Paint Interior and Exterior

Finalize all paint colors from your design selections. Test large samples on actual walls before committing. Choose appropriate sheen for each surface type. Create a room-by- room color schedule with paint codes for the painting crew.

• Paint large samples (at least 12x12") on walls to test
• View samples in morning, afternoon, and evening light
• Select trim color (typically white or off-white)
• Choose ceiling color (flat white or tinted to match walls)
• Create color schedule document for painter reference

Measure all paintable surfaces and calculate gallons needed. A gallon covers approximately 350-400 square feet per coat. Order 10% extra for touch-ups and future repairs. Keep records of exact colors for future reference.

• Calculate wall square footage per room
• Deduct 20 sq ft per door and 15 sq ft per window
• Plan for two coats on all surfaces
• Order primer for new drywall and color changes
• Keep one quart of each color for touch-ups

Surface preparation determines 80% of paint job quality. Clean all surfaces, sand glossy areas, fill holes and cracks, caulk gaps, and prime as needed. New drywall must be primed to seal porous paper surface.

• Dust and clean all surfaces to remove construction residue
• Sand any rough spots or raised areas smooth
• Fill nail holes, dents, and cracks with spackle
• Caulk gaps between trim and walls with paintable caulk
• Apply primer to new drywall, patches, and color changes

Paint ceilings before walls to catch drips and avoid touching up finished walls. Use flat ceiling paint in white or slight tint. Cut in around edges with brush, then roll main field. Work in sections maintaining wet edge.

• Use flat or dead-flat sheen to minimize imperfection visibility
• Cut in 2-3" at ceiling/wall junction with angled brush
• Roll in parallel passes maintaining wet edge
• Apply two coats for consistent coverage
• Allow proper dry time between coats (4+ hours)

Paint walls using cut-in and roll technique. Cut in corners, edges, and around trim with brush while another person follows with roller for wet edge blending. Work one wall at a time for consistent appearance.

• Cut in around trim, corners, and ceiling line first
• Roll walls while cut-in edges are still wet
• Use W pattern when rolling for even distribution
• Finish with vertical strokes for uniform appearance
• Apply two full coats allowing proper dry time

Paint all trim with semi-gloss or satin for durability and easy cleaning. Baseboards, door casing, window casing, and crown molding typically share one color. Use quality brush or spray for smooth finish without brush marks.

• Lightly sand pre-primed trim before painting
• Apply with quality angled brush in direction of grain
• Use foam mini roller for flat trim surfaces
• Apply two finish coats for durability
• Remove painter's tape before paint fully cures

Paint doors with semi-gloss for durability around high-touch areas. Remove doors from hinges for best results, or paint in place with careful technique. Paint edges to match room the door opens into.

• Remove hardware before painting
• Sand door surface lightly for adhesion
• Paint panels first, then stiles, then rails
• Paint edges to match receiving room color
• Allow doors to dry fully before reinstalling hardware

Exterior painting requires thorough preparation to ensure paint adhesion and longevity. Power wash all surfaces, scrape loose paint, sand rough areas, prime bare wood, and caulk all joints and gaps.

• Power wash siding, trim, and painted surfaces
• Allow 24-48 hours dry time after washing
• Scrape and sand all loose or peeling paint
• Prime bare wood and any repairs with exterior primer
• Caulk all joints, gaps, and penetrations

Apply two coats of exterior paint in appropriate weather conditions. Temperature should be 50-85F with low humidity and no rain expected for 24 hours. Work in shade when possible - direct sun causes paint to dry too fast.

• Paint trim and detail work first with brush
• Apply body color with brush, roller, or sprayer
• Work top to bottom to catch drips
• Maintain wet edge to avoid lap marks
• Apply full two coats for warranty and durability

Walk through entire home and exterior inspecting all painted surfaces in different lighting conditions. Note any missed spots, drips, roller marks, or tape lines. Complete all touch-ups before final acceptance.

• Inspect in natural light and with lights on at night
• Check corners, edges, and trim lines for crisp edges
• Look for drips, sags, roller marks, and holidays
• Verify consistent sheen across each surface
• Store leftover paint properly for future touch-ups