The Top 10 Ways to Paint Like a Pro

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The Top 10 Ways to Paint Like a Pro

For a professional-looking paint job, do what the experts do.
Wait for dry weather.
Humidity means drips and slow drying, so avoid painting on a rainy day. If you must paint when it’s humid, take your time — and take advantage of slow-drying paint to correct your errors before moving on to the next coat. But don’t overwork, or it will show when you’re finished.
Do a thorough visual inspection and prep.
Any cracked, flaking, or peeling areas need to be lightly sanded or scraped (and then thoroughly rinsed) before applying new primer and paint, because the weight of the new coat will pull the old paint loose. “You’ll just end up wasting your time and money if you don’t tackle that first,” says Tom Lee, Senior VP of Consumer Marketing for Behr. Greasy spots may also need a bit of washing with soap, followed by a rinse with clean water. Otherwise, give the walls a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth so that paint will have a clean, dust-free surface to stick to.
Rolling Yellow Paint on a Beige Wall
Buy high-quality brushes, roller covers, and painter’s tape.
If you’re splurging on great paint, you definitely don’t want to pinch pennies on the application. Good brushes and roller covers give excellent coverage so that you don’t waste time and paint on re-application, and high-end painter’s tape is the real deal when it comes to sealing out drips and blurs.
Know your nap.
The more texture your walls have, the thicker the nap you’ll want on your roller cover so that it can reach into crevices and give complete coverage. But if you go too thick, you might actually create texture where you don’t want it, so be prepared to give your salesperson details about what you’re painting.
Protect anything you don’t want painted.
You will never regret the time you spend covering floors, furniture, and hardware before you begin a paint project. Drop cloths are a must, and small plastic sandwich bags secured with tape are an easy way to protect doorknobs.
Remove light switch and outlet covers. 
If you’re impatient, you’ll be tempted to skip this five-minute step, but don’t.
Use primer.
Paint-and-primer combinations are fine if you already have a clean, smooth surface, but if there are any issues with the wall or it’s been more than eight years since you last painted, bite the bullet and go with a separate primer. If you need to cover an especially challenging surface (say, glass or high-gloss paint), use a bonding primer such as Benjamin Moore’s Insl-x Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer or KILZ Adhesion Interior & Exterior Bonding Primer.
Box your paint.
Get your salesperson to help you with a realistic estimate of how much paint you’ll really need so that you can buy it all at once. Then, instead of using one gallon at a time, combine all the paint into one large container and mix it thoroughly. This is known as “boxing” your paint, and it keeps your color consistent from beginning to end.
Let the roller do the work.
Today’s premium paints flow on easily, and you’ve already chosen a good roller cover (right?), so there’s no need to use much pressure. Be sure to use an extension pole so you can reach the maximum amount of area with the least effort — and without straining your back.
Paint from top to bottom.
After you’ve cut in your edges at the ceiling and baseboard using a brush, use your roller to apply paint from the ceiling downward. Amateurs often have telltale drips and spatters at the end of a paint job, but pros paint right over their mistakes as they work their way down the wall. Once an area starts to dry, it’s best to leave it alone. Going back over it can leave marks and color streaks in the paint’s surface.
15 Painting Mistakes to Avoid
If you want your paint job to be flawless, avoid these amateur moves.

Skipping prep time

“Lack of proper prep is usually the biggest difference between DIY and professional projects,” says Tom Lee, Senior VP of Consumer Marketing for Behr. “Homeowners understandably want to jump right into the project, because they’re excited to see their new color on their walls — it’s an emotional reaction. But keep in mind that professional painters spend the majority of their time on prep.” Make sure you’ve properly cleaned walls, scraped off peels and cracks, applied painter’s tape carefully, and allowed any patching compound to dry before you start.

Skimping on brushes and roller covers to save money

“You can have the best paint in the world and it won’t perform if you go cheap on the applicators,” Lee says. Good brushes and roller covers give better coverage and save you on paint in the long run — plus the brushes will last for years if you take care of them — so they’re worth the splurge.

Using masking tape instead of real painter’s tape

Pros spend the money for high-quality tape, and you should, too. Use a putty knife or mini scraper — not your finger — to remove air bubbles and seal the edges to prevent drips and ensure sharp lines.

Going without primer

Primer covers flaws in the surface and gives you a smooth, long-lasting finish. It’s fine to use paint-and-primer-in-one mixes if the old surface was previously painted, is in good shape, and has a flat (non-glossy) finish. But if you’re painting over a more difficult surface such as plaster, wood, concrete, glossy paint, or stained/porous drywall, use a stand-alone primer or a premium all-in-one mix specifically designed to cover unpainted surfaces.
Bold Orange Laundry Room

Natalie Sheedy; Natalie Sheedy Interiors

Using flat paint in a high-traffic area

Washable satins or semi-glosses are a better choice for rough-and-tumble places like closets and laundry rooms, but you can also choose a durable premium matte finish such as Benjamin Moore’s Regal Classic Premium Interior Paint or Behr Marquee Interior Paint & Primer.

Which Paint to Use in What Room 02:22

Learn what type of paint you should use in every room.

Painting over high-gloss paint without sanding

New paint needs some texture to adhere to, so make sure to lightly scuff any shiny surfaces with sandpaper, followed by a rinse with clean water.
Bucket of Blue Paint

Plunging your brush too far into the paint

Dip it only a third of the way in — you’ll get enough paint on your brush without wasting or pushing the paint deep into the bristles, which is tough to clean.

Painting aimlessly

Always start near the ceiling and work your way down for the smoothest finish; that way you can catch drips as you work.

Painting over wallpaper with water-based paint

You can paint over wallpaper, but be sure to use oil-based primer first. Water-based paints and primers can reactivate the wallpaper glue and cause unsightly peeling.

Skipping cleanup

You’re tired at the end of the job, so you put the brushes in the garage and decide to deal with it later — bad idea! Protect your investment by washing those brushes thoroughly with water and dish detergent, wrapping them in airtight plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and storing them in their original packaging so that they hold their shape.

Paintbrushes and Applicators 02:28

Before you start painting, learn what type of brushes and rollers you should use.

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How to Prepare a Painting Kit

Before you begin a painting project, be prepared by putting together a “painting kit.”
INTERIOR PAINTINGINTERIORTOOLS
Two Different Types of Paint Brushes
  • A typical painting kit includes patching paste, a putty knife, a drop cloth, plastic gloves, paint thinner, primer and a paint can opener. Note: Do not open a paint can with a flathead screwdriver, as this can damage the lid.
  • Be sure to purchase plenty of painter’s masking tape, assorted paintbrushes and a paint roller and roller cover. It would also be helpful to add an extension bar to your kit. It will help you reach the ceiling and will allow you to stand away from the wall to prevent spatters of paint on your clothes.
  • The paint kit should include a paint pot and a roller tray with a disposable liner. If you plan to paint a large area, include a 5-gallon bucket with a screen grid for removing excess paint from the roller.
  • No paint kit would be complete without a multipurpose paint tool, which can be used to clean caulk, pull nails, clean roller covers, apply putty or glaze, scrape paint and drive nails. Finally, be sure the kit includes safety glasses to prevent paint spatters from getting in your eyes.
  • When selecting paintbrushes, choose nylon- or synthetic-bristle brushes for use with latex paint and natural-bristle brushes for oil-based paints, stains and varnishes. Paint-roller covers come in different naps and textures. Unless you plan to apply texture to the wall, use shorter naps for smooth surfaces and longer naps for textured surfaces.
  • Instead of dipping the paintbrush directly into the paint can, use a paint pot, which is wider than a standard paint can. When loading the brush, dip half the length of its bristles into the paint. Slap the brush against the side of the pot to remove excess paint, and remove the brush. Hold the brush up at an angle to hold the paint. As you apply the paint to the wall, the friction will draw paint from the brush.
  • Drill holes in the paint stick to help mix paint more thoroughly. To keep paint from drying in a half-empty can, fill any air space by dropping old golf balls into the can. A common problem known as “hatbanding” occurs when painters use a paintbrush for cutting in and a roller to apply the rest of the paint, thus producing a different texture along the ceiling and trim. To prevent hatbanding, roll the paint as close to the cut-in areas as possible.

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How to Prep Walls Before Painting

How to prepare walls before starting your next painting project.
INTERIOR PAINTINGPAINTING WALLSINTERIORWALLS

Prepping Walls for Painting

Before prepping a room for painting, protect the furniture and flooring against splattering paint or accidents.
  • A good idea is to remove furniture from the room altogether, if possible.
  • Remember to wear safety goggles and older clothes in case the paint splatters.
  • Dust and clean the walls. For most surfaces, use a towel or a vacuum cleaner.
  • When painting a bathroom or kitchen, wash the walls with a solution of approximately three teaspoons of laundry detergent to one gallon of water.
  • Scrape any cracked or flaking paint with a paint scraper. For other small imperfections on the wall such as plaster bumps, smooth them away with sandpaper. Use muscle power with a piece of sandpaper stapled to a sanding block, or use an electric sander.
  • Materials to have on hand when getting ready to paint: primer, paint-can opener, stir sticks, roller covers (close nap on a rolling cage, large nap without rolling cage), paintbrushes (one for latex paint and one for oil-based paint), paint tray, gloves, drop cloth and an extension pole for the roller.
  • A high-quality primer will help to hide any small imperfections on walls. Use a good water-based primer on new drywall. Choose an oil-based primer for walls that have heavy stains from water or smoke damage, or if the wall has paneling.
  • Before painting, protect wall sconces and wall trim with painters tape.
  • Start in the corners of the wall and up near the ceiling, “cutting in” the paint with an angle brush.
  • With a small brush, apply the paint around trim and in the corners of walls where your larger brush can’t reach.
  • A great tip is to do a “W” pattern to paint walls. Start in the corner of a wall and roll on a 3′ by 3′ “W”; then fill it in without lifting the roller. Repeat until the section is finished. This helps hide seams and any places where the roller has been lifted and put back on the wall again.
  • The best way to choose a color is to try it out first. You can never make a good decision based on looking at the color swatch in the store. Take it home and tape it to the wall to see how it works within the space and with your room’s lighting. The swatches don’t always reveal the actual color when it dries. You can test a few colors of paint on a spare piece of wood and place it against the wall.

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Choosing Paintbrushes and Rollers

Choosing the right paint brush or roller is essential to a good paint job.
Different Sizes and Types of Paint Brushes
Foam brushes are well suited to intricate work such as painting molding or window casings. These brushes are normally good only for one use, as they’re hard to clean and easy to tear.
Manmade bristle brushes are used for acrylics and for water-based and latex paints. Before purchasing a manmade bristle brush, make sure it has a thick head of evenly distributed bristles. Cheaper brushes may have gaps in the middle of the head.
Polyester synthetic brushes are available with straight bristles or split-ended bristles. Split ends give good coverage so fewer strokes are needed to paint a surface. These brushes are used with latex paints.
Natural-bristle brushes are made with animal hair and used mainly with oil-based paints. Latex and water-based paints will dry out the bristles.
When used with latex paint, foam rollers give a finish similar to that produced by a paint sprayer. Foam rollers also come in the shape of a wheel, permitting the user to get into corners more easily.

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The Best Paint for Your Money

Painting project on your to-do list? Get tips on how to get the best paint for your money.
Higher titanium in paint means better coverage.
Paint with higher levels of titanium provides much better coverage, or “hideability.”
A can of paint can completely transform the look of a room, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. But what kind of paint gives you the most for your money? Per-gallon prices range from less than $8 to more than $30. Are the most expensive paints really worth the money?
One factor that affects the cost is the type of paint — alkyd oil paint or water-based latex. Although the alkyd oil-based paints are more durable and can provide a slightly smoother coat, they are more difficult to work with and to clean up, and some states restrict the areas in which alkyd paints can be used. On the other hand, the improved chemistry of today’s latex paints make them much more durable and easy to work with, and they can be cleaned up with water.
So what’s the difference between a $30 can of paint and an $8 can? First, it’s the amount of work it takes to apply the paint. The higher grades of paint contain titanium, which gives the paint more coverage so it does a better job of concealing the surface it covers. Cheaper paints contain little or no titanium, relying instead on clay. As a result, it may take three or more coats of cheap paint to equal the coverage of one coat of high-quality paint.
When applied by paintbrush, cheaper paints show brush marks and provide poor coverage. Higher-quality paints provide smooth, one-coat coverage.
Another big difference is in durability. The more expensive paints are also more washable and offer greater scrub resistance. If you try washing dirt off a cheaper paint, you’re likely to wash off some of the paint itself.
Another benefit of higher-quality paints is their reduced tendency to spatter. They contain an antispattering agent that produces less mess than inferior paints.

Paint Colors and Finishes

When choosing paint colors, pick a paint chip that appeals to you, and match it to the store’s fan deck; the colors are listed alphabetically and numerically. Next, check the light reflective value (LRV) of the paint. This is a scientific measurement of how dark or light the paint will be once it’s on your walls. As a general rule, interior paints should have an LRV of 50 percent or more. Keep in mind that the color will appear more vibrant when you apply it to the walls.
Paints come in a variety of finishes, including flat, eggshell, semigloss/satin and high gloss. Flat paint is more forgiving and hides flaws well, but it doesn’t stand up well to scrubbing. High-gloss paint is washable and easier to maintain, but it reveals surface imperfections and painting errors.

How to Choose a Wall Color

Don’t be intimidated by color — picking the right shade is easy with these professional tips.
“Color is a powerful tool,” says interior designer and author Kerrie Kelly. “It can accentuate architectural details as well as direct traffic and create flow in your home.” But how do you choose the color that’s right for a given room?
Spend some time with a color wheel to see what you like. You remember this tool from high school art class; it shows all the colors of the spectrum arranged in a circle and highlights the relationships between them. You may find yourself naturally gravitating to one side of the circle (say, cool blues and greens) or the other (warm reds and oranges). “Blues are all about tranquility and relaxation,” Kelly says. “Reds and rich earth tones are social-gathering colors. Choose according to how you’re going to use the room and the mood you want to create.”
Check in with trends. Some perennial combinations never lose their charm, Kelly says, like crisp blue-and-white kitchens or calming green bedrooms. But new ideas are exciting, too:
Kitchen With Contrasting Counters and Blue Lantern Lights

Tim Lee, Tim Lee Photography

A strong movement toward natural, eco-friendly materials has put granite tones, greens, browns, and whites in the spotlight.
Green Transitional Kitchen With Marble Island

Walt Roycraft, Walt Roycraft

Whether you go neutral or bold on the wall, try accenting with metallic paints on furniture, lighting, plumbing, and accessories. “Silver, gold, bronze, copper, and pearl add elegance without being too heavy,” Kelly says. “In daylight, these colors appear neutral; in the light of evening, they impart a welcoming glow.”
If you want to make a statement, strong color palettes derived from Russian, Indian, and Latin design are on trend; blend them with traditional colors or neutrals for a thoroughly modern look.
Bedroom With Pink and Brown Patterned Wall and White Bedding

G CRAWFORD

Technology-inspired saturated colors like lime green, royal blue, apple red, sunshine yellow, and tangerine radiate energy and lend a sense of richness to a room.
Eclectic Living Room With Eclectic Furniture

Photography provided by Donna Puzifera

Use color relationships as your guide, but be willing to experiment. Complementary colors are those that lie opposite each other on the color wheel — that means they’re visually balanced, although the high contrast may be more drama than you want in a room. “Approximately opposite colors work well, too,” Kelly says. “For example, sage green (a yellow-green) pairs beautifully with violet. Sometimes combinations are more interesting when the colors aren’t direct opposites.” You may also like the look of an analogous color scheme, which pairs colors that lie directly next to each other on the wheel; these combinations are common in nature, so we tend to find them pleasing.
Multicolored Eclectic Dining Room With Bright Yellow Dining Chairs

Nancy Nolan

Layer tone on tone for a sophisticated effect. “A monochromatic color combination uses shades of a single color,” Kelly says, “to create an effect that’s serene and elegant. The key to success with this approach, because it’s so subtle, is to add texture and use varying scales of pattern in the materials you choose.”
Mix Up Your Lighting

Brian Patrick Flynn

Go for a test drive. Paint swatches won’t tell you everything you need to know. Buy the manufacturer’s test size in your new color and brush some on the wall (preferably where you can hide it with a picture later). “Look at your paint sample in the morning, at noon and at night,” Kelly advises, so that you can see how the color changes as the light quality changes.

Steven Holmes

Don’t hold back. If you’re looking to inject some personality into a humdrum space, don’t be afraid to slather on a big, expressive color for the walls. You can always combine that bold wall color with neutral furnishings to make a statement without creating a headache. “There’s really no reason not to experiment with paint on walls, because it doesn’t represent a big investment to do it or to change it later,” Kelly says. “Color is undoubtedly the shortest route to a dramatic setting.”

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How to Select Exterior Paint Colors for a Home

Your home’s exterior is the way you greet the world — choose a color wisely with these expert tips.
EXTERIOROUTDOOR SPACESPAINTSCOLOR
Red, White and Blue Victorian-Style Home

BEHR

If you’re painting the outside of your home, don’t be afraid to take a little time with the color decision.
“Your interior is about your personal color tastes,” says Tom Lee, Senior VP of Consumer Marketing for Behr, “but the exterior is really about durability. It’s about protecting the biggest investment you have.” It isn’t an easy decision to redo, so don’t rush it.
With that in mind, here are some tips for choosing a paint:
Mediterranean Home With Warm, Yellow Exterior

BEHR

  • Plan to spend a little more money. Investing in a premium paint such as Behr Marquee Exterior Paint & Primer in One is a wise choice. You don’t want to be climbing up a scaffold again anytime soon — or paying for someone else to do it — so paint needs to cover well, resist stains and stand up to weather.
  • Think about your permanent materials. If you have an existing brick or stone foundation, patio, or accents, work with their underlying tones as you’re choosing a paint shade. If you’re stuck, try pairing opposites in terms of color temperature. For example, if you have a warm red brick foundation and you want brown for your exterior paint, choose a taupe with cool gray/blue undertones instead of a peachy tan.
  • Take advantage of technology. You can usually bring in a sample of permanent materials to the paint store for computer color matching. Behr also offers an online tool called that lets you choose an initial color, recommends matching/coordinating colors, and helps you experiment with color combos on images of a home exterior so you can imagine the finished look.
  • Don’t forget the trim. If you want something other than the usual white, try your exterior color just a few shades lighter for a subtle, elegant effect.
  • Ease in with swatches. Buy test sizes of the paint colors you’re considering and paint some brush-outs on the exterior. Be sure to put some color on both the north and south sides of the house, where lighting can differ dramatically, and near any trim you’re coordinating with. Visit your paint samples at different times of day to get the best idea of how the finished product will look.
To give you a head start, here’s a cheat sheet of popular Benjamin Moore exterior colors courtesy of Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore’s color and design expert:
  • Neutrals:
    Shaker Beige HC-45, Alexandria Beige HC-77, Pashmina AF-100
  • Grays:
    Stonington Gray HC-170, Thunder AF-685, Storm AF-700
  • Blues and Greens:
    Phillipsburg Blue HC-159, Guilford Green HC-116, Soft Fern 2144-40, Santorini Blue 1634, Wickham Gray HC-171

  • Trim:
    Navajo White 947 (also OC-95),  Frostine AF-5, Simply White OC-117
  • Front Doors:
    Lucerne AF-530, Flint AF-560, Breath of Fresh Air 806, Black Satin 2131-10, Silhouette AF-655, Super Nova 1414, Pomegranate AF-295
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Exterior Paint Selection

Painting the exterior of your house may be a job for professionals, but with some basic knowledge and motivation, doing it yourself could save you a lot of cash.
EXTERIOROUTDOOR SPACESPAINTS
Latex Paint for Home Exterior
Painting the exterior of your house may seem like a job for professionals, but if you’ve got the motivation and some basic knowledge of paints, it’s a job you may want to tackle yourself. It could save you a lot of cash. Latex exterior paints have undergone improvements, and some can be as durable as oil-based.
Below are some tips on selecting exterior paint, from home-improvement specialist James Young. There are two basic types of exterior paint to choose from: oil-based and the more commonly used latex.
  • Oil-based paints are very durable and water-resistant. They result in hard finish and are often used by professional painters. Use an oil-based if the surface you are painting has already been painted with oil-based paint.
  • Stir oil-based paint frequently, as the oil in these types of paint tend to separate quickly.
  • If using oil-based paint, be sure to use a brush or roller specifically designed for use with oil-based paint.
  • Latex exterior paints have undergone many improvements, and some can be as durable as oil-based. They are also considerably easier to work with. Be sure, however, that you select an exterior latex for use on the outside of your home, not the same latex used on interior walls.
Tip: Here’s how to determine whether you have acrylic or oil-based paint on your home now. Peel off a large paint-chip. If the chip bends slightly before cracking, it’s probably latex. Oil-paint chips tend to snap easily. If this test doesn’t work for you, take a paint-chip sample to your local paint store or home center and have them test it.
  • Latex is easy to apply, dries quickly, is durable and is resistant to the effects of direct sunlight. Cleanup is easy, and just requires water.
  • Acrylic latex is the highest-quality latex paint. It will cover just about any building material including masonry and properly primed metal.
  • Important: Never put a new coat of latex over an old coat of oil-based paint. It will almost certainly peel.

Exterior Painting Preparation

When painting the exterior of a house, learn these valuable tips that can save you time by preparing properly for the project.
Decide what needs to be painted.
EXTERIOR PAINTINGEXTERIOROUTDOOR SPACESPAINTS
Painting the exterior of a house can be a demanding job. But you can save yourself a lot of work by preparing properly for the project.
First, decide how much of the exterior will be painted. Only the shutters or trim may need to be painted rather than the entire house. Next, determine the colors and the types of paint you want to use. Many companies now provide recommended color combinations with their sample books to show you what colors look good together.
If you’re having a hard time making up your mind, purchase a quart of each of the colors you like, and use the paint to create larger samples for easier comparison. Keep in mind the color you choose should fit in with the rest of the houses in your neighborhood.
Most likely a latex paint would be better because latex is easier to clean and lasts at least as long as oil-based paints. Whether you choose latex or oil-based paint, always purchase the best paint you can afford. Otherwise you’re likely to spend lots of time applying additional coats.
Before beginning the painting project, the surface of your house should be clean, dull and dry. Wash off any chalk, dirt and mildew. Protect landscape plants by covering them with plastic.
After cleaning the house, scrape off any peeling or cracked paint, then sand and prime the area. When you’ve finished priming, begin painting the trim. Semigloss paint works well on trim.
The brush used is almost as important as the paint itself. With latex paints, use a brush made of a nylon/polyester blend. Use a natural-bristle brush with oil-based paints. For maximum control, hold the brush so that it balances on your hand at the point where the handle meets the brush. Place your fingertips on the metal ferrule, and use your wrist to guide the brush. The paint will flow more smoothly from the brush.
Pay attention to the temperature. For best results, paint on days with low humidity, when the temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the shade so that your fresh paint isn’t exposed to direct sunlight; otherwise, heat blisters may develop.
Be careful to keep a “wet edge” by overlapping painting areas over the areas you finished most recently. Don’t paint into a drying paint film: the film could buckle.
The best way to paint shutters is to remove them and spray them away from the house. If you must paint them on the house, use an angled sash brush. When choosing a color for shutters, keep in mind that dark colors absorb more heat and can cause vinyl shutters to warp.
Apply an oil-based primer coat to metal doors before you begin painting. This step is especially important if the door is exposed to weather. Allow the primer to dry for 24 to 48 hours, next apply two coats of exterior paint.
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