Many homeowners consider completing their own interior paint jobs, but ultimately decide that it requires extensive skill or too much work, and end up hiring a professional to do the job. The truth is that many interior painting projects are quick, easy and fun–if you know the right way to go about them. You can be your own interior decorator with a few paint colors, painting supplies, and some time to prepare.

Preparing a Room to Paint

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when completing their own DIY painting project is neglecting to properly prepare the area so as to avoid spills and drips. As a DIY painter, you’ll need to become familiar with masking tape and how to apply it. Once you finish preparing the area for interior paint projects, you should also be able to keep your work area neat as you go. When you purchase interior painting design supplies, buy drop cloths to protect furniture and flooring or carpets.

Steps for Interior Painting Design Success

To ensure a successful painting project, start by following these simple steps:

1. Mask off areas that aren’t part of your painting design.
2. Lay down drop cloths to protect furniture and flooring.
3. Prepare surfaces for your interior painting ideas by cleaning and (if necessary) sanding the walls.
4. Ensure you have all of the necessary tools–and enough paint–before you begin.

Supplies for Interior Paint Projects

When completing interior painting projects, you’ll want to use a small brush, along with either a three-inch brush or a roller. The small brush is only for painting borders close to masked off areas. Use the larger brush or roller to paint the walls and ceilings. If you choose to use a brush, purchase one of good quality. Unlike inexpensive ones, a good brush will spread the paint evenly and thoroughly. Rollers spread paint well, but tend to splatter and leave “holidays,” or small missed spots. Although a good brush won’t leave any holidays and will cover walls better, this method will take much longer.

Painting Ideas and Common Mistakes

There are a few common mistakes homeowners make when working on interior paint projects without the help of a professional.

Some think that splattered or spilled paint can easily be cleaned up. This isn’t always the case. In order to avoid this messy situation, put down a drop cloth.

Another common mistake is buying cheap paint or equipment, hoping to spend less money. Unfortunately, using inexpensive, low-quality paint and materials may backfire, as you could need a repeat job sooner than expected. Quality materials will make your painting design last longer.