On the blog we are fortunate to have a Guest Post by Erin Holdgate from Zillow Porchlight.  Today it’s all about painting, one of my favorite DIY’s for maximum impact.  Enjoy!

4 Tips for Painting Like a Pro
By Erin Holdgate
Paint packs a powerful punch in the world of do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement, especially when it comes to transforming interiors. A well-executed paint job can rejuvenate a dull living room or revitalize a tired kitchen.

To turn your skills from DIY to pro-level, here are some tips from painting and home improvement professionals:

1. Do your prep work
Before you head to the store, remember that paint is only part of the project. The surfaces you will be painting need to be clean and dry before you get started. If you’re painting walls, fill holes left by screws and nails, and patch any cracks – a pristine surface gives you the best final results. Be sure to let spackle or other patches dry prior to painting to avoid debris getting stuck in the dried paint. To prep a piece of wooden furniture before painting, wipe down any dust and vacuum the area thoroughly. This will ensure sawdust doesn’t find its way back on to the furniture after you’ve sanded it.

2. Invest in quality supplies
To get great results, invest in high-quality paint, brushes and rollers. The last thing you want is loose bristles or clumps of lint dried into your living room walls the next day. Opting for cheap applicators is a common mistake made by DIY painters. Save yourself time and money by buying quality materials upfront so you’ll only have to do the job once. And before you head to the store, make a list of what else you might need: sandpaper, primers, drop clothes or finishes. Once your brush is wet, you won’t want to pause to run to the home store.

3. Paint with a full line of color
Now comes the fun part: Painting! But learning how much paint to put on your brush can be a bit tricky. A common DIY mistake is attempting to use up all of the paint on a brush or roller before re-dipping. This actually causes the paint to dry onto the bristles of the brush and the fabric of the roller to become matted. To maintain the integrity of your paint applicators, make sure you always paint with a saturated brush or roller. You’ll know it’s time to re-dip when the color begins to break up and you can see faint patches of uncoated surface.

4. Store leftover paint properly
Once the job is done, reseal the paint can tightly by gently pounding on the lid with a rubber mallet. Some suggest storing the can upside down to create an airtight seal. For water-based paint, your best bet is to place a piece of clear plastic wrap on the surface before resealing the can. For oil-based paint, pour a thin layer of water on top of the paint before resealing. The water will act like a film to prevent the paint from drying out. Make sure to keep your leftovers: You never know when you’ll need to do a minor touchup. Even if you plan to move, the new occupants will likely appreciate having the paint, especially if you mark the can with the room you painted with it.

Whether you’re giving new life to a coffee table or finally implementing one of your living room ideas to makeover the space, many home DIY projects require little more than a gallon of paint. With thoughtful execution and these helpful tips from the pros, the power of a great paint job is at your fingertips.

Thanks Erin for these great tips!

Until Next Time,