Buying your first home in Vancouver is exciting. You finally get to make a space truly yours, and the next thing to look forward to is personalization. One of the easiest ways to personalize your home is with paint. Interior painting might sound fun, but it can be quite tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before. A poor paint job can leave streaks, ugly-looking walls, and a whole lot of mess.
If you’re planning on DIY painting your home, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the do’s and don’ts of interior painting. Also, how a professional painter in Vancouver can help you with interior painting.
Why Interior Painting Matters for Your Vancouver Home?
Paint is more than just a layer of pigment splashed on your walls. It is the foundation for what sets the mood and personality of your space. A light, pastel shade can make a small room feel bigger, while warm tones create a cozy, rustic vibe. But Vancouver’s unique weather (humidity, damp winters, and cloudy days) makes choosing the right paint and finish especially important.
Whether you’re refreshing a single room or painting your entire home from scratch, following these tips can save you time and money while ensuring your space looks just the way you want it to.
Do’s of Interior Painting
- Do Prep Your Walls Like a Pro
Preparation is key to a professional finish. Clean the walls with mild soap and water to remove dust, fingerprints, and grease. Fill nail holes and cracks with spackle, then sand for a smooth surface. Skipping this step often results in peeling or uneven coverage. A big no-no.
- Do Invest in Quality Paint and Tools
Vancouver climate is often humid, which causes cheap quality paint to peel or mold faster. We recommend that you choose low-VOC paints for healthier indoor air quality and durability. Good quality brushes and rollers also makes a huge difference in the final result.
- Do Test Colors Before Committing
Paint can look drastically different depending on the lighting. Apply sample swatches on different walls and observe them throughout the day. You may be surprised to find that on cloudy days, some colors can look dull and others brighter. Testing colors like this helps you pick shades that stay vibrant in different times of the day.
- Do Use Primer When Necessary
Primer improves paint adhesion and helps colors look richer and more saturated. It’s essential when:
- Covering dark or bold colors
- Painting over stained walls
- Painting bare drywall or patched areas
- Do Plan Your Painting Order
The correct order matters. We suggest that you paint the ceilings first, then the walls, and finish with the trim. This order prevents paint drips from ruining freshly painted surfaces.
- Do Maintain Good Ventilation
Even low-VOC paints need airflow to dry properly. Don’t forget to open the windows and use fans to keep the air circulating. This is especially during Vancouver’s humid months.
- Do Take Your Time with Each Coat
Patience is key! Apply thin, even coats and allow proper drying time between them. Don’t rush the painting process as it can lead to streaky finishes and uneven paint coverage.
Also read: Interior Painting Tips for Small Vancouver Condos
Don’ts of Interior Painting
- Don’t Skip Surface Protection
Paint splatters can ruin flooring and furniture. Use painter’s tape to ensure clean edges and drop cloths to protect carpets, hardwood floors, and your belongings.
- Don’t Paint in Poor Conditions
Paint needs the proper atmosphere to dry evenly. This is why it’s important to avoid painting on extremely humid or rainy days. High humidity can often slow drying times and lead to an inconsistent finish.
- Don’t Overload Brushes or Rollers
Be gentle while applying paint to the brush. If you add too much paint, it may drip and splatter off the brush. Dip your brush only one-third of the way into the paint and roll off the excess before applying to the walls and ceilings.
- Don’t Forget to Stir the Paint
Paint tends to separate in the can. It’s important to stir it thoroughly before the painting process. Don’t forget to stir occasionally while you’re painting as well in order to ensure even color.
- Don’t Peel Tape Too Late
Remove painter’s tape while the paint is slightly wet. Waiting for too long can cause peeling and jagged edges.
Pro Interior Painting Tips for Vancouver Homeowners
- Pick the Right Finish: Flat paint is good for hiding imperfections, while satin or semi-gloss is easier to clean. Great for kitchens and kids’ rooms.
- Paint During the Day: Natural daylight helps you spot missed spots or uneven coverage better than artificial lighting.
- Work in Sections: Painting in manageable sections is better as it prevents lap marks and ensures a uniform finish.
- Have Touch-Up Supplies Ready: Keep a small amount of paint for future touch-ups, just in case the paint happens to crack.
Hire Professional Painters in Vancouver for Your Project!
DIY painting can save money, but it’s not always worth the stress. If you have high ceilings, intricate trim, or a large space, hiring professionals like Budget & Save Painters guarantees:
- A consistent, even, and long-lasting finish.
- No mess on your furniture and belongings.
- Fast project completion with professional tools.
Ready to decorate your walls with fresh paint and gaze at your own home in awe of its new beauty? Call us to schedule your residential interior painting project in Vancouver today!
