The best painting tips and tricks from Benjamin Moore

Want to learn the best painting tips from the experts?

If you are a first time decorator or a keen enthusiast looking to freshen up your interiors then look no further than Benjamin Moore’s top five painting tips to help you achieve the best possible results.

1. PREPARATION IS KEY

Make sure the surface you are going to paint is clean and dry and research the paint you need. New wood will need a primer before you apply the top coat. Surfaces which have already been painted should always be given a light sand and brush dust to achieve a ‘key’ for the new paint to apply to.

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2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB

For everyday jobs I usually recommend one of three types of good quality brushes, depending on the task, and a roller. A 1-1/2-inch-wide brush is ideal for most woodwork a 2-1/2-inch-wide brush for cutting in and sash brush for windows. Remember to check the type of bristles and ensure they are compatible with the paint type you are using – there are oil and water based paints as well as varnishes.

3. KNOW WHERE TO START

Painting traditional panelled doors can be tricky but if you work methodically in this simple order the job becomes much easier. Start with the panels, edges first. Move onto the central vertical section. Now move onto the horizontal sections top middle and bottom. As you work through this should make it much easier to deal with drips and the areas where the sections meet. Finally finish with the outside vertical sections.

4. IT IS IN THE DETAIL

Skirting boards can become scruffy quickly. The areas where they meet the plaster can experience chips and wear so before you start painting prepare them by cleaning gently and gently raking out any loose plaster. Use decorators caulk to achieve a smooth, flush line running it round the whole of the room where the surfaces meet.

5. FOLLOW THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE

If you are using your tray or scuttle to decorate multiple areas which different paints invest in some tray liners. It reduces the time needed to clean your equipment between jobs. If you need to wait between coats tightly wrap your brushes in an old plastic bag or cling film so they do not harden.

Benjamin Moore, benjaminmoore.com

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Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, bringing years of interiors experience across the US and UK. She has worked with leading publications, blending expertise in PR, marketing, social media, commercial strategy, and e-commerce. Jennifer has covered every corner of the home – curating projects from top interior designers, sourcing celebrity properties, reviewing appliances, and delivering timely news. Now, she channels her digital skills into shaping the world’s leading interiors website.