DIY Painting Tips: 40 Clever Hacks To Help You Paint Like A Pro
Painting is a great way to give any living space a makeover quickly and cheaply. However, there are plenty of tips and tricks to painting, just like professionals do. This advice can make all the difference between having an okay job and a job that looks like a professional did it.
This article will provide some pro DIY painting tips to help DIYers save time and money on their next painting job. Keep reading to learn some valuable painting tips every DIYer should know.
Swiffer The Walls Before Painting
Using a Swiffer mop is an easy and efficient way for DIY painting pros to clean walls quickly. Start by dusting the wall with a cloth. Place the Swiffer mop with a cleaning pad in the bucket and fill it with warm water. Dip the mop into the solution and wring out the excess water.
Make sure to rinse the cleaning pad often and wring it out. Once finished, dry the wall with a towel to remove any remaining moisture. Prepare the wall quickly and efficiently for painting using this method.
Rubber Bands Will Keep Paint Can Clean
A lesser-known DIY tip that professionals use is placing a rubber band over the opening of a paint can and resting brushes on it. This keeps paint from collecting on the top of the can since it will be resting on the rubber band instead.
As a result, there is less paint to clean up when it is time to shut the can. The rubber band also prevents the brushes from sinking too deep into the can when unattended or when it is not in use.
Paint Tape As A Makeshift Spout
Working with paint cans can be challenging to avoid a messy spilling. Using painters' or masking tape can help. Place more than one strip of tape across the can's open lip. Bring them together to form a small triangle and seal.
The tape should have enough tension to act as a makeshift spout and control the flow of the paint. Check to verify the strips are tightly attached to the side of the can to prevent paint from seeping beneath it. With this tactic, you should be able to avoid messy spilling and keep the job clean.
Paint Shields As A Straightedge
A paint shield can be a valuable tool for DIY projects involving painting ceilings and floors. Protect your walls and furniture while trapping any drops of paint that miss their target. Made from flexible metal, the paint shield can be bent and adjusted to fit spaces that a traditional straightedge tool cannot reach.
It is easy to use and can be placed and removed without leaving any markings. A paint shield is handy for painting floors and ceilings, allowing for an even, professional finish. Another benefit is they are not expensive and available in many stores.
Clean Brushes And Rollers With Fabric Softener
When tackling a painting job, one of the best DIY painting tips from professionals is to use fabric softener to clean paint brushes and rollers. All you need to do is soak the brush or roller in a bowl filled with a fabric softener and lukewarm water solution.
Then, leave them to soak for a few hours before using an old toothbrush to work the fabric softener into the bristles of the brush. Once done, rinse off the brushes or rollers and hang them up to dry.
Reduce Paint Fumes With Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is an effective and natural way to reduce the smell of paint fumes. Before starting to paint, mix a few tablespoons of vanilla extract with each gallon of paint before applying it to the surface. The added extract is not noticeable when dry.
Open windows and exhaust fans can help remove the smell from the room. Lastly, spray a mixture of one cup of water, vinegar, and drops of an essential oil of your choice throughout the area after you have finished painting for a prolonged pleasant aroma.
Label Paint Lids With The Room It Belongs To
Creating labels on paint cans is one DIY painting tip. First, gather all the paint cans in the room you will be painting. Label each can with a description of the room for which it is intended. For example, label the paint cans "kitchen" and "bedroom."
This will help ensure you do not apply the wrong paint to the inappropriate room. Not only will it make painting less challenging, but it will also aid in cleanup. When you are done, replace the paint cans in the right spot.
Hair Dryers For Removing Painting Tape
Before painting a wall, tape or masking tape can be a great way to create clean, even edges. After the project is complete, however, removing the tape can be a headache. A hairdryer is an ingenious DIY painting tip to remove the remaining tape.
By heating the tape, the adhesive becomes warm and loses its stickiness, allowing it to be peeled with ease off the surface. Although this method may not always work for more stubborn pieces of tape, it is worth trying to avoid this last tedious task.
Bring The Rustic Look To Exposed Brick Walls
Using sponges to paint exposed brick walls is an easy and inexpensive way to give it a rustic look. First, dip the sponge in the paint and squeeze off any extra. Then, press the sponge onto the wall to evenly coat it in paint.
Be sure to work in small areas and one direction at a time. Finally, remove the excess paint with an old cloth, leaving behind the effect of a distressed wall. The result is a classic rustic look that will leave your guests' jaws on the floor.
Razor Blade Away Leftover Drips And Lines
If you need to remove excess paint lines or drips, it is always a good idea to try sanding, as it is a simple and effective solution. In cases where sanding does not work well, a razor blade can be used to work on the paint.
Remember to use a new, sharp blade and apply gentle pressure while scraping. Be aware of the risk of damaging the surface, so take caution and practice on a scrap piece of material beforehand. Lastly, clean up any excess and use a light sandpaper to buff down the area to finish.
Milk Jugs Make Good Brush Holders
A great DIY painting hack for your next art project is to reuse old milk jugs for paintbrush holders. You can easily cut off one side of the jug and create a spout for a holder. Then, you can use the bottom of the jug for a mini paint tray to accommodate dripping paint.
This efficiently keeps your paintbrushes all organized without costing you extra money. It will also help you avoid messes that might occur while painting. So try this hack next time you venture to work on your latest painting project.
Use A Drill To Mix Paint
Mixing paint with a drill couldn't be easier. Start by buying a mixing attachment for your drill. Commonly available and reasonably priced, they attach easily and provide a surprisingly effective way of stirring and mixing paint without breaking the bank. Put your mixer attachment into a paint bucket and let your drill do the work.
Vigorous mixing of the paint ensures consistent coverage and an even result when you start painting. As a creative DIY tip, add a few drops of fabric softener to the paint mix, which helps improve the application of both water and oil-based paints.
DIY Drop Cloth Corners
DIY pros know that adding pieces of cardboard to the corners of a plastic drop cloth offers a helping hand when folding and putting away. Not only does the cardboard help create firm, easy-to-fold creases in the plastic, but it makes it much simpler to move the mat from room to room.
It also ensures that the corners and sides stay neatly folded and eliminates a lot of frustration. Worry less about keeping paint off the floor and more about the task at hand of painting. With this step, any painting project is much easier to manage and clean up.
Paint Brush Holders With Pool Noodles
A great DIY hack for amateur painters is to use pool noodles as brush holders. All you need to do is cut slits into the foam to fit the brush handles and then cut the length of the noodle to fit into paint trays, buckets, or other containers.
This professional-looking hack is creatively inexpensive and helps protect your brushes while keeping them organized and easily accessible. It also saves time since you will not have to waste time looking around for fresh brushes to use or if you forget where you have left them.
Nails Or Screws In Furniture Legs Raises Creativity
Painting the bottom of furniture legs is an often overlooked detail. To aid in this DIY painting project, one ingenious hack is to insert nails or screws under the legs before painting. This prevents them from sticking to the floor and reminds you to paint under them.
After the painting, unscrew the nails and enjoy your fresh coat of paint on all sides of your furniture's legs. Painting furniture legs is quick and painless and makes a world of difference in the aesthetic of any room.
Add Flower-Power To Walls
Making flower stamps with paper coffee cups is a great DIY painting tip. Cut a flower shape on the side of an unneeded paper coffee cup. Then, dip the cup into some paint, coat the flower pattern, and press it onto your canvas.
You can repeat this process with different colors of paint and sizes of coffee cups to make unique and vibrant art. Plus, it is an easy and budget-friendly way to make your paintings stand out. You can unleash your inner artist and add some flower accents to your art in just a few easy steps.
Set Up Paint Color Reminders
For a creative DIY painting tip, reduce the hassle of needing to patch up over-painted switch and outlet covers by writing a brief reminder of wall paint colors behind the plates. With a simple black Sharpie or permanent marker, you can write in the exact hue behind the covers before painting around them.
This means when the time comes to touch up, you will have a precise reference for color matching. Plus, the marker will not be visible when the plates are back in place, making it an organized way of preparing for future repainting.
Freely Spray Paint Using A Tent
Repurposing a camping tent as a spray painting station is an innovative DIY tip. It provides an enclosed and ventilated workspace that will protect your surroundings from overspray. Set the tent up outdoors, place your workpiece in the center, and surround it with plastic tarps to catch drippings.
Make sure there is adequate ventilation because it is not only paramount for safety but also to ensure that the finish completely dries. Place a fan in the tent's opening to help blow the fumes and paint droplets out. Now, you can get spray painting projects done without making a mess.
Distress Using Vaseline
Distressing with petroleum jelly is a creative DIY painting hack that can give your items an antique and aged look. Apply petroleum jelly to wood and other paintable items in the areas you want to distress. After letting the jelly soak into the wood, paint over it with a chosen color.
When it has dried, lightly rub the petroleum jelly off, and the paint will come off to reveal the bare wood beneath. With this creative technique, you can quickly and easily achieve a unique and intriguing distressed look for your items.
Toilet Paper Rolls Create Circle Patterns
Creating perfect circles with paint is done easily using toilet paper rolls. All you need is a roll of toilet paper and the paint color of your choice. Start by dipping one end in the paint and then begin to dab the paint onto your surface.
You will have perfect circles every time. Use your circle pattern to create designs or artwork or as decorations. Once you are finished, wipe off the paint from the roll and enjoy your work because now, you have a quick and easy DIY art hack.
Sticky Lint Rollers To Remove Fuzz
Using self-sticky lint rollers to remove fuzz and lint from paint rollers is a quick and easy way to ensure your painting projects look sharp. First, make sure your paint roller is clean and dry. Next, roll the lint roller over the roller to remove any debris.
The adhesive on the roller will capture any lint or fuzz, allowing you to keep painting with a clean roller. It is imperative to empty the lint roller when full and repeat the process if needed. With this simple trick, your paint job will look professional and flawless.
Promote Adhesion By Coating Metal With Vinegar
Coating metal items with vinegar before painting is an excellent DIY painting tip. Vinegar acts as a powerful adhesive agent when combined with paint. Since it is acidic, it helps to etch the surface of the metal before painting. This creates a layer that allows increased adhesion when paint is applied.
To begin, apply a thin layer of household white vinegar with a cloth and let it soak in, then wipe the metal dry before painting. Doing so will help your paint stay intact for a smoother finish and longer-lasting job.
Design Stencils To Add Themes To Walls
Creating stencils for a leafy pattern for painting walls is a great DIY hack. First, decide the type of leaves you'd like to use. You can look up actual images of leaves or use your creativity to draw a unique leaf. Start making your stencil by cutting out the leaf outline from materials like paper or plastic.
Once complete, the stencil is ready to be used for painting outlines. Use the stencil by placing it on the wall and painting around it with the desired color. Once complete, lift the stencil and paint a different set of leaves.
Prevent Brushes And Paint From Drying
When painting with a DIY approach, be sure to wrap brushes with a plastic bag and cover paint cans with plastic or a plastic bag to help preserve the wetness of the paint. This will simplify the painting process and make it more enjoyable.
This creative hack will help prevent the paint from drying out and hardening, which can leave a thick layer of paint on the brush. By wrapping brushes and covering paint cans with plastic, painters can get the most out of their paint without wasting any.
Q-Tips Clean Paint Smears Around Trim
Cotton swabs are an ideal item to use for cleaning up small mistakes while painting. They are perfect for touching up paint smears and smudges, especially around trim and hard-to-reach areas. The pointed end of a cotton swab can be easily maneuvered into corners.
As for application, dab the swab into warm, soapy water and gently swipe the colored surface to remove the paint. If the paint sticks, use some rubbing alcohol. This DIY trick is practical and will help with the painting process.
Plastic Wrap For Self-Adhesive Paint Shield
To protect items while painting, cover the items with plastic food wrap. Make sure that the wrap completely covers objects and that it overlaps on the surface. The wrap sticks to itself and adheres to any surface, meaning you will not need additional adhesive.
A tip is to double up on the wrap if needed and tightly press the wrapped items in place to ensure that it is not shifted while painting. You can secure items with painter’s tape if you wish. To finish, fold the wrap’s edges over the base to leave a neat and clean finish.
Binder Clips Keep Brush From Touching The Bottom
Binder clips are an ideal DIY painting tip to keep paint brushes from touching the bottom of jars used for cleaning them. First, attach a binder clip to the side of the jar below the rim and then thread the brush handle through the clip's metal arms.
Doing so will suspend the brushes above the bottom of the jar and help prevent the bristles from fraying and ruining the shape. Binder clips are durable, reliable, and come in different sizes. This means you can use one to keep many brushes raised from the jar bottom simultaneously.
Groom Your Paint Rollers
Extend the life of your paint roller and ensure the best quality results with regular maintenance and care. One such maintenance task is trimming off the fuzz that accumulates on the roller. To do this, gather some scissors and a scrap of cardboard and grab the paint roller.
Once you have your supplies, place the roller against the cardboard and carefully snip off the excess fibers. Doing this every few uses will help keep the roller free of lint and other debris, extend its life, and keep your paint job smooth every time.
Tin Foil To Protect Doorknobs
Wrapping door knobs with aluminum foil for painting is an ingenious hack to protect them from any pesky paint buildup. It is simple and easy to do with just a few supplies. Start by tearing off pieces of the foil that are large enough to cover the knobs.
Smooth the edges down so that they will stay in place. Once you are happy with the coverage, you can then be sure that your door knobs will stay paint free. It is a simple tip but can help you to keep your door knobs looking as good as new.
Panty Hose As A Filter For Old Paint
Forget buying a new paint filter. Try this fun and budget-friendly DIY hack. Before pouring leftover paint into a new can, try filtering it through a pair of pantyhose. Stretch a piece over the opening of the empty can and slowly pour in the paint.
This will help remove any chunks or lumps built up in the old paint, giving you an even result. Plus, you will avoid the cost of buying a paint strainer. Cleaning up after painting will take less time because everything can be thrown in the garbage.
Seal Cans Airtight By Stacking Them On Each Other
When storing paint cans planned for reuse for a DIY project, ensure they are well-sealed. Stack the cans one on top of another, firmly pressing the lids together. This will create an extra seal to keep the cans airtight and prevent the paint from drying out.
Another DIY tip from pros is to keep the cans in a cool, dry place where they will not be subjected to extreme temperatures. This will help keep the paint in the cans in good condition until it is ready to be reused.
Prevent Bristles From Bending With Cardboard
When painting, one of the most effective tools you will need is a paintbrush. To ensure that the shape of your brush is maintained, it is crucial to store them in optimal conditions. Otherwise, they can become bent out of their natural form and be unusable.
To help keep your brushes in good condition, wrap them in a piece of cardboard before you store them away. This will help maintain the shape of the bristles and help increase the lifespan of your brush.
Drill Holes In A Tuna Can As A Filter For Cleaning Brushes
When cleaning paint brushes, drill several holes in the bottom of a tuna can. Place the can with the bottom facing up and pour paint-thinner over the bristles. The paint-thinner will pass through the holes, and the sediments will fall through the can while the paintbrush remains in the can.
This ingenious hack helps keep solids and liquids separate so you can dispose of the liquid without worrying about the sediment getting into pipes or drains. This process is not challenging and can save time from manually filtering out the dirt.
Neatly Paint Banister Posts Using Drywall Screws
For DIYers interested in painting banister posts neatly, consider trying a creative DIY hack to help ensure they are elevated and the paint job turns out perfect. Use some drywall screws to raise the posts and reduce mess while you are painting.
You will soon be able to paint around the entire post effectively and without causing a mess. It's a great way to make sure you can paint your banister posts and ensure the final result is neat and clean.
Minimize Painting Drips With Coffee Or Takeout Lids
Coffee cup lids are the ideal storage for wet paint brushes in between DIY projects. To quickly and easily make an opening for the bristles to fit, use scissors or a craft knife to cut a slit in the middle of the lid.
Then slide the brush through the slit until it stands up on the bristles, with the lid securely keeping things tidy until you are ready to start your next project. They also keep dirt and dust away and help keep the brush in good shape for the long run.
Laundry Basket Stencils
Reusing plastic laundry baskets as stencils for painting walls is an easy and creative DIY painting hack. Then, the next step is to cut one side off and tape it to the wall. Once your stencil is ready, start painting.
Once finished, remove the basket to reveal a beautiful circle design. This can be repeated to create polka dots on the wall using different colors for a truly stunning room. This task will go quicker and more efficiently by using spray paint.
Faster Skin Cleanup With Lotion And Petroleum Jelly
To make DIY painting easier, a simple two-step preparation can help. First, lotion your skin to prevent paint from sticking to your hands and arms. Then, dip each fingernail in petroleum jelly, which will help to clean up much faster after painting.
Paint will not stick as much to the applied areas, making it easier to keep your hands clean while painting. It also helps to wear protective gloves without worrying about the paint getting on your hands. Taking these steps will help make painting simpler and faster and help you create a great result.
Egg Cartons To Paint Cabinet Door Knobs
Painting cabinet door knobs with egg cartons is an innovative DIY painting hack. To do this, cut the egg carton into sections of two eggs per section. Next, turn the egg cartons upside down. The bottom of each cup should have a dimple to hold the doorknob.
Once placed, you can paint inside the egg carton without worrying about painting your fingers. The egg carton will also protect the rest of your cabinet door from drips. After it is painted, remove the egg carton, and you have a covered door knob that is ready to use.
Pringles Cans To Store Wet Paint Brushes
Storing wet paint rollers in Pringles cans is a great do-it-yourself tip for temporary storage. To keep a roller damp and ready for the next coat of paint, try packing the roller in a Pringles can with some wet newspaper for added protection.
This provides a secure and airtight environment, not to mention a reusable container. Start by removing the newspaper and replacing it with a fresh one when needed. This low-cost storage option is a great way to avoid wasting time between coats.
Extend Paint Rollers With Broom Handles
DIY painting projects can be made much easier when using a broom or mop handle to reach hard-to-reach areas. This creative hack can save you time and energy when painting and help make the project much more efficient. Not only is it easy and convenient, but it also keeps your hands free from getting grubby.
The handle takes the strain when reaching the corners in the ceiling corners and keeps your momentum going in one fluid motion. Try this hack next time you have a painting project, and you will be thankful for the time and energy you saved.