Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Your Painting Project: A Comprehensive Guide
A Fresh Coat of Paint Can Increase Home Value—But Only If Done Right
Painting your home isn’t just about aesthetic appeal—it’s a smart investment. According to HomeLight, repainting interior walls can increase home value by up to 5%, and exterior painting can provide a 55% return on investment (ROI) when selling a home. In fact, homes with fresh exterior paint sell faster and for $4,000 more on average (HomeLight).
But before you start rolling on paint, planning is key. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro, knowing what to expect will save you time, money, and frustration. Let’s break it all down.
Freshly painted white cabinets by East Pine Painting
1. DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: What’s the Real Cost?
You might be tempted to save money and paint yourself, but is it really worth it?
A Look at the Costs
DIY Interior Painting Costs:
$1-$3 per square foot.
A gallon of quality paint covers 350-400 sq. ft. and costs $40-$70.
Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths) add $50-$100.
Total DIY Cost for a 1,000 sq. ft. space: Around $600-$1,000.
Professional Interior Painting Costs:
$2-$6 per square foot (Architectural Digest).
Pros complete the job faster and ensure a flawless finish.
Total Pro Cost for a 1,000 sq. ft. space: Around $2,000-$6,000.
When to DIY vs. Hire a Pro
✅ DIY is great for:
Small rooms, accent walls, or areas with simple surfaces.
If you enjoy hands-on projects and have plenty of time.
✅ Hire a pro for:
Exterior painting (it requires specialized equipment and expertise).
Large areas, high ceilings, or detailed trim work.
If you want a longer-lasting, streak-free finish.
📌 Read More: How to Hire a Professional Painter
2. Does Paint Quality Really Matter?
Short answer? Yes, absolutely.
Cheap paint might seem like a bargain, but it requires more coats, fades faster, and doesn’t hold up over time.
According to Consumer Reports, high-quality paint lasts up to 10 years longer and resists stains twice as well as lower-quality brands.
Picking the Right Finish
Matte/Flat: Hides imperfections but hard to clean. Best for ceilings & low-traffic areas.
Eggshell & Satin: Most popular choice—durable, easy to clean, and great for living rooms & bedrooms.
Semi-Gloss & Gloss: Highly durable & washable. Ideal for trim, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms.
📌 Read More: Best Paint Finishes for Your Home
🚨 Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality paint—you’ll repaint less often and get better coverage, reducing long-term costs.
3. Prep Work: The Secret to a Professional Finish
Even the best paint won’t look great if the surface isn’t prepared properly. 80% of a flawless paint job is in the prep work.
Steps for Perfect Prep:
✅ Clean the Walls: Dust, grease, and grime prevent paint from sticking properly.
✅ Patch & Sand: Fill nail holes and cracks, then sand for a smooth surface.
✅ Prime When Necessary: If you’re painting over dark colors, stains, or bare drywall, primer is a must.
📌 Read More: How to Prep a Room for Painting
4. Choosing the Right Color: What Works Best?
Color isn’t just aesthetic—it affects mood, lighting, and resale value.
According to HomeLight, repainting interior walls can increase home value by up to 5%.
Popular Colors for Resale Value
🎨 Light Gray & Greige (Gray + Beige): Timeless, modern, and works in any room.
🎨 Soft Blues & Greens: Perfect for bedrooms & bathrooms—calming and inviting.
🎨 Crisp White: Creates a clean, spacious look—ideal for kitchens and trim.
Best Tools to Help You Pick a Color:
🖌 Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap® – Upload a photo & try different colors virtually.
🖌 Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer – Experiment with color combos before committing.
📌 Read More: Best Paint Colors for Every Room
🚨 Pro Tip: Always test samples on your actual walls—colors look different under various lighting conditions!
5. Drying Time & How Long to Wait Between Coats
Patience is key. If you apply coats too quickly, you’ll get streaks, uneven coverage, and peeling.
⏳ Drying Times Per Paint Type:
Latex Paint: Touch-dry in 1 hour, recoat in 4 hours.
Oil-Based Paint: Touch-dry in 6-8 hours, recoat in 24 hours.
6. After the Paint Dries: Maintenance & Cleaning
To keep your new paint job looking fresh, follow these simple maintenance tips:
✔️ Wait at least 2 days before hanging decor to let the paint fully cure.
✔️ Clean walls with a damp cloth—harsh cleaners can strip paint over time.
✔️ Store leftover paint in a cool, dry place for future touch-ups.
📌 Read More: How to Maintain Painted Walls
Final Thoughts: Get a Flawless Paint Job Every Time
📌 Quick Recap:
✔️ DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: A professional job lasts twice as long.
✔️ Invest in High-Quality Paint: Premium brands last 10+ years.
✔️ Prep is Everything: Skipping prep leads to bad results.
✔️ Be Patient: Rushing drying times ruins your finish.
✔️ Choose Colors Wisely: Neutral shades boost resale value.
🎨 Need a Professional Paint Job That Lasts?
At East Pine Painting, we handle prep, painting, and cleanup for a stress-free experience and a flawless finish.
✅ Free color consultations – Get expert guidance.
✅ No upfront payment – You only pay when satisfied.
✅ Durable, weather-resistant finishes – Built for Texas homes.
📞 Call us today or click below to schedule your FREE estimate!