3 Things You Should Do Before Every Paint Job

A room with walls painted with Benjamin Moore paint

When you do it right, a fresh paint job is one of the most efficient and inexpensive ways to transform the look of a room. Whether you’re a professional or a first time do-it-yourselfer, follow these 3 steps before starting, and your paint job will always turn out great.

1. Pick up all your supplies
Before opening your first can of paint, think about your job needs from start to finish—and ask one of our experts—to make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need so you won’t have to stop everything for an extra run to the store. Your supplies could include primer and paint, painter’s tape, paint brushes and rollers (depending on your project), paint scraper or putty knife, sandpaper, roller trays, caulk or putty, and drop cloths. Remember that one of the biggest differences between a professional-looking paint job and an amateur one is the quality of your brushes and rollers, so don’t skimp on quality when choosing supplies.

2. Pick the right paint
Every project is different, and while many paint cans may look the same, it’s what inside that counts. While most people focus on what color they want, it is equally important to select a paint based on how you need it to perform. Each paint, especially each of our Benjamin Moore® products, is crafted to serve a specific role, making it the most effective in its category. For example, Aura® Bath & Spa breaks the old rules by letting you use a matte finish in humid areas, and Natura® is our greenest paint (lowest VOCs1 and emissions)

3. Prepare your surface properly
The biggest mistake a painter of any skill level can make is skipping the proper prep work. It is a critical step in the process to give you professional-looking results the first time around. First, completely clean the surface of any dirt, dust, grease, soap, wax, or mildew, then dull the glossy areas by sanding them. Prior to painting, make sure that all your surfaces are dry, and use painter’s tape to mask your baseboards, trim, and any other area you don’t want painted, like outlet covers and light switches.

By following these basic tips, you’ll save yourself time, effort, and unnecessary trips back to the store. With some planning and expert advice, you’ll do a great paint job every time.

Learn more on our Paint Department page, then visit our Paint Department for expert advice, or ask one of our experts a question now.

1Zero VOC according to EPA Method 24.

Shown in photo:
WALLS: Wedding Veil 2125-70, Aura® Bath & Spa, Matte
WINDOW TRIM: Hazy Skies OC-48, Aura® Bath & Spa, Matte
LOWER WALL: Blue Danube 2062-30, Aura® Bath & Spa, Matte

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