Home improvement projects can add value to your home and improve the overall look of your living space. They also have the added benefit of raising neighborhood standards, creating jobs and growing markets for materials and home products. While whole-home renovations can cost big money, there are many affordable DIY projects that you can tackle to improve your home, such as painting or power washing the outside.
Even if you’re not thinking about selling your home anytime soon, it’s important to maintain your home to keep it looking its best. Upgrading the appearance of your home can attract potential buyers if you do decide to put it on the market, and it can also make your living space more comfortable for you and your family.
One of the easiest ways to brighten up a room is with a fresh coat of paint, but it can be easy for novices to make mistakes that can leave their new painting project less than perfect. From choosing the right paint to using quality tools, these expert tips will help you paint like a pro.
1. Keep a wet edge
Professional painters always work with a wet edge, says Nick Slavik, a professional painter for 29 years who hosts Ask a Painter Live on social media and has a rigorous apprentice program. Working with a wet edge gives your walls an even, professional finish and prevents “hatbanding,” “picture framing” and “flashing” — where the cut edges of wall paint dry first, leaving visible borders around the edges of the room.