Taking on a DIY interior painting project can transform your home without breaking the bank. Whether you’re keen to refresh your living space or are preparing to sell, a fresh coat of paint works wonders. Here’s a comprehensive guide to painting your home’s interior the proper way.
Preparation: The Key to Success
Read more: How To Prepare Your Home For Interior Painting
Gather Your Materials
Before diving in, collect these essentials:
- Quality paintbrushes and rollers
- Drop cloths or old sheets
- Painter’s masking tape
- Sugar soap
- Sandpaper (fine and medium grit)
- Spackling paste for holes
- Primer
- Paint (water-based acrylic is ideal for most interior walls)
- Paint trays
- Extension pole for your roller
- Step ladder
Clear and Clean
- Remove furniture or push it to the centre of the room and cover it with drop cloths
- Take down artwork, curtains and switch plates
- Give walls a thorough cleaning with sugar soap to remove grease and grime
- Allow the walls to dry completely
Prep Your Walls
Start with a properly prepared surface:
1. Fill any holes or cracks with spackling paste
2. Once dry, sand these areas until smooth
3. Lightly sand the entire wall surface for better paint adhesion
4. Wipe away dust with a slightly damp cloth
5. Apply painter’s tape around skirting boards, window frames and cornices
Priming: Worth the Extra Step
A quality primer will:
- Seal porous surfaces
- Provide a uniform base for your topcoat
- Help cover the previous dark colours
- Ensure better adhesion of your paint
Apply primer with a roller for large areas and a brush for edges and corners. Allow to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions—typically 2-4 hours in Australian conditions.
Painting Technique
The Right Order
1. Start with the ceiling
2. Move to the walls
3. Finish with trim and doors
Read more: In What Order Do You Paint the Interior of a House?
For Walls
1. Cut in first—Paint a 5-7cm border around edges and corners with a brush
2. While the edges are still wet, use your roller to fill in larger areas
3. Work in manageable sections (about 1 metre square)
4. Apply paint in a “W” or “M” pattern, then fill in without lifting the roller
5. Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks
6. Apply thin, even coats rather than one thick layer
Between Coats
– Allow proper drying time (usually 2-4 hours in average Australian weather)
– Light sanding between coats creates a smoother finish
– Wipe away dust before applying the next coat
Finishing Touches
- Remove tape while paint is still slightly damp for cleaner edges
- Touch up any missed spots or imperfections
- Wait at least 24 hours before hanging artwork or replacing curtains
- Keep leftover paint for future touch-ups
Tips for Australian Conditions
- Our warmer climate means paint dries faster—keep a wet edge and work in smaller sections
- Humidity can affect drying time—consider running a dehumidifier in tropical regions
- Choose low-VOC paints for better indoor air quality, especially important in our well-sealed modern homes
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
While tackling a DIY painting project might seem like a cost-effective and rewarding venture, the reality is often quite different. Professional painters bring years of expertise, ensuring surfaces are prepped to perfection and paint is applied evenly without drips or streaks. They have the right tools and can complete the job in a fraction of the time it might take an enthusiastic novice.
Additionally, a professional’s ability to flawlessly execute complex techniques and finishes can enhance the aesthetic value of your home significantly, far outweighing any upfront savings of a DIY approach. Opting for a professional prevents costly mistakes and ensures a polished, long-lasting finish that elevates your living space beyond amateur efforts.
At Hammer and Brush, we understand the transformative power of a beautifully painted interior, and our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to bringing your vision to life with precision and skill. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or your entire home, we provide expert guidance and top-notch workmanship every step of the way. Contact us today to ensure your painting project is executed flawlessly and efficiently.
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