6 Pro Painter Tips that Make Every Paint Job Look Better

Tackling a painting project without professional help might seem like a cost-effective choice, but it can end up costing more if done incorrectly. To help you achieve pristine walls, perfectly painted trim, and color selections that enhance your home's value, Anthony Kulikowski, owner of Five Star Painting, offers his expert painting rules to guide your DIY efforts.

1. Go for High-Quality Paint

No matter whether you’re hiring a professional or DIYing your paint job, high-quality paint matters. If you use an unworthy paint or primer, Kulikowski warns you might soon begin to see the signs of “early paint failure," such as fading, peeling, and bubbling.

“If you’re unsure of what products to choose, I recommend working with a professional or buying your paint from a paint store such as Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams,” he says. Investing more upfront by purchasing a high-quality primer and paint can save you from slower dry times and paint that wears out prematurely, leading to a more durable and long-lasting final product.

2. Invest in the Right Supplies

Just like the paint, high-quality supplies also matter. “Using the wrong tools leads to inconsistent textures and wasted effort,” says Kulikowski. Cheap rollers and brushes aren’t the key to a high-quality job and could be standing in the way of achieving the cleanest lines and smoothest finish. Kulikowski advises using a trio of high-quality painting instruments, including brushes for trim, rollers for the walls, and sprayers for larger areas.

 3. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Prep

“Prep is the most overlooked step by most DIYers, but it is the most important,” says Kulikowski. It’s imperative that your surfaces are clean and any imperfections are sanded down. Beyond that, the paint expert advises moving furniture and covering it with drop cloths, securing rosin paper to the floor, and taping any tight areas that you’ll want to protect from paint splashes and streaks. Without the proper prep, Kulikowski warns the paint could have trouble adhering to the surface, leading to an uneven finish or peeling.

4. Choose Your Paint Colors Wisely

One of the trickiest parts of painting certainly comes down to color selection. Kulikowski urges DIYers not to overlook the importance of this step. Taking your time and selecting colors that not only look good but also aid in the overall flow of your home is key, he says. If you find this part of the job too overwhelming or you just aren’t sure the best direction to take, Kulikowski advises seeking out a designer or high-end painting company that can help you settle on a palette you’ll be happy with for the long term.

5. Take an Ordered Approach

If you want professional-looking results, the next time you pick up a paintbrush and a bucket of paint, Kulikowski says the order in which you paint matters. “At Five Star Painting, we like to start with a top-down approach,” he says. “We start with ceilings, then move to trim and doors, and then do walls last.” This strategy is what will help you more easily cut into the trim while also ensuring the overall process runs smoothly and efficiently.

6. Be Realistic

As with most home projects, being realistic about your expectations and ability can be the difference between a project you’re happy to show off and a total DIY fail. Kulikowski urges homeowners to call in the professionals if they think the project might be above their skill level.

Painting the exterior and high ceiling, as well as working with intricate moldings or architectural features are all prime opportunities for letting the pros show off their handiwork. Many homeowners might desire to DIY to save money, but Kulikowski assures the opposite might be true if you take on a job that’s beyond your skill level. “Professionals have the expertise and tools to achieve a flawless finish, saving you from costly mistakes.”