You’ve been thinking about repainting a room in your home; now you are ready to leap. Although you are excited about undertaking the paint job as a DIY project, you might be apprehensive about the process and outcome. Should you hire a painter? How much time will it take? Is this something you could easily do on your own?

We know you’ve got questions, and we’ve got a few suggestions you can use to guide you with how to paint a wall if you’re a beginner.

Doing a DIY painting project has a few attractive benefits you might like.

1. It allows you to learn a new skill and provides intimate knowledge of the task, so you understand the process for some professionals.
2. It helps you to save money you’d otherwise use to pay someone else to do it.
3. When completed, it can result in a feeling of accomplishment and pride.
4. You can use it as a family bonding activity and work at your own pace to get it done.
5. It is easy to correct if you make a mistake when painting a wall. 
6. It can be therapeutic since you detach from everyday stressors to take a hands-on approach to what you’re doing.

What should you know about painting a wall?

Do a budget: Create a budget and include a list of the tools and materials, plus the type, colour, and amount of paint you’ll need. Some additional tools that you may need include, a stepladder, paintbrush, bucket, drop cloth, paint tray, roller frame, sponge, flexible putty knife, and long-handle roller.  

Choose your paint: Start by measuring the walls. If you are unsure, ask the assistant in the paint section of your hardware store or paint shop for help. When selecting the colour, remember the room’s physical space, furniture, and décor (accent pieces, wall art, pictures, etc.) are critical to the outcome.

Prepare the room: Remove the furniture, wall accessories, and rugs from the room, if possible. You can also move large pieces of furniture to the centre of the room and cover them with a drop cloth. Use putty and a (putty) knife to overfill screw and nail holes slightly, then smooth the excess putty away with medium-grit sandpaper. Make sure to wipe down the walls with a sponge and warm water. You can use painter’s tape to cover permanent structures and outlets. For a clean line, ensure the end of the tape aligns precisely where the wall meets the trim.

Get ready to paint: If you’re painting bare drywall or plan to use a lighter colour over a darker one, use just enough primer to cover the bottom of the painter’s tray. Ensure the primer doesn’t pool up at the sides to prevent it from drying out and causing drips. Then prime and allow the walls to dry according to the package instructions.

Start painting: Pour mixed paint into a small container you can hold in one hand. Use a two-inch brush to dip into approximately a third of the paint, then tap the brush against the side of the container to remove excess. Begin painting the areas around the trim about two or three inches from the tape. Try to work in four-foot sections to prevent marks that appear when it begins to dry. To paint larger areas of the wall, use a roller. Fill the paint tray as you would with the primer and dip the roller into the tray. You can use the top of the tray to remove excess paint. Paint the wall in three-foot sections, using a W motion. Fill empty spaces with vertical strokes without lifting the roller from the wall to ensure even coverage.

Clean up: Most walls might not require two coats of paint, but if you use a double coat, remove the painter’s tape while the second coat is drying. Collect drop cloths, and ensure spills or splatters are dry before you move them. For latex and water-based paints, clean brushes with soapy water and use paint thinner, mineral spirits, or turpentine for oil-based paints. 

Important points to keep in mind.

Paint your wall from top to bottom and do so using natural light, as this will help you to get the best outcome. Painting in dim or harsh artificial lighting can result in imperfections and patches. During the painting process, ventilate the room by opening windows and doors, which can minimise drying time.

We hope your DIY painting project goes well. Please, use our Find Yello listings to search for paint shops, hardware stores, home and garden stores, and other relevant businesses that can help you.

Sources: Country Living, Homes and Gardens, Real Simple, and Family Handyman.