There’s no better way to update a room than with a fresh coat of paint. And the best part is that anyone can do it. All you need is a little patience, practice, and some helpful advice from a professional. That’s where I come in!

Several years back, right after I moved to Austin as a newlywed, I took a position with a high-end painting and faux finishing company. It was a short-lived stint. But nevertheless, I learned a few tips and tricks that will stick with me for the remainder of my DIY-home-improvement-days. I hope these insider tips will help get your projects rolling!

1. Control the Quality

With so many options to choose from these days, it’s becoming increasingly harder to turn down off-brand or low quality materials. But when it comes to painting, you’ll want to spend more money upfront to save you time and headaches in the long run. Good paints and paintbrushes are key to a professional-looking finish. Look for these products…

• Paintbrushes with softer nylon bristles. Tapered and angled silhouettes work best for cutting in and trimwork.
• Roller Covers that hold plenty of paint without too much texture. I prefer a ½” nap lambswool.
• 3M ScotchBlue Painters Tape with EdgeLock (either for WALLS or BASEBOARDS)
  

2. Set a Prime Example

Paint Primers are so important for sufficient paint adhesion. After all, noone wants blisters or peeling on their freshly coated corridors! One trick to use for maximum coverage is to tint your primer with the topcoat paint color. This should also eliminate the need for multiple applications. If you simply cannot resist the temptation of paint that contains primer, you will still be fine. However, nothing covers as well or improves adhesion as much as a dedicated primer.

3. Goof Off

Have you ever tried to paint stripes or some other design on your wall and just ended up completely frustrated? You may have even spent hours making sure your design was taped off perfectly only to find paint leaked underneath afterward. This cycle of taping and retouching can be so tedious. This one product alone can be a total game changer for you. Just spray a little Goof Off onto a rag or paper towel, rub onto the edge of the tape you will be painting, and wait a minute for it to dry. You will get a perfect, clean paint line every time! Goof Off also works amazing for paint cleanup. If you accidentally graze your brush onto another wall or surface, Goof Off will remove it completely.

4. Cool It

Painting can be a daunting task, especially in a large room. And for those of us with busy schedules and 9-5 jobs, it’s actually fairly difficult to get painting projects done in a single day. Therefore, either cleaning your brushes/rollers or just tossing them and buying new supplies seems inevitable. What a waste of time AND money! Instead, just cool it… literally. Latex paint dries slowly in cold temperatures so if wrap your paint applicators in plastic bags or wrap and refrigerate them, they’ll stay fresh for next-day usage. Just allow them to return to room temperature and you’re ready to go.