Is your living room stuck in the monotonous tones of beige or white? If so, it might be time for a refresh. While painting may seem as simple as picking up a brush, achieving a flawless, professional finish requires more than just enthusiasm. At St Austell Handyman, we’ve handled countless interior painting projects and understand the finer details of a well-executed paint job.

Before you start, we invite you to explore our comprehensive interior painting guide, filled with expert tips to help you paint like a pro. By the end, you’ll not only enjoy the process but also love the results.

Table of Contents

1. Foreword: Painting Requires More Than Meets the Eye.
2. Pre-Painting Stage: Preparing Your Space in 6 Steps.
3. The Painting Stage: 11 Pro Tips for Flawless Results
4. Post-Painting Stage: Adding the Finishing Touches
5. Extra Hacks & Techniques: 16 Expert Decorating Tricks

Foreword: Painting Requires More Than Meets the Eye

Painting may look easy, but it’s far from being child’s play. Without the proper tools, techniques, and preparation, things can quickly go awry. Many people underestimate the complexity of interior painting, only to end up with uneven finishes, paint spills, and hours of frustrating clean-up.

If you have neither the time nor the patience to do it right, hiring a professional painter is always a smart choice. However, if you’re determined to tackle the project yourself, read on for pro-level advice from our experienced team at St Austell Handyman.

Pre-Painting Stage: Preparing Your Space in 6 Steps

1. Set Aside a Prep Day

Avoid painting around doorknobs, hinges, and light switch plates. Remove them and store the hardware in labelled bags to prevent mix-ups later.

2. Clear the Room

Move as much furniture as possible out of the room. For larger items, place them in the centre and cover them with drop cloths. Secure the cloths with tape and add an extra layer to protect against splashes.

3. Remove Hardware

Avoid painting around doorknobs, hinges, and light switch plates. Remove them and store the hardware in labelled bags to prevent mix-ups later.

4. Repair Wall Imperfections

Inspect your walls for cracks, holes, and uneven surfaces. Use spackle for small holes and fibreglass for larger gaps. Sand the area smooth once dry.

5. Dress Appropriately

Wear old, loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Protect your eyes with safety glasses and consider wearing a hat when painting ceilings.

6. Set Up Your Workstation

Organise all your tools in the centre of the room for easy access. This should include paint cans, brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths, and any other essentials.

The Painting Stage: 11 Pro Tips for Flawless Results

1. Maintain a Wet Edge to Prevent Lap Marks

Lap marks occur when you paint over a section that has already started to dry. To avoid this, keep a “wet edge” by overlapping each stroke slightly before the previous one dries.

2. Box Your Paint for Uniform Colour

Mix all your paint cans together in a large bucket to ensure a consistent colour throughout the room. This technique, known as “boxing”, prevents slight variations in shade.

3. Cut the Masking Tape with a Knife

Wait 24 hours for the paint to dry before removing the masking tape. Use a sharp knife to cut along the tape’s edge to avoid peeling off chunks of paint.

4. Paint the Edges First

Start by painting the edges, corners, and areas around windows and doors. This allows you to tape off smaller sections and achieve cleaner lines.

5. Use Primer to Prevent Blotchy Finishes

Priming is crucial, especially if you’re painting over repairs or a dark wall. A coat of primer will even out the surface and prevent the paint from sinking into patched areas.

6. Clean Walls Before You Paint

Ensure your walls are clean and free of dust, grease, or stains. Use a deglosser or heavy-duty cleaner for best results.

7. Roll Paint Along the Edges for Even Texture

To avoid noticeable texture differences, roll paint as close to the edges as possible after cutting in with a brush.

8. Use Cotton Drop Cloths

Canvas drop cloths are reusable and provide excellent protection. Secure them in place with rosin paper for added stability.

9. Feather Out Paint in Hard-to-Reach Areas

When painting tall walls or stairwells, feather out the paint to prevent lap marks. Use a nearly dry roller and vary your direction.

10. Sand Trims Between Coats

For a smooth finish, sand the trim with fine-grit sandpaper after the first coat. Wipe away dust before applying the next coat.

11. Invest in Quality Tools

Good brushes, rollers, and paint can make all the difference. Avoid cheap supplies that shed bristles or offer poor coverage.

Post-Painting Stage: Adding the Finishing Touches

1. Store Leftover Paint

Keep a small amount of paint in labelled jars for future touch-ups.

2. Scrape Off Excess Paint

Use a razor blade to clean paint drips from glass and tiles.

3. Keep Cleaning Rags Handy

Wipe up any spills or splatters immediately to avoid permanent stains.

Extra Hacks & Techniques: 11 Expert Decorating Tricks

1. Wrap brushes and rollers in plastic wrap to keep them fresh during breaks.
2. Place sliced onions around the room to absorb paint fumes.
3. Attach a container lid to your brush to catch drips.
4. Use vinegar to clean metal surfaces before painting.
5. Soak stuck brushes in hot vinegar to loosen dried paint.
6. Add vanilla extract to paint to neutralise strong odours.
7. Cover hinges with masking tape to prevent accidental splashes.
8. Use a lint roller to clean fuzz off your paint roller.
9. Put brushes in the fridge overnight to keep them from drying out.
10. Refresh old masking tape by microwaving it for 10 seconds.
11. Use aluminium foil to cover taps and pipes.

Why Choose St Austell Handyman for Your Painting Needs?

While DIY painting can be satisfying, achieving a professional finish isn’t always easy. That’s where we come in. At St Austell Handyman, we bring years of experience and high-quality craftsmanship to every painting project.

Whether it’s a single room or an entire property, our team ensures flawless results, saving you time and effort. Explore our Painting & Decorating Services to learn more.

Conclusion

Interior painting is a skill that takes time to master. With our expert tips, you’re now equipped to handle your next DIY project like a pro. If you prefer leaving it to the experts, St Austell Handyman is here to help.Ready to transform your space? Get in touch with us today and let’s bring your vision to life.

External Links

• House & Garden’s Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Paint Colour