10 Interior Painting Techniques for a Professional Finish
Master these professional painting techniques to achieve flawless interior walls that look like they were done by a pro...
Achieving a professional-looking interior paint job requires more than just slapping paint on the walls. Professional painters use specific techniques that ensure smooth, even coverage and a flawless finish.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through 10 interior painting techniques that will elevate your DIY painting projects to professional standards.
Proper Wall Preparation
Professional painters know that 80% of a quality paint job happens before the first coat of paint is applied. Proper preparation is the foundation of a flawless finish.
- Fill all holes and cracks with spackling compound
- Sand all patched areas until smooth and flush with the wall
- Clean walls thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and grease
- Use painter's tape to protect trim, windows, and outlets
- Apply a quality primer, especially when making dramatic color changes
PRO TIP:
Use a tinted primer that's similar to your final paint color. This will improve coverage and reduce the number of topcoats needed.
The "W" Rolling Technique
The "W" technique is a professional method for applying paint with a roller that ensures even coverage and minimizes roller marks.
- Load your roller with paint, but avoid oversaturating it
- Start in the upper corner of your wall
- Roll the paint in a "W" pattern about 3 feet wide and 3 feet high
- Without lifting the roller, fill in the "W" with horizontal strokes
- Move to the next section and repeat, always maintaining a wet edge
IMPORTANT:
Avoid applying too much pressure on the roller. Let the roller and the paint do the work to prevent streaks and uneven application.
Cutting In Like a Pro
"Cutting in" refers to painting the edges of walls where they meet ceilings, trim, and adjacent walls. This technique requires a steady hand and patience.
- Use a high-quality angled sash brush (2-2.5 inches wide)
- Load the brush properly - dip only 1/3 of the bristle length into the paint
- Tap (don't wipe) the brush against the side of the can to remove excess
- Position the brush with the pointed edge against the line you're cutting
- Pull the brush along the edge with a slow, steady stroke
- Work in sections of 2-3 feet at a time
PRO TIP:
Cut in one wall at a time, then immediately roll that wall while the cut edges are still wet. This helps blend the cut lines with the rolled areas.
Feathering Edges
Feathering is a technique used to blend wet paint with dry paint, creating a seamless transition between sections.
When you need to stop painting before completing a wall, or when you're touching up a previously painted area, feathering helps avoid visible lines or "picture frames" where the new paint meets the old.
- Apply paint to the new section
- While the paint is still wet, lightly roll over the edge where it meets the existing paint
- Use progressively lighter pressure as you roll toward the dry area
- Roll in different directions to ensure a smooth blend
Using the Right Tools
Professional painters invest in quality tools because they know it makes a significant difference in the final result.
- Brushes: Use synthetic bristle brushes for latex paints and natural bristle brushes for oil-based paints
- Rollers: Choose the right nap length for your surface:
- ¼-inch nap for smooth surfaces
- ⅜-inch nap for lightly textured surfaces
- ½-inch nap for medium textured surfaces
- ¾-inch nap for rough surfaces
- Extension Poles: Use extension poles to reach high areas and to reduce fatigue
- Paint Trays: Consider using disposable tray liners or a paint grid with a 5-gallon bucket
PRO TIP:
Wrap brushes and rollers in plastic wrap during short breaks to keep them from drying out. For overnight storage, wrap them tightly and place them in the refrigerator.
Mastering these professional painting techniques will dramatically improve your interior painting results. In our next blog post, we'll cover the remaining five techniques, including how to handle different finishes, painting ceilings, and achieving special effects.