A clean, freshly painted room is a welcome sight. But there’s more to a good paint job than rolling and brushing neatly.

Professional painters have a lot of institutional knowledge about how to get that fresh look. Visit https://www.louspaintingcompany.com/ to learn more.

They start by covering furniture, removing outlet covers and curtain rods, sanding rough areas, and using caulk and putty to repair damage. They then take an overview of the entire project to prepare a quote and begin the painting process.

The walls of your home or business provide the framework for your space and play a critical role in the overall aesthetics. The right colors can transform a room into a relaxing oasis or a vibrant hub of creativity. Proper painting techniques can also add depth and personality to your space by creating textures, patterns, or special effects.

Interior painting does more than revitalize your walls aesthetically; it protects them from moisture, dust, and scratches. It’s important to choose a high quality paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which will help reduce harmful indoor air pollutants.

In addition to protecting against moisture, a fresh coat of paint can also repel stains, mold, and dust. These protective properties make wall painting a smart investment in your home or commercial building’s long-term integrity and resilience.

When selecting a color, it’s important to consider how light and dark shades can impact the feel of your space. For example, a bright color can make small rooms feel larger while darker tones create cozy atmospheres. It’s also important to take into account the furniture in your space and how it will interact with the color you choose.

Aside from changing the visual appeal of your walls, a fresh coat of paint can also boost your property’s value in the real estate market. Potential buyers are often attracted to homes that have been freshly painted, as it’s one less home improvement project they will need to undertake upon moving in. In fact, studies have shown that the average home that has been painted recently sells for 7% more than a comparable unpainted home.

Ceilings

The ceiling is often called the “fifth wall.” It adds to the overall feeling of a room and can convey a warm, cozy ambience or an aura of expansiveness. Like walls, the ceiling should be prepped with sandpaper and a high-quality primer. It’s also a good idea to mask any fixtures that cannot be removed to protect them from paint splatters.

Typically, ceilings are painted with rollers, while walls are painted with a brush (to cut in the corners). A high-quality extension pole with a wide roller attachment and a 230mm PAL No 1 roller sleeve is a good choice. A paint formulated specifically for ceilings will ensure the smooth, even finish you want.

If your ceiling has a deep texture, it is a good idea to prime it before you begin painting with a roller. A good quality interior latex drywall primer will work well for a smooth ceiling and can be used to fill in any grooves on textured ceilings. If your ceiling has a water stain, it is important to treat the stain with a stain blocking primer to ensure that the new coat of paint will cover it completely.

Once the primer has dried, it’s time to start painting. Using a 2 inch trim brush, create a cut-line along the edge of one wall and then move onto the adjacent wall. Make sure you are still standing on the step ladder when you do this. By doing this while the paint is wet, you will help reduce visible lines down the line.

After you have cut-in around all of the edges of the room, it is a good idea to let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next area. While the paint is drying, clean your tools with hot soapy water for water-based paints and a solvent for oil-based paints.

Trim

The trim of a room, such as molding, chair rails and casings, adds a decorative element and helps the walls and ceilings stand out. Generally, trim is painted with a gloss finish that contrasts with the flat sheen of the wall paint. In the past, oil-based paint was used for trims and moldings, but acrylic latex paints have made strides in recent years.

It is important to properly prep the trim before painting, which includes sanding and caulking, if necessary, according to a professional Washington, D.C., interior designer. “Caulking the areas that are peeling and sanding rough spots will help you get a smooth, even surface,” she says. “And don’t skip the details—filling nail holes and smoothing out ragged corners will make sure your trim looks crisp and clean.”

To avoid visible brush strokes on your trim, first apply a coat of primer to all surfaces. Then, wait for the trim to dry before proceeding. Once the trim is completely dry, use a fine grit sandpaper to smooth all surfaces before applying your paint. Using an appropriate caulking material will prevent your paint from bleeding through and will also keep moisture out of the wood, which may cause damage down the road.

Once you’ve applied your trim color, it is important to let it dry for 24 hours before applying another coat. During this time, be sure to remove all tape, wipe down the surface, and vacuum or dust the area before the next step. Then, without reloading your brush, drag the tips of the bristles over the wet paint in long strokes to create a smooth, even texture that will hide any visible brush marks.

Cabinets

Cabinets are a key element in the look of any kitchen. Changing their color with the latest trends is an inexpensive way to give any room a major upgrade without the expense of replacing furniture or other decorations. Unlike walls and ceilings, cabinets must be carefully cleaned and prepared before painting. A professional painter has the skills and tools to ensure a smooth, even finish for both wood and laminate surfaces.

Depending on the size of the project and the number of cabinets, this can be an involved process that requires significant time commitments. In addition to cleaning, sanding and prepping the surface for paint, proper preparation includes masking, covering floors and fixtures, filling cracks and holes, sanding rough areas and priming the cabinet’s interior and exterior.

There are a wide variety of interior paints to choose from. Although there is no one-size-fits-all, modern formulas have made it possible to have latex paints that are as washable as traditional oilbase enamels. These can be used on all surfaces, including woodwork, trim and doors.

For high-traffic areas like the kitchen, a semigloss or gloss paint may be a better choice than a flat finish. These paints are easy to clean and provide a subtle sheen that hides minor imperfections. The sheen level also helps to hide scuff marks and fingerprints. For low-to-moderate traffic areas, a matte sheen is a durable option that can be easily touched up when needed. It can be difficult to find matte, satin or semigloss paints at a home improvement store, so it is often best to consult with a professional painting contractor. They will be able to recommend the best product for the job.

Flooring

When painted well, floor color can have a big impact on a room. It’s also affordable—painting a floor is much less expensive than painting an entire wall or ceiling. But it’s important to take the proper steps for the surface type and style you have in mind.

When painting wood floors, it’s generally best to sand them before applying paint, Hoffman says. He recommends starting with a palm sander, then switching to a electric or orbital sander for the rougher areas. It’s also a good idea to remove any carpeting or rugs before starting, and to cover furniture with sheets or drop cloths. Depending on the finish you’re going for, it might be necessary to apply multiple coats of paint. But be sure to let each coat dry completely before walking on it again, he advises.

The most important consideration when painting floors is choosing the right paint for the job. “If you’re using a paint that’s designed for floors, it will be super durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic,” Hoffman says. He recommends GoodHome’s durable floor and stairs paint for wood, laminate and tile or Ronseal diamond hard for concrete floors. The latter is especially tough and can stand up to oil leaks, fuel spills and more.

Most paints contain volatile organic compounds, so ventilation is key when you’re working on a floor. Make sure to open windows and doors in adjacent rooms, and wear a mask when priming or painting. And once your floor is finished, keep it looking its best by sweeping regularly and mopping occasionally with a water-based cleaner.