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7 Pro Painting Tips From Top House Painters

Painting • February 1, 2025

Get pro painting tips to transform your home with expert techniques and preparation advice.

7 pro painting tips

Want to paint like a professional? After 25+ years of transforming homes across Canada, our expert painters have mastered techniques that make the difference between an average paint job and one that lasts for years. Here are seven proven tips from our experienced team.

1. Preparation Is Everything

The quality of your paint job depends heavily on surface preparation. Professional painters spend up to 80% of their time prepping. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Clean all surfaces with TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove dirt and grease
  • Sand rough areas and edges until smooth
  • Fill holes and cracks with appropriate patching compound
  • Remove loose paint and repair damaged drywall
  • Apply primer on bare spots and repairs

As professional residential painters, we see many DIY projects fail because of rushed preparation. Taking time here saves money and headaches later.

2. Use Quality Materials

Good tools and premium paint make your job easier and last longer. You’ll need:

  • High-quality paintbrushes for cutting in
  • Microfiber roller covers
  • Premium painter’s tape
  • Paint from respected manufacturers

Cheap brushes leave bristles in your paint. Low-quality rollers create uneven texture. And bargain paint often needs extra coats, negating any cost savings.

3. Perfect Your Cutting In Technique

Cutting in (painting edges near trim and corners) requires steady hands and practice. Here’s how pros do it:

  • Load your brush properly – dip only 1/3 of bristle length
  • Start about 1/2 inch from the edge
  • Draw the paint line slowly and steadily
  • Work in sections of 2-3 feet

4. Master the Rolling Method

Rolling seems simple but requires technique for professional results:

  • Load the roller evenly using a roller grid
  • Start in the middle of the wall
  • Roll in a W pattern
  • Apply consistent pressure
  • Finish each section before paint starts drying

5. Control Your Environment

Paint behaves differently under various conditions. Professional painters control their workspace by:

  • Maintaining room temperature between 10-30°C
  • Reducing humidity when possible
  • Providing good ventilation
  • Avoiding direct sunlight on fresh paint

These factors affect drying time and final appearance. Our interior painting experts always check conditions before starting.

6. Layer Properly

Multiple thin coats beat one thick coat every time. Here’s why:

  • Better adhesion between layers
  • More even coverage
  • Reduced risk of drips and runs
  • Smoother final texture

Let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Rush this step and you’ll compromise the entire job.

7. Clean As You Go

Professional painters maintain clean work areas throughout the project:

  • Wipe drips immediately
  • Clean brushes and rollers properly
  • Remove tape while paint is still slightly wet
  • Keep drop cloths positioned correctly

If you’re looking for a house painter near you, remember these tips represent just the basics of professional painting. While DIY painting can save money, complex projects often benefit from professional expertise.

Our team at Harding’s brings these techniques and more to every project, whether it’s exterior painting or cabinet refinishing. We’ve refined these methods across thousands of successful projects in Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, and Hamilton.

Want professional results without the work? Contact our team for a free quote. We’ll bring our expertise to your project, ensuring lasting results that protect and beautify your home.