paint samples on the wall to ensure you’ve selected the right undertones and shades.

Properly Prepare the Space

Any successful painting project begins with thorough preparation:

Clean surfaces – Wash walls to remove grease, dirt, and grime so the paint adheres well. Tack cloth dusted surfaces right before painting.
Repair imperfections – Fill holes, cracks, and joints with spackle. Sand glossy areas to rough them up. Caulk gaps between trim, moldings, and walls.
Protect floors – Completely cover floors with canvas drop cloths or plastic sheeting taped at the edges. Have a pair of clean shoes just for painting.
Remove fixtures – Take down artwork, outlet covers, doorknobs, light fixtures, curtains and blinds. Put doorstops behind doors. It’s much easier to paint without these obstacles.
Mask trims – Use painter’s tape to mask baseboards, crown moldings, and trim or carefully cut in by hand for sharp edges.

Choose the Right Painting Supplies

Investing in quality painting tools will make the job easier and your results better:

Brushes – Angled sash brushes are ideal for cutting in edges. Softer bristle brushes work well for smoothing out paint on flat surfaces.
Paint rollers – A 3/8″ or 1/2″ nap is suitable for smooth walls and ceilings. Use a shorter nap for semi-gloss paints. Quality rollers ensure even coatings.
Paint trays – Use a tray with angled sides so the roller easily rolls in the reservoir. Disposable liners simplify cleanup.
Paint pole – Extend your reach with a threaded pole for attaching the roller. High quality poles are worth the cost here.
Drop cloths – Canvas cloths absorb drips and are reusable. Disposable plastic sheets are another option.
Paint can openers – A specialized opener removes lids cleanly and securely reseals them.
Painter’s tape – Gentle, low-tack tape designed not to peel paint off surfaces when removed. Use premium brands.

Set Up an Efficient Workspace

A well organized workspace minimizes mess and mistakes:

Assemble all painting supplies and tools in the room before starting.
Pour paint into roller trays and disposable paint cups for brushing. Work from smaller containers rather than straight from the full gallon.
Have rags, paint cleaner, and rubber gloves on hand for quick cleanup.
Set up a step stool or small ladder to easily reach higher walls and ceilings. Move it frequently as you progress.
Keep a wet rag nearby to quickly wipe drips on floors or baseboards. Address spills immediately to avoid stains.
Designate space where painted doors, trim, blinds, etc can dry undisturbed. Suspend them from hooks or lay flat.
Keep areas being actively painted well ventilated to assist with drying and dissipate fumes.

Use Proper Painting Techniques

Applying paint properly will produce more professional looking results:

Cut in edges first – Use a brush to paint trim, corners, and edges with careful precision before rolling the main wall areas.
Roll on paint smoothly – Apply in 3 to 4 foot wide sections using “W” or “M” patterns without overspreading. Feather out edges to blend sections.
Maintain a wet edge – Work in continuous surfaces, maintaining a wet edge where new paint meets still-wet painted areas to avoid lap marks and variances. Work tip to tail.
Watch for drips – Keep the roller loaded but not oversaturated. Lift it slowly off surfaces. Apply thinner coats rather than heavy single coats.
Work methodically – Be disciplined and systematic room to room. Finish cutting in before rolling. Paint ceiling edges before walls. Do all coatings in one room before moving to the next.
Check coverage – Ensure the paint has coated all areas evenly after the first coat. Do a small test area with the second coat to confirm color accuracy before proceeding.

Apply Multiple Coats

Applying two to three coats of paint creates a rich, smooth, and consistent finished appearance:

The first coat acts as the primer and sealer coat sealing the surface uniformly.
The second coat builds up the solid, opaque coverage needed for vibrancy. The color will look truer after this coat.
A third coat provides an additional layer of protection and sheen especially for darker colors or high-traffic areas.
Allow proper drying time between coats based on manufacturers’ guidelines and relative humidity levels. Cooler damp conditions require longer drying times.
Lightly sand paint between coats using fine 220 grit paper if dust or debris settled in it overnight. Wipe clean before recoating.
Work in small sections, a wall at a time, completing all coats on that area before moving to prevent lap marks.
Wrap up cutting in edges before applying final coats. This avoids having to tape off trim repeatedly.

Handle Windows and Doors Carefully

Windows, doors, cabinets, and trim require extra preparation and care when painting:

Remove doors from hinges and drawers from cabinets to paint separately away from wall surfaces.
Use small paintbrushes and artist brushes to detail interior edges of window muntins and exterior door frames.
For door and cabinet fronts, lay panels flat to paint. Use tack cloth to remove dust before reassembling.
Paint window sashes and door jambs in place. Mask glass, using painter’s tape on glass panes and liquid mask along edges.
Ensure window seals and sliding mechanisms are paint-free so operation is not impacted.
Paint cabinet hardware separately then reinstall after doors and fronts are dry. Clean hardware that remains onsite during painting.
Use quick drying enamels on cabinets and trim for a harder, more washable finish.

Pay Attention to Ceilings and Floors

Ceilings and floors also require prep and care for successful painting results:

Prepare water stained ceiling areas with a stain-blocking primer to prevent bleed-through.
Patch any cracks or holes in ceilings fully as they will be highly visible. Feather edges smooth.
Cut in ceiling edges where they meet walls first, then roll ceiling paint using a roller extender pole.
For tall/vaulted ceilings, work in sections starting closest to the window using an extension ladder.
Remove floor vent covers and outlet covers carefully before painting ceilings. Mask edges with painters tape.
Avoid drips on floors by keeping the roller loaded evenly. Move step ladders frequently and watch for overhead roller clearance.
Clean spills on unfinished floors immediately with soapy water. Use paint thinner on finished floors, working outward from the center.

Allow Proper Dry Times

Paint requires sufficient drying time to cure fully and develop hardness and washability:

Allow at least 2-4 hours between paint coats, longer in cool or humid conditions. Consult manufacturer guidelines.
24-48 hours minimum drying time is recommended before enjoying the freshly painted room or doing cleanup.
Prevent items from sticking to paint by not placing them against surfaces until completely cured. prop doors open.
Improve ventilation by running fans, opening windows, and operating HVAC systems to accelerate drying. Dehumidifiers also help in damp climates.
Test questionable areas by rubbing gently with a finger. If any color transfers, more drying time is needed.
Second and third coats will dry more quickly than the first which soaks into the surface. But allow adequate drying times between all coats.

Clean Up Meticulously

Thorough cleanup preserves your tools and protects freshly painted surfaces:

Clean brushes and rollers thoroughly in warm soapy water until rinse water runs clear. Use brush comb on bristles.
For disposable roller covers and tray liners, wrap well in plastic bags before discarding to contain residual wet paint.
Wipe spills or splatters on floors immediately with damp rags, working outward from the center edge.
Seal paint cans securely and store upside down to prevent leaking and skin formation on the top layer.
Remove painters tape after paint is fully cured to avoid pulling up fresh paint. Pull carefully at a 45° angle.
If paint got onto windows or surfaces not intended for painting, remove as soon as possible using paint cleaner or razor blade on glass.
Properly dispose of rags, drop cloths, roller covers and other paint contaminated items once fully dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Painting

Get answers to common questions about prepping and painting the interior of your home:

How long does it take to prep for painting?

Thorough prep work is time consuming. Plan on 1-3 days for prep on an average sized room between cleaning, repairs, masking, and priming. The upfront time investment will pay off later with a smoother painting process.

What temperature is best for interior painting?

Ideally between 50-85°F. Avoid painting in direct sunlight which can dry paint too quickly leading to visible roller streaks and brush marks. Do not paint if temperatures will drop below 50°F within the first 24 hours to allow adequate drying.

Should I paint or replace old trim?

If trim is intact but worn with layers of old paint, prep and paint it rather than replace. Use painters putty to fix imperfections and high quality primer for good adhesion on glossy or stained areas. Replace any trim that is badly damaged, warped or missing sections.

How do I fix paint brush marks and roller tracks?

Lightly sand the problem areas smooth once the paint has dried fully, wipe clean and do spot touch ups with a small foam roller. Maintain a wet edge when painting, don’t overspread paint and avoid pressing too hard or overbrushing to prevent marks.

What sheen is best for ceilings?

Flat or matte paint finishes work well on ceilings as they help hide imperfections. Eggshell or satin sheens will also work but avoid glossy finishes which accentuate uneven textures.

Should I paint or stain interior doors?

Painting is lower maintenance and layers well for touch ups. For a natural wood look, opt for stain or oil finishes protected by polyurethane for durability. Doors painted with quality enamels also clean up easily.

Conclusion

With the right planning and techniques, you can achieve magazine-worthy results painting the interior of your home. Invest in quality paint and applicators. Prepare surfaces thoroughly, work in a methodical sequence, and allow ample drying time between coats. Follow these tips for flawless painted finishes that you will enjoy for years to come. The extra effort is well worth it when you step back to admire your newly refreshed space!