1. Paint the trim first, then the ceiling and walls
When interior painting, professionals generally paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. This is because it’s easier and faster to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls. When you paint the trim, don’t worry about getting trim paint on the walls (you’ll easily cover this up later). Just focus on creating a smooth finish. Once the trim has had 24 hours to dry, you can tape it off with easy release painter’s tape and move on to the ceilings, then the walls.
2. Mix several cans of paint in a large bucket for consistency
If you’re using old and new paint, or if you’re worried about consistent color from more than one can of new paint, mix all of your paint together in a large bucket before starting to paint. This will ensure an even paint color on every surface.
3. Avoid lap marks by rolling the full height of the wall and keeping a wet edge
Lap marks are the lines you see running up and down the walls left behind by paint rollers. They are caused by layering wet paint on top of partly dry paint unevenly. The key to avoiding lap marks is to maintain a wet edge so each roller stroke overlaps the previous stroke before the paint can begin to dry.
To maintain a wet edge on each stroke, start in a corner and run the roller completely up and down the entire height of the wall. Move over slightly with each full stroke. And don’t let the roller become nearly dry. Reload often enough that you are always keeping the roller at least half loaded with paint. Because you put more pressure on the closed side of the roller, keep the closed side facing the area you haven’t painted yet. This keeps the side of the roller with less pressure-facing paint that won’t be painted over again (keeping lines from forming where the paint is squeezed out of the side of the roller).
4. After your paint dries, cut the tape loose for a perfect edge
Once your paint is dry, it’s difficult to pull the tape off of trim without pulling up dry paint from the nearby wall or ceiling. To solve this, wait for the paint to dry completely (at least 24 hours) and use a razor knife to cut a groove between the tape and the wall or ceiling paint. Pull the tape at a 45-degree angle as you are cutting with the razor to remove the tape cleanly.
5. Roll out paint near trim for a consistent texture
Painting most of the wall with a roller and then a 6-inch wide stripe near trim with a paintbrush will cause a noticeable change in texture near the trim. To solve this, paint with a brush first, then immediately roll the paint out with a small 3-inch roller. Be careful not to get too close to the trim, a roller with a trim guard is a great tool for this.
And remember, if your interior painting project gets too complicated, call the pros at Rhodes Custom Finishes. We can take your room from boring to beautiful without the headache of doing it yourself. Call us today at 636-385-6655.
