8 Tricks to a Pro-Quality Paint Job

What to know before you pop the lid...

Quite simply there is no quicker, less expensive way to revamp a space.

1. Pick Your Paint Type:

Water-soluble latex is DIY-friendly because it cleans up with soap and water and dries quickly. Oil paint dries slowly and requires mineral spirits for cleanup, but it hardens into a very durable finish.

2. Choose Your Sheen:

Flat and low-luster paints give a rougher surface that hides flaws; glossier finishes highlight imperfections but for a smoother, more water-resistant surface that can stand up to the high traffic and moisture-think kitchen and bath.

3. Start with Good Tools:

Look for brushes with bristles that are tapered, split and arranged in multiple lengths to for a slim tip. A mix of nylon and polyester will hold and release latex paint particularly well, while natural bristles work best with oil based paints. With rollers, match the nap to the surface texture: 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch nap for most drywall.

4. Invest in Quality:

Cheaper paints and primers swap more pigment for costlier resin, so they cover walls well when wet but show bare spots as they dry. Quality primers, such as those from Zinsser, will adhere to glossy painted or stained surfaces without sanding, ultimately saving you time and money.

5. Prep:

To make the job easier, take the time to clear out the room and cover floors and fixtures with drop cloths. Spackle any damaged drywall, scuff and sand the surfaces to be painted, and vacuum up all the dust. Wipe down ceilings, walls, and trim with a damp sponge. Finally, prime the entire surface.

6. Cut In:

Use a 2 1/2-inch angled brush to pint the border of the area you're working on. Framing in your field this way buffers the roller from mussing adjacent surfaces.

7. Learn to Lay Off:

After you've rolled a section, make a series of long vertical strokes up the full length of the wall, moving in one direction (left or right). This last step, called laying off, will distribute wet paint in a nice, even layer.

8. Score Carefully:

If you've masked off baseboards with painter's tape, pull it off the same day you paint-but first run a putty knife blade held at a 45 degree angle along the edge so that you don't accidentally pull away any paint.

This Old House: Your New Home, "8 Tricks to a Pro-Quality Paint Job". Pg. (14) Spring 2011