How to DIY Paint Your Home’s Walls with a Professional Finish

If changing your clothes makes you feel refreshed, imagine what a fresh coat of paint can do for your home. Transforming any room into a completely new space without spending a fortune or spending days battling with brushes and rollers is possible, and we’re here to show you how!

With the right technique and a few tricks, you’ll be able to give your walls the makeover you’ve been dreaming of, and when you’re done, they’ll look like they came straight out of a magazine. Here’s how you can do it yourself, in a simple way, with an impeccable result.

Tips to Keep in Mind Before Painting Walls

Before you start painting, make sure to take note of these professional tips that will guarantee a flawless result. We’ll go over some essential materials and useful tricks to make sure the transformation is nothing short of amazing. Ready?

Tools

Roller, brush, and paintbrushes

Paint tray

Painter’s tape and sandpaper

Plastic and protective paper

Spatula and filler

Bucket of water and sponge

Paint

Mark the Painting Area with Painter’s Tape

It may seem obvious, but in the excitement of making a big change, we sometimes overlook this step. Use painter’s tape to mark off the areas to be painted. Frame windows, doors, baseboards, and wall edges.

Remove Electrical Outlets

Just as important as marking the painting zones is removing anything that could get in the way. Unscrew outlets to avoid unwanted paint marks, as well as any switches that could end up covered in the new color.

Protect the Surfaces

Use plastic covers or old newspapers to protect the floor and any surfaces you won’t be painting. This will help prevent any splatters from leaving stains everywhere.

Fix Imperfections

Make sure the paint glides onto your walls as smoothly as butter on warm toast. To achieve this, eliminate any imperfections. Fill cracks and screw holes with filler, remove any remnants of old wallpaper, and create a perfectly smooth surface—like a blank canvas waiting to hold new memories.

Choose the Right Paint and Color

This is a crucial step (and an exciting one, too). Decide on the color and type of paint that will define your home’s new style. There are countless options—modern finishes, minimalist tones, or rustic shades that add warmth to your space.

Tell Me What Your Walls Are Made Of, and I’ll Tell You How to Paint Them

Did you know that depending on the material of your walls, you’ll need to follow a different process? It’s a big mistake to rely on a generic guide or follow the first tutorial you find online, as you might end up skipping or adding unnecessary steps based on the wrong material.

How to Paint Tiled Walls

Thinking about painting your walls, but they’re covered in tiles? Chances are, you want to refresh your bathroom or kitchen. To help you through the process, here’s a step-by-step guide to painting tiled walls—take note!

1. Clean the tiles: Before you begin, ensure the tiles are free of grease, dust, or dirt. A degreasing cleaner will be your best friend.

2. Prepare the space: Use painter’s tape to protect edges and nearby surfaces. This will ensure a neat finish.

3. Apply the paint: Use a small roller for even application. Start with a thin coat, covering the entire surface, and let it dry completely.

4. Second coat: Repeat the process with a second layer for a durable and professional-looking result.

For an easy, hassle-free way to DIY paint tiled walls, choosing a paint that adheres well, is easy to clean, and applies effortlessly is key. We recommend Smartcover Tiles, which is specifically designed to transform tiled walls without any renovations. It dries in no time, and before you know it, you’ll have a fresh new space with a long-lasting finish.

How to Paint Drywall or Plaster Walls

If you’re looking to paint drywall or plaster walls and give them a new life, here’s the step-by-step guide to achieving a top-notch result. Ready?

1. Prepare the wall: Sand and clean the surface well to remove dust or imperfections. If there are cracks, fill them and sand again for a perfectly smooth finish.

2. What should you apply before painting? Use a primer or sealer if the surface is very porous or if you’re painting over an old coat of paint.

3. Protect the space: Cover furniture, outlets, and floors with plastic or paper. This will save you a lot of cleanup time afterward.

4. Apply the paint: Use a roller for larger areas and a brush for finer details. Apply an even first coat and allow it to dry for the recommended time.

5. Second coat: Once the first coat is completely dry, apply a second layer for a flawless, long-lasting finish.

When painting walls, choosing an easy-to-apply, low-odor, and well-covering paint makes all the difference. In this case, we recommend Smartcover Indoor, a water-based, solvent-free paint that applies effortlessly for a quick DIY project with a fast-drying finish.

Other Tips for Painting Walls

Painting is easy when you know how. But without the right techniques, your wall might end up with more texture than you intended. Here are some key tips to ensure a perfect result.

Using High-Quality Rollers for Wall Painting

Is paint alone enough to give your walls a personal touch? Not quite. You need high-quality rollers that won’t leave clumps or stray fibers behind. Brushes are perfect for painting corners, while smaller paintbrushes are ideal for detailed areas and recesses.

If you want a flawless finish, choosing the right painting tools is just as important as selecting the paint itself.

Test the Color First

Make sure your color choice is the right one. No matter how much you love a certain shade for your home, test it on-site to see how it actually looks. Depending on the light in the room, the intensity of the color can vary. A good trick is to test different shades within the same color range. Remember: natural light is your best friend when choosing the perfect color—Pinterest won’t tell you that!

Always Have Extra Paint

Don’t run out of paint! When planning how to paint your walls effectively, it’s always better to have a little extra than to come up short. Besides allowing for future touch-ups, having additional paint from the same batch ensures you can cover any unexpected issues—like scuff marks, furniture shifts, or small dents in the wall.

How to Paint Walls Without Roller Marks

Using a roller to paint walls is easy if you apply the right techniques to avoid streaks or uneven patches. Follow these steps for a professional-looking finish:

- Choose the right roller: Opt for a quality roller that suits your type of paint. Short-pile rollers work best for smooth surfaces, while long-pile rollers are ideal for textured walls.

- Load the roller properly: Dip the roller into the paint and remove excess on the tray. Make sure it’s evenly covered but not dripping.

- H35Apply paint in a “W” pattern: Work in small sections, starting with a "W" shape, then fill in the gaps with horizontal strokes. This ensures even distribution.

- Avoid too much pressure: Pressing too hard will leave marks. Instead, apply light and even pressure.

- Overlap strokes slightly: When painting, make sure to overlap each stroke slightly to prevent visible lines between sections.

Pro tip: Work quickly so the edges don’t dry before you finish the section. If necessary, apply a second coat once the first has dried completely for a smoother, more uniform finish.

Common Wall Painting Mistakes to Avoid

Painting a wall seems easy—until you realize you’re left with streaks, stains, or air bubbles. To ensure your DIY project doesn’t turn into a disaster, here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

- Skipping wall preparation: Painting over dust, grease, or cracks is like applying makeup without washing your face—it won’t look good. Clean the surface, fill any holes, and sand if needed before you start.

- Not using a primer when necessary: If your wall is porous or painted in a dark color, a primer will save you time and paint by preventing unnecessary coats.

- Applying too much paint at once: The "more is better" rule doesn’t apply here. If you want a smooth finish without drips, apply thin coats and let each one dry properly.

- Ignoring drying times: Rushing the job and painting over a damp coat will result in a sticky, uneven mess. Patience is key.

- Not protecting floors, furniture, and baseboards: This mistake seems minor—until you discover paint splatters everywhere. A little painter’s tape and plastic sheeting can save you a ton of cleanup.

- Using low-quality tools: A good roller distributes paint evenly and prevents streaks, while a decent brush allows for clean edges without losing bristles all over the wall.

Avoid these mistakes, and your wall will look like it was painted by a pro.

Types of Paint for Walls

Choosing the right paint is just as important as applying it correctly. Not all paints are the same, and each type has its own purpose:

- Plastic paint: The most common for interiors. Easy to apply, dries quickly, and can be cleaned with water.

- Acrylic paint: A great choice for those looking for low-odor, fast-drying options. It also resists moisture, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

- Eco-friendly paint: The best option for those concerned about chemicals and environmental impact. No toxins, no harsh smells, and great coverage.

- Anti-moisture paint: Ideal for areas prone to humidity. It prevents mold growth and keeps walls in perfect condition for longer.

Choosing the right paint will save you trouble and ensure a long-lasting finish.

How to Protect Your Walls After Painting

You have achieved a flawless finish, but if you don’t want your effort to be in vain, it’s time to take care of the work.

Avoid friction

Avoid bumps and scrapes in high-traffic areas. If the wall is in a hallway or near a play area, a protector or skirting board can work wonders.

Clean gently

There’s no need to scrub as if you were polishing a diamond. A damp cloth with a little neutral soap is enough to remove stains without damaging the paint.

Proper ventilation? Yes, please!

Good ventilation is key to preventing moisture problems, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Proper air circulation will keep your walls in perfect condition for longer.

Apply a varnish

If you want the paint to last even longer, a transparent protective varnish is a great investment for high-use areas. It prevents wear and keeps the color intact.

Touch up before it gets out of hand

And if any marks or scuffs appear over time, don’t let them build up. A quick touch-up in time will keep the wall looking flawless.

Renew your home’s walls DIY-style with Smartcret.

Now that you know how to paint your walls and have all the tips and tricks for a perfect result, it’s time to get started. And what better way than with the help of professionals who know exactly what you need and are experts in DIY-friendly methods?

With Smartcret, you can easily renovate your home’s walls—no matter the material—in a quick, cost-effective way and, best of all, by yourself. When you’re done, not only will you love your new walls, but you’ll also feel proud knowing you did it yourself. Are you up for the challenge?