It’s that time of year again where I feel motivated to get my interiors organized and spruce up rooms, giving them a deep clean. Some of those rooms need to be painted as well, and the DIYer in me sees the projects as a way to get a workout and pay myself. Time to Paint Your Walls? Here’s a Refresher to Demystify the Process.
![An enormous vintage painting with a fluffy white cat against a bright turquoise painted wall in a colorful boho living room by Jenny Sweeney. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jenny-sweeney-colorful-house-tour-hello-lovely-studio-049c.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Time to Paint Your Walls? Here’s a Refresher to Demystify the Process
![Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray paint on walls of modern farmhouse living room with tufted leather Chesterfield sofa. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-living-room-11-hello-lovely-studio.png)
Should You Do the Paint Job Yourself?
Even though I may not have the steady hand of a professional painter, I actually enjoy the process of painting. It is gratifying to improve the look of a space without shelling out a ton of cash. Plus, you can get the job done in a relatively short time.
![Colorful living room painted a bright cheerful turquoise blue - design by Jenny Sweeney. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jenny-sweeney-colorful-house-tour-hello-lovely-studio-023.jpg)
Paint Color Ideas
Sometimes the hardest part about getting started is feeling confident about color choices. For ideas, search “paint colors” in the search box to discover posts on the topic. Here are some trusty neutral colors that seem to work in a variety of spaces.
White Paint Colors
![Favorite neutral paint colors from Hello Lovely Studio. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!#paintcolors #neutralpaint #interiordesign #whitepaint](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/favorite-paint-colors-banner.jpg)
Warm Gray Paint Colors
![Warm gray paint color ideas from Hello Lovely Studio. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/00001-a-test-5.jpg)
![Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray paint color on wall in stairway of modern farmhouse. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-staircase-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Benjamin moore stonington gray paint color. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://media.benjaminmoore.com/WebServices/prod/dollops/360x360/HC-170.png)
![Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray paint on walls in modern farmhouse bedroom. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-master-bedroom-7-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Bright White Paint Color Idea
Benjamin Moore’s base white (known as “White”) that is used to tint other whites is what I have used throughout most of our home. By sticking to one color, there’s a feeling of cohesiveness and when it is time to touch up walls, it’s a very simple process. A white like this one is very cool and without undertones.
![Belgian style modern farmhouse living room by Hello Lovely Studio. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-living-room-51-800x590.jpg)
![Modern concrete lamp.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Magnus-Concrete-Table-Lamp.jpg)
![York Slope Arm Slipcovered Sofa](https://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201936/0524/york-slope-arm-slipcovered-sofa-o.jpg)
![Rowley Linen Upholstery Sofa](https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/68894671/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/2876/28768870/Rowley+Linen+Upholstery+Sofa.jpg)
![Midcentury style leather and aluminum egg chair.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61sFb7TKyHL._SL1500_.jpg)
The Ease of a Base White
Don’t just take it from me – designer Leanne Ford of Restored by the Fords also loves using base whites that you can grab right off the shelf and skip all the mixing. If you like Home Depot, here’s a possibility…and keep in mind you can order sample sizes online from Home Depot with free shipping.
![Knotty alder rustic wood door to serene white bathroom. Hello Lovely Studio. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-master-bedroom-38.jpg)
![Ballerina etching and rustic shelves in dining room with white oak floor. Hello Lovely Studio. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qed1TMqtiTE/WXVk4Mjw11I/AAAAAAAAzE4/fZY-fsh9mt4C-Yr9l_QutrQAme9A3v-2QCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-06-09%2B11.46.09.jpg)
3 Reasons to Hire a Pro
- Your Short on Time. If you don’t have the time or your time is too valuable to spend up on a ladder, hiring a pro can save time and be money well spent.
![Beautiful grey walls (Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray) in an industrial farmhouse mudroom with industrial sprayer at stainless sink. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-mud-room-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
2. Safety First. Interior painting is physically demanding and requires a bit of steadiness so if you have issues such as vertigo or tremors, it may be wise to hire someone.
![Candy pink painted walls, whimsical art, and colorful vintage treasures mix in an office nook by Jenny Sweeney. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jenny-sweeney-colorful-house-tour-hello-lovely-studio-042.jpg)
3. Architectural Considerations. With lofty ceilings or excessive square footage to paint, it may be wise to turn to a team of professionals. The sheer cost of renting scaffolding and the proper equipment may be steep. Take it from someone who has experience with DIY and scaffolding…landing in the ER will seriously slow down your progress!
![Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray paint on walls in a modern farmhouse bedroom with leather Chesterfield sofa and red brick fireplace.Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-master-bedroom-4-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Chesterfield Leather Sofa](https://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201936/0745/chesterfield-leather-sofa-o.jpg)
![French Country romantic dining room by Hello Lovely Studio. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/07c-1-800x582.jpg)
![Marble topped bathroom vanity. Hello Lovely Studio. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGNL69Er0O0/WXVlmx3_OwI/AAAAAAAAzGo/296VxyDTHXo7eqwm3xYtfVCKn9e4MUAMgCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-06-09%2B13.31.46.jpg)
![Painter's drop cloth.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/21N6uz-IDqL.jpg)
![PURDY CORPORATION 14C811000 Premium Painting Kit, 6 Piece](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/610NINLFbGL._SX679_.jpg)
Paint More Like a Pro
- Prep the room by removing furniture if possible. Also remove lamps and objects or move them away from walls. Removing outlet and light switch plates will save the labor of taping off those areas.
- Prep the floors by covering them with a dropcloth.
- Prep the walls like a professional. Repair wall damage, cracks, and holes with joint compound or spackle. Allow repairs to dry completely before sanding them smooth. Remove any dust by wiping down and vacuuming wall surfaces.
- Tape areas that aren’t to be painted. With painters tape, mask off areas such as trim, light fixtures, etc.
- Cut in then roll on. Cut in with an angled 2 1/2″ or 3″ quality paintbrush. Use light pressure and smooth strokes, moving around the room and along the edges as fast as you feel comfortable, keeping a wet edge. First cut out the wall – ceiling, then corners, then around outlets, then windows, then vents, and then the wall – floor. When the room is cut in entirely, you’re ready to roll. Start at the top, working your way down. Load paint on the roller and roll it in a W pattern on the wall. Then fill in that W area with paint, working quickly and retaining a wet edge as you move along the wall.
Did You Miss a Spot?
If you notice you missed a spot, let it dry, keep moving, and return to it later to touch it up.
![White kitchen with marble subway tile and window seat. Hello Lovely Studio. Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rp9NobjDb2M/WXVfhnNgzQI/AAAAAAAAy6Y/j1cSp-4jzJs8Nzzty-1ZP8vhXhfUg0IlgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-06-07%2B18.22.33.jpg)
![Belgian style and European country charm in a living room with Belgian linen chaise and Belgian antique sideboard.Time to Paint Your Walls? Come discover a Refresher to Demystify the Process!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-chicago-living-room-sideboard-027-800x1127.jpg)
4 Painting Hacks to Try
- This is
TresTray Smart. Lining your paint tray with a disposable insert, aluminum foil, or a plastic bag will yield easier clean-up and less paint down the sink drain.
![Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray in a luxurious bathroom with glass tile and black vanity. #hellolovelystudio #bathroomdesign #benjaminmoore #stoningtongray #greywalls #luxurybathroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-master-bathroom-6-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
2. Double Duty Gloves. Disposable gloves will help you avoid messy hands and also provide a way to store paint brushes you don’t want to dry out.
![Benjamin Moore White paint in bedroom with shabby chic decor. Design and photo, Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #bedroom #alderdoor #shabbychic #frenchcountry #whitedecor #benjaminmoorewhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-master-bedroom-35.jpg)
3, Happy Lungs. Don’t forget a mask to protect yourself from fumes and toxins…your lungs will thank you.
![Modern farmhouse interior with white oak wood floor by Hello Lovely Studio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-living-room-52-800x1067.jpg)
4. Borrow This from the Laundry Room. For easier paint brush cleanup, add fabric softener to the water in which you soak brushes to prevent dryness and hardening of the bristles.
![Knotty alder rustic front door - Hello Lovely Studio](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9M30WzphrbQ/WXVk5g0AJqI/AAAAAAAAzFM/Xu7a6nyoX8MqoNrLo5d-ad90mPFut7BVACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-06-09%2B11.49.03.jpg)
![Teak farmhouse stool.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/farmhouse-stool-400x500.jpg)
![Diptyque candle on rustic wood stool in white bathroom - Hello Lovely Studio](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqLODekzz2k/WXVlltpYidI/AAAAAAAAzGU/c0dQF0-Os7c8XFYq2v9UwCL3wIAHAm92gCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-06-09%2B13.28.17.jpg)
Accidents Happen!
We’re only human. I once knocked over a gallon of paint and have never been soooooo glad my drop cloth was hardworking and high quality! Not a drip of paint bled through to the creamy porcelain tile floor!
![Colorful den in an eclectic beachy boho cottage by Jenny Sweeney. #interiordesign #colorfuldecor #boho #beachy #vintagestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jenny-sweeney-colorful-house-tour-hello-lovely-studio-012.jpg)
How about you…any painting mishaps or painting plans in your near future? Easiest way to see if a color is right? Order samples to be delivered to your door with Samplize (a peel and stick sheet of “paint” to stick on your wall and easily move around to other walls!).
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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I too enjoy painting. It is very gratifying to know that the walls in ones home are a labor of ones own doing. When we built our home and were approaching the finish line way over budget, the fact that I could paint my own walls was helpful in saving us some money in the end. But I know what you mean about being ready for some change, as I’d now like to paint them all over again. Happy Sunday!
Author
I love that you’re a real life renovator, Celia. It is gratifying – and yet here I am ready to touch up walls and trim as well as re-paint some areas looking shabby. Oy! 🙂
Share your favorite posts at Thursday Favorite Things! Let your favorites become our favorites! @marilyn_lesniak #ThursdayFavoriteThings
Author
I will see you tomorrow morning when I link up, friend. 🙂
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Author
🙂