DIY Painting Projects

If you plan to paint this year, here are some tips to help prepare you for success.

Choose colors with confidence

A fresh coat of paint in the right color can quickly transform the look and feel of any space. To help choose the perfect color for your room, use the easy-to-use color selection tools available to help you find and try colors before you paint. Homeowners can use the online Color Visualizer, for example, to paint a space virtually and try on different color combinations, making it easy to choose colors confidently.

Find color inspiration

Choosing the perfect paint color is key to creating your desired look, but how do most people find the right color? More than half of DIYers say they look to nature for color inspiration, while more than a third take their color cues from Pinterest images.

Select the right finish 

Once you’ve decided on the perfect color, ensure you get the best finish for your painting space. For durability and washability, choose a semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss is a good option for areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and trim. For high-traffic areas, like a hallway or a kid’s bedroom, satin and egg-shell paints are preferred as the finish is easy to clean and maintain. High gloss paints are also highly durable and easy to clean, perfect for windows, doors, and trim. A flat finish will work to your advantage for spaces with something to hide.

Paint your space in the correct order 

When planning your painting project, consider the order in which you paint your space. Start with the ceiling, followed by the walls. If two coats of paint are needed, finish both before moving to the next step. Then, paint the windows from top to bottom. After the windows, paint the baseboards, trim, and doorframe. Finally, paint the door. Following this order will help ensure a smoother painting process and require fewer cleanups.