Painting a room or an exterior can be a transformative experience, turning a dull space into a vibrant one. But achieving that flawless professional finish isn’t just about picking the right colors—it’s also about technique and preparation. We spoke to John Hues, a professional painter with over 20 years of experience, to gain insights into the best painting tips. Here’s what he shared

1. Prep Work is Key

John cannot stress enough the importance of preparation. Spend time cleaning walls, filling in cracks, and sanding surfaces before you even think about opening that paint can. This foundational work ensures a smoother application and longer-lasting results.

2. Invest in Quality Brushes and Rollers

Using high-quality tools can make a significant difference in the finish of your paint job. John recommends splashing out on the best brushes and rollers you can afford. They’ll not only make the application easier but also help achieve that professional-looking finish.

3. Tint Your Primer

Professionals like John often tint the primer with a bit of the final paint color. This trick can greatly improve coverage, especially when going from a dark to light color, reducing the number of coats needed.

4. Observe the ‘Wet Edge’

One key to avoiding lap marks is maintaining a ‘wet edge’—so each stroke of your roller overlaps the previous one before the paint can dry. John advises moving swiftly from one section to another to keep that edge wet, which helps create an even finish.

5. Box Your Paint

John suggests combining all your paint into one large container if you need more than one gallon. This process, known as ‘boxing,’ ensures that your color is perfectly consistent throughout the entire room.

6. Cut In Before Rolling

Cutting in—painting the corners and areas near trim with a brush before using rollers—can provide cleaner lines. John recommends doing this step first to better blend in when you roll over them later.

7. Wrap it Up

If you’re taking a break but plan to return to painting shortly, don’t clean your brushes or rollers yet. John says you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and even put them in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to a day.

8. Finish With Fine Details

Once walls are dry, it’s time for touch-ups. Use a fine brush for any small mistakes or edges that need sharpening up—according to John, this attention to detail truly differentiates amateur work from professional results.

9. Maintain Ventilation

Proper ventilation is necessary not just for drying but also for health safety when working indoors—says John—so keeping windows open whenever possible is crucial.

10. Keep a Wet Rag Handy:

Finally, John advises keeping a wet rag close by so you can immediately clean up any spills or splatters—dried paint is much harder to remove than wet paint.

These professional tips from someone like John Hues aim not only at making your paint job look better but also ensuring it lasts longer and involves less frustration during the process.