How to Paint a Wall Like a Pro

How to Paint a Wall Like a Pro

Painting a wall may seem like a straightforward task, but achieving a flawless finish requires careful preparation, the right tools, and the correct technique. Whether you're freshening up a room or completely changing the colour scheme, this guide will walk you through the entire process. 

Learn how to paint a wall like a pro with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. From prepping your walls to choosing the right tools and colours, we've got everything you need to achieve a flawless finish.

What is Wall Painting?

Wall painting involves applying a coat of paint to the interior or exterior walls of a building to protect the surface, enhance aesthetic appeal, or both. It's a cost-effective way to transform the look and feel of any room.

Why Do You Need to Paint a Wall?

Painting your walls can:

• Refresh and modernize the appearance of your space.
  
  

• Protect the walls from damage and wear.
  
  

• Increase your home's value.
  
  

• Personalize your living environment to reflect your taste and style.
  
  

Prepping Your Wall Before Painting

Proper preparation is key to achieving a smooth and long-lasting paint job. The steps vary depending on the condition of the wall:

How to Prepare a Previously Painted Wall

• Clean the Surface: Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
  
  

• Repair Damage: Fill in any holes, cracks, or dents with spackling compound and sand smooth before you paint the wall.
  
  

• Prime if Needed: If the existing paint is dark or glossy, applying a primer will help the new paint adhere better and allow the paint to dry properly.
  
  

How to Prepare a Newly Plastered Wall

• Let the Plaster Dry: Ensure the plaster is fully cured before painting, which can take several weeks.
  
  

• Apply a Mist Coat: Use diluted emulsion paint as a base layer to seal the plaster and provide a good surface for the top coat.
  
  

How to Prepare a Previously Wallpapered Wall

• Remove the Wallpaper: Carefully strip the wallpaper using a steamer or solvent.
  
  

• Clean and Smooth the Surface: Remove any residual adhesive and sand the walls smooth.
  
  

Tools to Use for Wall Painting

• Paint Rollers and Paint Brushes: Essential for applying paint evenly across large and small surfaces.
  
  

• Painter’s Tape: Helps create clean edges and protects trim and other surfaces.
  
  

• Drop Cloths: Protect floors and furniture from paint splatters.
  
  

• Sandpaper: Smooths out imperfections on the wall surface.
  
  

• Paint Tray: Holds the paint and allows for easy roller loading, making the painting process more efficient.
  
  

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint a Wall

Step 1: Choose the Right Paint

Selecting the right paint is crucial for achieving the desired look and durability of your wall. Begin by considering the room’s purpose and the type of finish that suits it best. For example, matte finishes are great for hiding imperfections and are ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms, while satin or semi-gloss finishes are more durable and easier to clean, making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Also, decide whether you want to use water-based (latex) paint, which is easier to clean and quicker to dry, or oil-based paint, known for its durability and smoother finish but with a longer drying time.

• Pro Tip: Always test a small patch of the colour on your wall to see how it looks in different lighting conditions before committing to a full purchase.
  
  

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Having all your tools and materials ready before you start painting will make the process smoother and more efficient. Essential tools include paint rollers (for large, flat areas), angled brushes (for cutting in edges and corners), painter’s tape (for creating clean lines), drop cloths (to protect floors and furniture), and sandpaper (to smooth surfaces before painting). Also, keep a paint tray handy for loading your roller, and don’t forget to stir sticks to mix your paint thoroughly before application.

• Pro Tip: Use a high-quality brush for cutting in and a microfiber roller for applying paint, as these tools help achieve a smoother finish with fewer strokes.
  
  

Step 3: Protect Your Space

Before you begin painting, it’s essential to protect your surroundings to prevent accidental spills and splatters. Cover floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting and move furniture out of the room if possible, or at least to the centre, covering it as well to protect against any splatters while you paint interior walls. Use painter’s tape to cover edges, trims, and any fixtures like light switches and door handles that you don’t want to get paint on.

• Pro Tip: If painting a ceiling, remember to protect hanging light fixtures by covering them with plastic and securing them with tape.
  
  

Step 4: Apply Painter’s Tape

Applying painter’s tape along the edges of walls, baseboards, windows, and door frames is critical for achieving crisp, clean lines. Make sure the tape adheres well by pressing it down firmly, and take your time with this step to avoid bleeding paint.

• Pro TipRemove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid peeling off dried paint along with the tape, ensuring a clean edge for your paint project.
  
  

Step 5: Prime the Wall

Priming is a key step, especially if you’re painting over a dark colour, painting a newly plastered wall, or working with porous surfaces. A primer seals the surface, providing a uniform base that helps the paint adhere better and last longer. It also ensures that the final colour is more vibrant and true to the shade you selected.

• Pro Tip: Use a tinted primer if you’re painting a light colour over a dark one. This will reduce the number of coats needed.
  
  

Step 6: Cut In with a Brush

Cutting in refers to painting the edges and corners of the wall that the roller can’t easily reach. Use an angled brush to carefully apply paint along the edges of the painter’s tape and around the trims. This creates a boundary for your roller and ensures that all areas are covered.

• Pro Tip: Keep a wet edge when cutting in to avoid visible lines or streaks when you start using the roller.
  
  

Step 7: Start Rolling the Paint

Now it’s time to cover the main surface. Load your roller with paint, making sure it’s evenly coated, and start applying it to the wall. Use a W or M motion to spread the paint evenly, working in small sections. This technique helps prevent streaks and ensures even coverage.

• Pro Tip: Avoid overloading the roller with paint, as this can cause drips and uneven texture.
  
  

Step 8: Apply a Second Coat

For a professional finish, apply a second coat of paint after the first one has completely dried. This coat will cover any thin spots and ensure a more durable and uniform colour.

• Pro Tip: Lightly sand the first coat once it’s dry before applying the second coat. This helps the second coat adhere better and smooth out any imperfections.
  
  

Step 9: Remove Painter’s Tape Carefully

Once the paint is dry to the touch, gently remove the painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle to avoid pulling off any dried paint along with it.

• Pro Tip: If the tape is stuck, score along the edge with a utility knife to help it release cleanly.
  
  

Step 10: Clean Up and Inspect

After removing the tape and drop cloths, inspect the walls for any missed spots or areas that need touching up. Clean your brushes and rollers according to the type of paint you use (water-based or oil-based) and properly dispose of or store any leftover paint.

• Pro Tip: Keep a small amount of paint in a sealed jar for future touch-ups.
  
  

Things to Consider When You Want to Paint a Wall

Choosing the Right Color Choosing the right colour is about more than just personal preference; it involves considering how the colour will interact with the room’s natural and artificial lighting, as well as how it complements your existing furniture and decor. Light colours can make a room feel larger and brighter, while dark colours add warmth and cosiness; an accent wall can also create a striking focal point. Consider testing a few sample colours on your wall and observing them at different times of the day.

• Pro Tip: Use a colour visualizer tool online to see how different colours will look in your room before committing to a choice.
  
  

Considering Wall Conditions The condition of your walls will dictate how you prepare them and what type of paint to use. Cracks, dampness, or uneven surfaces need to be addressed before painting to ensure a smooth finish. Fill cracks and holes with filler, sand uneven areas, and address any moisture issues that could affect the paint's adherence and durability.

• Pro Tip: For walls prone to moisture, consider using mold-resistant paint.
  
  

Understanding Paint Types Different paint types serve different purposes. Latex (water-based) paints are popular for their easy cleanup, fast drying times, and low VOCs, making them suitable for most interior walls. Acrylic paints are also water-based but offer better durability and adhesion, ideal for high-traffic areas. Oil-based paints provide a smoother finish and are highly durable but take longer to dry and require solvents for cleanup.

• Pro Tip: When painting bathrooms or kitchens, consider using a satin or semi-gloss finish, which resists moisture better and is easier to clean.
  
  

Environmental and Health Considerations When choosing paint, it’s important to consider its impact on your health and the environment. VOC (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals that evaporate into the air as the paint dries, potentially causing health issues like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Opt for low-VOC or VOC-free paints to reduce these risks. Additionally, some paints are formulated to be environmentally friendly, using natural ingredients and fewer harmful chemicals.

• Pro Tip: Always ensure proper ventilation when painting to minimize exposure to any fumes, even with low-VOC paints.
  
  

Things to Consider When Choosing Colors

• Room Size: Lighter colours can make a small room feel larger, while darker colours add cosiness to larger spaces.
  
  

• Natural Light: Colors may appear different under natural light versus artificial light.
  
  

• Purpose of the Room: Choose colours that suit the room's function—calming colours for bedrooms, and energizing hues for kitchens or offices.
  
  

Painting a wall is a rewarding DIY project that can transform your living space. By following the steps in this guide, you can achieve a professional-quality finish that enhances the beauty and value of your home.

Want to Be a Professional?

Interested in taking your painting skills to the next level? Consider enrolling in a professional course from Building Institute NSW:

• Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
  
  

FAQ

Is primer essential while painting walls?

Answer: Priming is a vital step in repainting walls and ceilings with stains or discolouration caused by smoke, water damage, or mildew. Regular paint does not seal the surface. A primer will keep the stains from seeping through your brand-new paint.

What should be applied first, putty or primer?

Answer: To fill up wall flaws, including the smallest cracks, use wall putty after a layer of primer, followed by another application of wall putty. To get a perfect finish, allow the primer to dry fully before applying.

What is the difference between primer and paint?

Answer: The main distinction between primer and finish paint is that the resins are the most critical elements. Primer lacks the pigments that give the paint its unique colour. The primer is meant to seal and stabilize the surface that will be painted.

What colour is the primer?

Answer: Paint primer is typically white, but it can be tinted the same colour as the top coat to minimize the number of colour coatings required. Tinted primer allows the colour to stand on its own without conflicting with the bottom colours. Pre-tinted primers are also available.

Can you paint over white paint?

Answer: If the existing wall is smooth, clean, and painted with the same sort of paint (for example, oil-based), you can go directly to the paint. You'll need to patch holes, spackle, and sand*, and perhaps even cut a new piece of drywall into the current wall.

Do I need to wash the walls before painting?

Answer: Cleaning the walls and trim will remove filth, cobwebs, dust, and stains that may prevent the paint from sticking. Use lukewarm water and light soap to gently massage in a circular motion. Rinse your walls with a slightly moist cellulose sponge.