Taking on a painting project in your home can be a fun way to test your skills and upgrade your space. But, whether you’ve painted rooms before or are trying your hand at it for the first time, every project comes with its own challenges – but we’re here to help ensure your paint’s finish is not one of them. 

Ensuring that the finish in your paint is up to par can be difficult for a first-time painter. But have no fear! We’re sharing 5 simple tips to follow that will give your room the perfect-looking finish. 

1. Paint in dry weather
Paint tends to dry slower in humid weather, so you should try to avoid painting on a rainy or particularly sweltering day. This is easy to avoid and remember for exterior painting projects, but when you’re painting inside, it’s just as important to keep in mind. Checking the weather is an easy way to gauge how humid the climate will be on the day you paint and the days after that. Remember, humidity can influence how your paint dries for days after the project is completed. 

2. Inspect your paint job for imperfections
Some DIYers take the approach that they can fix paint problems after the project is completed. But we encourage you to look for imperfections while doing the job. For example, check for cracked, flaking, or peeling areas that may need sanded or scraped before slathering paint on top. Not only will the finish look less than ideal if you’re simply using paint to cover things but, but the paint’s adhesion is only as good as the weakest link. This means ensuring any problem areas are adequately prepared is extra essential. 

3. Use quality brushes and roller
The tools and products you use for your project can largely influence how the final paint job turns out. If you use the cheapest rollers and brushes, the paint job will reflect that. Low-quality products can leave behind streaky finishes, remnants of the product itself, and more. 

High-quality products produce a much more professional look and finish. And if you’re not quite sure what products you should be using, the friendly local experts at Hess Supply Co. can help you out. Their lineup of products can be purchased online, or you’re welcome to stop by the store to browse their selection and speak with their experts. 

4. Start painting at the highest point and go down
If this is your first painting project, you may not know one of the basic rules of thumb: start painting at the highest point and work your way down. This ensures that your paint coat is even and drips aren’t left running down the wall or surface. We recommend cutting in the edges of your painting surface first, then working your way from top to bottom. Additional products like edging applicators can help make this process easy to do. 

5. Cover up with drop cloths, painters tape, and plastic covers
No matter how careful you plan to be, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home and furniture. Drop cloths and painter’s tape are affordable and go a long way in making your project look like a professional came to town. Cover things like door knobs, baseboards, window panes, and light switches. For flooring and furniture, turn to plastic covers. 

It’s very tempting to simply say you’ll be careful, but we know how much DIY painters often regret if they ruin something they love. So take the extra few minutes and cover up!

Have other questions or need professional assistance?
Hess Supply Co is here to help! Our friendly experts love answering your questions and helping home painters act like professionals. For more tips and resources or to shop our line of products, explore our online store or stop by our space at 2406 N Sherman Street in York, PA.