Complete Painting Guide for Homeowners
Everything you need to know about interior and exterior painting projects, from choosing the right paint to achieving professional results.
Quick Overview
DIY Cost
$30-50 per room
Time Required
1-3 days per room
Difficulty
Beginner to Intermediate
Choosing the Right Paint
Interior Paint Types
- Flat/Matte: Best for low-traffic areas, hides imperfections but hard to clean
- Eggshell: Slight sheen, good for living rooms and bedrooms
- Satin: Durable and washable, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms
- Semi-gloss: Very durable, perfect for trim and high-moisture areas
- Gloss: Extremely durable but shows imperfections, best for doors and cabinets
Exterior Paint Considerations
- Acrylic Latex: Most popular, easy cleanup, flexible, fade-resistant
- Oil-Based: Durable but harder to apply, longer drying time
- Primer: Essential for bare wood, metal, or dramatic color changes
Surface Preparation (Most Important Step!)
Pro Tip
90% of paint job quality depends on proper surface preparation. Don't skip these steps!
Interior Prep Steps
- Remove furniture or cover with plastic
- Clean walls with mild detergent solution
- Fill holes and cracks with spackling compound
- Sand rough areas and dried spackle
- Prime stained areas, bare wood, or dramatic color changes
- Apply painter's tape to trim and edges
Exterior Prep Steps
- Power wash and let dry completely (24-48 hours)
- Scrape loose or peeling paint
- Sand rough areas
- Fill cracks and holes with exterior wood filler
- Prime bare wood and metal surfaces
- Cover plants and outdoor furniture
Essential Tools and Materials
Basic Tools
- • High-quality brushes (angled for trim)
- • Rollers and roller covers
- • Paint trays and liners
- • Drop cloths
- • Painter's tape
- • Ladder or step stool
- • Sandpaper (120-220 grit)
Materials
- • Quality paint (don't cheap out!)
- • Primer (if needed)
- • Spackling compound
- • Caulk for gaps
- • Cleaning supplies
- • Plastic sheeting
Professional Painting Techniques
Interior Painting Order
- Ceiling first: Use a roller with extension pole
- Walls second: Cut in edges with brush, then roll
- Trim last: Use angled brush for clean lines
Rolling Technique
- • Use "W" pattern to distribute paint evenly
- • Don't overload the roller
- • Maintain wet edge to avoid lap marks
- • Apply thin, even coats rather than one thick coat
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping primer: Always prime when changing colors dramatically or painting over stains
- Buying cheap paint: Quality paint covers better and lasts longer
- Poor surface prep: Paint won't adhere properly to dirty or glossy surfaces
- Painting in direct sunlight: Exterior paint should be applied in shade when possible
When to Hire Professional Painters
Good for DIY
- • Single rooms
- • One-story exteriors
- • Simple color changes
- • You have time and patience
- • Budget is tight
Hire Professionals
- • Whole house projects
- • Two-story exteriors
- • Detailed trim work
- • Lead paint concerns
- • Time constraints
- • Warranty needed
Cost Breakdown
| Project Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Room (12x12) | $30-50 | $200-400 | 1-2 days |
| Whole House Interior | $200-500 | $1,500-3,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Exterior (1,500 sq ft) | $300-600 | $2,000-4,000 | 1-2 weeks |
Ready to Get Started?
Don't want to tackle this project yourself? Our experienced team can handle your painting project with professional results and guaranteed satisfaction.