How to Get a Professional Paint Finish at Home
Want results like a pro? These tips from a professional painter will help you achieve a flawless finish on your walls.
Professional Techniques Anyone Can Use
While there’s no substitute for years of experience, these professional tips will dramatically improve your DIY painting results.
1. Invest in Quality Tools
Don’t scrimp on brushes and rollers — cheap ones leave fibres in the paint and give a rough finish. Buy the best you can afford. A quality 2-inch angled brush and a branded roller sleeve will last for years.
2. Preparation is 80% of the Job
Fill every hole, sand every surface, and clean every wall before you open a tin of paint. This single step makes the biggest difference between an amateur and professional finish.
3. Use Quality Paint
Professional painters use trade-quality paints for good reason — better coverage, easier application, and a superior finish. Dulux Trade is our choice, but any professional-grade paint will outperform budget alternatives.
4. Master the Cut-In Technique
Cutting in — painting the edges with a brush before rolling — is what gives clean, crisp lines. Use an angled brush, load it properly (dip one-third of the bristles), and paint in smooth, confident strokes along the edge.
5. Maintain a Wet Edge
Always work from the cut-in edge while the paint is still wet, and slightly overlap your roller strokes. If paint dries between sections, you’ll see visible lines in the finished surface.
6. Two Coats, Always
Even if the first coat looks perfect, always apply a second. Two coats gives even colour, proper coverage, and better durability. Some colour changes may need three coats.
7. Sand Between Coats
Lightly sand with fine sandpaper (240-grit) between coats for the smoothest possible finish. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth before applying the next coat.
8. Remove Tape at the Right Time
Remove painter’s tape while the final coat is still slightly tacky — not fully dry. Pull at a 45-degree angle for the cleanest line. If you wait until it’s fully dry, you risk peeling paint off with the tape.
Still Want Help?
If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, we’re here to help. Our online quote calculator gives you an instant price estimate, and we always deliver a perfect finish.