5 DIY Painting Tips for Homeowners: Interior and Exterior

by LaRock Painting & Hanyman LLC on ~ 10 min read

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Thinking about giving your home a fresh new look with a paint job? Whether you're tackling an interior room or refreshing the exterior, painting can be a rewarding and relatively cost-effective way to improve your space. Before you break out the brushes and rollers, here are some essential tips to help you achieve professional-looking results. And remember, while DIY painting is possible, there are times when calling in a pro like LaRock Painting and Handyman LLC can save you time, effort, and ensure a flawless finish.

1. Prep is Everything

One of the most common mistakes in DIY painting is skipping or rushing the prep work. Proper preparation is the foundation of a great paint job—don’t cut corners!

For Interiors:
  • Clean the walls: Dust, dirt, and grease can prevent the paint from adhering properly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down walls and let them dry completely.
  • Fill holes and cracks: Use spackle or joint compound to fill in any imperfections. Sand them smooth once dried.
  • Tape off trim and edges: Use high-quality painter’s tape to ensure crisp lines. Take your time with this step—it will save you from unsightly paint bleed.

For Exteriors:
  • Wash the surface: Use a pressure washer to clean the exterior surface, removing dirt, mildew, and peeling paint. This creates a clean slate for the new paint.
  • Scrape and sand: Any peeling or chipped paint needs to be scraped off and sanded down to ensure the new paint adheres smoothly.

Professional Tip: Proper prep work can take a significant amount of time, especially for larger projects. A professional painter knows exactly what tools and techniques to use for different surfaces, ensuring no steps are missed.



2. Choose the Right Paint

Not all paint is created equal, and choosing the wrong type can lead to a subpar finish or even faster wear and tear.

Interior Paint Tips:
  • Finish matters: For high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms, opt for semi-gloss or satin finishes that are easier to clean. For bedrooms or living rooms, matte or eggshell finishes create a cozy, non-reflective look.
  • Don’t skimp on quality: High-quality paint may cost more upfront, but it often requires fewer coats and provides better coverage and durability.


Exterior Paint Tips:
  • Weather resistance is key: Exterior paint needs to withstand the elements. Look for paints that are UV-resistant and waterproof to avoid fading, cracking, or peeling over time.
  • Color choice: Lighter colors tend to last longer on exterior surfaces because they reflect sunlight and are less likely to fade. Keep this in mind when choosing your exterior palette.

Professional Tip: Professionals understand the nuances of paint types and can recommend the best products for your specific project, taking into account factors like climate, surface material, and personal preferences.



3. Use the Right Tools

A high-quality paint job requires the right tools. The temptation to use whatever brushes or rollers are lying around is understandable, but investing in the correct tools can make all the difference.

Must-Have Tools:
  • Roller with extension pole: This will save your back and help you reach high areas without a ladder.
  • Angled brushes: These are great for cutting in around trim, windows, and edges, giving you a clean, precise line.
  • Drop cloths: Protect your floors and furniture from accidental drips and spills.

Professional Tip: A professional painter comes equipped with all the necessary tools and can work more efficiently, minimizing disruption to your daily life and achieving a clean, polished result.



4. Apply Paint Like a Pro

The way you apply the paint is just as important as the paint itself. Here’s how to do it right.

Interior Painting Technique:
  • Cut in first: Start by painting along the edges, trim, and corners with a brush before using a roller. This ensures those areas are properly covered without overloading the roller.
  • Roll with a W-pattern: Use a roller to apply paint in a "W" pattern on the wall and then fill in the gaps. This helps avoid streaks and ensures even coverage.


Exterior Painting Technique:
  • Paint from top to bottom: When painting a home’s exterior, always start at the top and work your way down. This prevents drips from ruining your fresh paint below.
  • Work in the shade: If possible, avoid painting in direct sunlight, as it can cause the paint to dry too quickly and lead to visible brush strokes or uneven drying.

Professional Tip: Applying paint with even strokes and knowing the right techniques takes practice. A pro painter can ensure a smooth, consistent finish without streaks, drips, or missed spots.



5. Know When to Hire a Professional

While DIY painting can be a fun and cost-saving project, there are times when hiring a professional makes sense. Large or complex projects, like painting the exterior of a multi-story home, can be risky and difficult to handle on your own. Professional painters have the experience, equipment, and skill to deliver long-lasting results quickly and efficiently.

Consider Hiring a Pro If:
  • You’re dealing with hard-to-reach areas or multi-story homes.
  • You want to save time and avoid the mess of a large project.
  • You’re not confident in your painting skills or the prep work required.
  • You want a guaranteed high-quality finish that boosts your home’s curb appeal.

At LaRock Painting and Handyman, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch painting services that make your home look its best—inside and out. Whether you're considering a DIY project or need a pro for a larger job, we’re here to help.








Need Professional Help? Contact us today for a consultation, and let our trusted team bring your vision to life without the hassle.