Painters can help you update and modernize your home without the costly renovations other projects require. They also know how to pick the right paint colors, and they can recommend low- or no-VOC options that fit your lifestyle.

Remodeling can be messy, but a good interior painting pro will clean up their work area as they go. They’ll even move your furniture back into place afterward.

Painting interiors can be a big task requiring more than just painting the wall. It’s a skilled profession that considers how lighting affects color and how to prepare surfaces for painting and wallpapering properly. In addition, a professional knows how to choose quality colors that will add value to your home and can provide advice on color schemes that will complement the existing furniture in each room.

When choosing an interior painter, you want to make sure that they have a good reputation and are insured. Ask for references and visit their past work to see the finished product. Choosing an experienced and professional painter will save you time and money.

Professional painters have an intimate knowledge of the process and know how to quickly and effectively complete jobs. They also understand how to set up strategic timelines for completing different parts of the job so that it can be completed efficiently. Unlike the average homeowner, painters are standing on ladders all day and they know how to measure their own levels of fatigue so that they can safely continue working.

Aside from being able to complete the work at an efficient pace, a professional will also have all of the necessary tools and supplies. They will bring their own ladders, buckets, brushes, drop sheets, protective tape and other equipment, so you don’t have to worry about renting or purchasing these items yourself. In addition, they will have access to a range of high-quality products that can be used for both interior and exterior projects.

A full-service painter will often take care of removing or moving furniture, carpets and wall hangings before they start painting. This can be a huge help, especially if you are not able to move everything yourself. Then, they will take care of cleaning up once the job is done and leave you with a fresh new paint job that looks great! This is a service that should be included in your painting quote. If it is not, you may want to look for a different company.

Wallpapering

If you’re looking to add some drama or a touch of whimsy to your home, consider adding wallpaper. The process is similar to painting, but the results are more intricate.

First, clean the walls with a mild detergent to remove any dirt or grease. Then sand the surfaces to prepare them for wallpapering, and apply a primer to seal and smooth them. If you choose to use a latex-based primer, it will likely last two times longer than an oil-based version.

Once the primer dries, you can start hanging the paper. Begin with a strip that is at least 4-6 inches longer than the height of the wall. This will give you a little leeway for matching patterns. If the paper is prepasted, apply it following the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, you’ll need a bucket of water for soaking the paper and a sponge brush or roller. A utility knife with plenty of extra blades will also be necessary if your wallpaper is unpasted.

Next, cut the strip to match the length of the wall. Then position it on the wall and mark where you want the edge to land with a pencil. Trim the paper to that width, using a level to draw a straight plumb line where needed.

You may have to overlap seams on curved walls, or when you’re doing an accent wall. However, if you plan ahead and use a wide enough strip, the seams will be less visible. To make sure your walls are plumb, check them regularly with a level.

Before applying the paper, trim the baseboards, chair rail and other molding to make them even with the ceiling. Also, paint any woodwork that will be exposed after you’re finished. This can save you the expense of replastering or repainting them later.

When you’re ready to hire a house painter, check out the pros on the Handy platform. Read customer ratings and reviews, then look at photos of past projects to get a sense of their skills. Then contact a few to discuss your project, set up a consultation and receive a quote.

Textured Finishes

Painting your walls with textured paint can add depth to an otherwise flat surface, conceal flaws, and give the appearance of different styles. It can be difficult to apply and requires more research than other types of paint but it offers the benefit of being long-lasting.

Textured wall paint can include additives such as sand particles to create a variety of different textures or it may simply refer to the technique used. For example, a painter can use a trowel to achieve different patterns or they could spray the wall with a specific texture. Choosing the right paint and additives can make a big difference in how your textured finish turns out so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Some textured paints come with the additive already mixed in, which makes the process much easier. Others require that you mix the additives with the paint before applying to your walls. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, be sure to prepare the surface of your walls before starting by using a power sander or other tool to smooth any rough patches of your drywall. Afterward, vacuum the walls to remove any dust and then prime the surface for better paint adherence.

When you’re ready to begin your textured painting project, be sure to choose a roller cover with a thick nap so that the paint can effectively reach all the nooks and crannies of your textured surface. Also, choose a paint that is labeled for textured surfaces so that you can be confident it’ll work well with your specific type of texture.

When you’re finished painting your textured surface, be sure to touch up any areas that may need it with a quality brush or a paint roller with a soft, stippled pattern. You can also add a layer of glaze or wax for added protection to your textured surface. If you prefer a more natural look, try using a lime wash or other specialty wall paints such as tadelakt, Roman clay or microcement for your textured finish. These products will add character to your home and are a great alternative to traditional wallpaper.

Accents

Accent colors are used to highlight specific areas of the room and can be an effective way to bring a sense of character and style to a space. This can be as simple as painting skirting boards, dado rails and picture rails in a striking hue to create a feature wall or as detailed as using stencils and free painting on an existing piece of furniture. The options are endless!

It’s important to keep in mind that the rule of proportions is the key with accents – you want around 60% of the space to be painted in a dominant color, 30% in a secondary shade and 10% left for an accent color. Whether this is in contrast or compliment to the main shade, it should be used sparingly and with great thought to ensure that the room doesn’t feel overdone. Accent pieces can also include a rug, wallpaper or even a piece of art.