A fresh coat of paint can be a refreshing way to brighten up any room. It is also one of the easiest ways to infuse new life into your home, and it’s the perfect way to set the stage for the new year. Whether you’re planning to add an eye-catching statement wall or renovate the entire house, here are some top interior painting tips to make sure your project goes smoothly.

Plan Ahead

While it may be tempting to turn a home painting job into a weekend project, preparation is 80% of the job. Experts suggest waiting at least a week to decide on colors, move furniture and ensure your walls are ready for new paint. You may be better off waiting at least two weeks to address issues like holes or cracks, sand surfaces for a smoother finish and apply painter’s tape to ensure clean lines.

Compare Finish Types

All paint isn’t made equal; in addition to the formula, you also have to consider the finish. Interior paints come in three main styles:

• Flat/matte: Great for hiding imperfections but not washable
• Eggshell/satin: Easy to clean; ideal for living rooms
• Semi-gloss/gloss: Best for kitchens, bathrooms and areas with higher moisture

Make sure you look at real paint samples before you buy. This helps you pick the right finish for the look you want and for the surface of your walls. Texture plays a major role in the final decision. Eggshell or matte paints often flatter rough or textured walls better, while smooth satin or semi-gloss paints can help hide imperfections on smoother walls.

Only Paint a Small Area First

Apply a sample swatch of paint to your walls to see what they look like when they dry, as well as how light affects the color throughout the day. This can spare you the frustration of painting an entire wall or room, only to realize you don’t love how it looks.

Don’t Skip Primer

The one thing most homeowners skip when it comes to painting their properties is primer. It may not seem essential, but primer is really the glue that holds your whole interior painting together and prevents damage. It ensures even coverage and helps extend the lifespan of your paint job, saving you money and the hassle of constant touch-ups.

Let Your Paint Cure

Even if paint dries in a few hours, actual curing takes several weeks. Curing is a chemical process where the paint bonds to the surface it’s on; most interior paints take two to four weeks to fully cure. During this time, solvents evaporate, the surface hardens to improve scratch resistance and the paint becomes less likely to scuff or peel. The good news is that you don’t have to do much during this time except avoid cleaning the surface.

While painting walls is definitely something most homeowners can do, a professional can ensure much better outcomes. They have the training and experience to properly prep surfaces, choose the best paint for each room and apply it evenly to make certain that the finish has a polished look and is long-lasting. They also know techniques to avoid streaks and missed spots. When it comes to getting top-notch interior painting for your home, trust the team at QGC Professional Painting in Milwaukee, WI!