How to paint an interior wall? Painting a wall is the easiest and least expensive way to change its decor. With the right tools and a good technique, you can repaint a room in less than a day, two at most.
Whether it is simply to redecorate your interior, or if you are planning to sell your house, painting a wall does not require a call to a specialist. You can absolutely do this yourself, but follow a few rules.
Are you tempted to paint an interior wall? So here are our tips and tricks to get the best result.
1. Preparation before painting a wall
Before you even apply the paint, you will need to prepare the surface to be painted. Here are some tips and important steps before you start painting the walls in the house:
- With a cleaning and degreasing product, wash the wall thoroughly and rinse well.
- Then observe the surface. If there are any holes, they should be repaired with the appropriate product, such as a filler. Apply this product in thin layers, letting it dry between each application.
- Sand with sandpaper so that the repair is invisible under the paint. When it is completely dry, pass a damp cloth to remove all traces of dust.
- Then all you have to do is remove the wall plates of the switches, and other decorative items that are on your walls and that you want to protect.
- With adhesive tape specifically designed for this purpose, protect the frames, the floor or any other adjacent surface that you do not want painted.
- Make sure to also cover the furniture in the room if you can’t get it out, as well as the floor with a tarp or an old sheet.
I absolutely want to tell you about my tricks against the smell of paint, because it can quickly become unbearable in the house. Here they are: Remove the smell of paint in a room.
2. Apply a primer before painting an already painted wall
Although it’s not always necessary, applying a primer will help you get the best results. Especially if you want to paint an already painted wall a darker color, if the wall is still rough, etc.
One or two coats may be required, depending on the condition of the wall. Wait until it is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
3. The right tools for painting a wall
Now that you’re ready to paint your wall, make sure you have the right tools:
- A good quality angled brush
- A handle and a paint roller adapted to the type of surface of your wall
- A container for paint to be applied with a brush
- A tub, or tray, for paint to be applied with a roller
- Cloths or paper towels in case of damage
- Plastic bags to store roller and brush between applications, to prevent them from drying out.
To paint a wall, you start by making the outlines with a brush, which is called cutting. To do this, dip the end of your brush into the paint, and let it drip to remove the excess.
Then apply the paint to the wall with the angled part of the brush, starting at one of the top corners of the room. Be sure to follow the tape line. Make smooth and as straight lines as possible.
To paint a wall without touching the ceiling, it is good to paint a wide strip with a brush. When you get to the roller painting stage, you don’t need to be very careful not to touch the ceiling.
Some paints, including Benjamin Moore’s Aura, require that the decoupage paint be allowed to dry before applying the paint with a roller. Be sure to read the specifications of the product you are using before you begin.
If not, it’s time to paint the wall surface using the roller. Soak your paint roller well, and remove the excess by passing it on the flat part of the paint tray.
The best method for painting with a roller without making streaks, is to apply the paint in alternating « M » or « W » patterns, working back and forth over the same section until it is completely filled. You can then move on to another section by repeating the same pattern.
With most paints you will need a minimum of two coats for the best result. Wait for the first layer to be completely dry before applying the second, using the same technique.
We see more and more pretty interiors painted white in decorating magazines. If you’re tempted to try this look for your home, start by choosing the right white. Indeed, there is an impressive multitude of shades of white! Warmer ones, colder ones, shades of grey, green, yellow, etc. Do not hesitate to seek advice from an expert.
Once you have chosen your paint, to paint your wall white, start by applying a good coat or two of primer. Let it dry completely, and apply your white paint using the technique mentioned above. For an impeccable result, apply two coats of paint, letting it dry well between each one.
Now that you know how to paint a wall white, here are our tips and tricks for cleaning it properly: Clean and wash a painted wall.
To paint a wall in two colors, follow the same steps:
- Cleaning and degreasing
- Preperation
- Application of a primer
Then, when your primer is completely dry, apply painter’s tape to outline the areas to be painted.
If you’ve decided to divide your wall horizontally, paint the top part first, trimming first and then rolling.
Then let it dry well for 24 to 48 hours. Remove the masking tape, and apply some clean one to the top dry paint, to paint the bottom part which you will do following the same steps.
8. What paint to buy to paint the walls of the house?
It is important to always always use a quality paint when painting interior walls. Indeed, quality paints will be more expensive, but they will give better results. Check that your paint covers well, that it is washable, taut and that it offers good whiteness.
Choosing a matte or satin paint for interior walls?
- matt paint will not retain light and will be effective for a cozy atmosphere. It will camouflage imperfections well, but will unfortunately be more difficult to clean.
- The satin paint, as long as it will be useful for rooms with livelier atmospheres. It will retain light well and be much easier to clean than flat paint.
Now that the painting of the walls is finished I would like to offer you my tips for cleaning brushes: How do you clean a varnish and paint brush?