House Painting Guide: Interior and Exterior Painting Done Right

Signs It Is Time to Repaint

Inside

• Scuffs and marks that no longer wash off.
• Faded or uneven color, especially on sunny walls.
• Peeling or bubbling paint in bathrooms or near windows.
• Patched spots that show through.
• Colors that feel dated, or you are getting ready to sell.

Outside

• Peeling, cracking or flaking paint.
• A chalky film that rubs off on your hand.
• Bare wood showing on trim, doors or siding.
• Cracked or loose caulk around windows and doors.

Outside, paint protects wood and siding from water, so do not wait long once it starts to fail.

Prep Work That Makes or Breaks a Paint Job

Many paint problems come from poor prep, not bad paint. Good painters spend real time on these steps:

1. Clean. Wash off dirt, grease and mildew. Paint does not stick well to grime.
2. Scrape. Remove loose and peeling paint so the new coat bonds to a sound surface.
3. Patch. Fill nail holes, dents and cracks. Bigger holes may need drywall repair first.
4. Sand. Smooth the patches and scuff glossy surfaces so paint can grip.
5. Caulk. Seal gaps along trim, corners, windows and doors for clean lines and to keep out water and drafts.
6. Prime. Use primer on bare wood, patches, stains and big color changes so the top coat looks even.
7. Tape and cover. Protect floors, furniture, fixtures and trim with drop cloths, plastic and tape.

Paint Sheens and Where to Use Them

Sheen is how shiny paint looks when dry. Shinier paint is easier to clean but shows every flaw in the wall.

• Flat or matte: hides bumps and patches. Best for ceilings and low-traffic rooms like bedrooms.
• Eggshell: a soft glow with a little more washability. A popular pick for living rooms and halls.
• Satin: wipes clean more easily. Good for kitchens, kids' rooms and bathrooms.
• Semi-gloss: tough and moisture resistant. Great for trim, doors and cabinets.
• High-gloss: very shiny and very durable. Use it on front doors and railings for a bold finish.

Outside, flat or satin is common on walls, with semi-gloss on trim and doors.

How to Pick Paint Colors You Will Love

• Test samples on the wall. Paint large swatches, or use sample boards you can move around the room.
• Look at different times of day. Morning sun, evening light and lamps can change a color a lot.
• Mind the light. North-facing rooms get cool light, so warmer colors help. South-facing rooms get warm light that brightens most colors.
• Work with what stays. Floors, countertops and furniture should go with the new color.
• Keep the flow. Use related colors in rooms you can see from one another.
• Outside, consider your roof color and check any neighborhood rules first.

Exterior House Painting: Weather and Repairs First

Exterior paint needs dry surfaces and mild weather to cure well. Avoid rain, high humidity, cold nights and hot afternoons in direct sun. Ask your painter what conditions the paint is rated for.

Fix problems before painting, not after:

• Replace rotted wood on trim, fascia and window sills.
• Repair cracked, loose or damaged siding. Our siding repair guide explains the signs.
• Clean gutters and fix leaks that send water down the walls.
• Trim back shrubs and branches touching the house.
• Wash the surface, then let it dry fully.

In an older home, ask how the painter will handle old paint that may contain lead, and make sure they follow safe practices.

Painting Cabinets and Trim

Cabinet painting can give a kitchen a new look without new cabinets, but it is detailed work. A good job includes:

• Removing and labeling doors, drawers and hardware.
• Deep cleaning to remove kitchen grease.
• Sanding plus a bonding primer made for slick surfaces.
• Thin, even coats, often sprayed, with drying time between them.
• Time for the paint to cure before heavy use, so it does not chip.

Trim and doors take the most bumps, so use a durable semi-gloss or gloss. Fill nail holes and caulk the joints first for a crisp finish.

What a Painting Bid Should Include

A clear painting estimate lets you compare pros fairly. Look for:

• Areas covered: which rooms or sides of the house, and whether walls, ceilings, trim, doors, closets and cabinets are included.
• Prep work: washing, scraping, patching, sanding, caulking, priming and any wood repair.
• Coats: how many coats on each surface.
• Materials: the paint quality and sheen, and who supplies it.
• Protection: how floors, furniture, plants and fixtures will be covered.
• Cleanup: daily tidying, final cleanup and what happens to leftover paint.
• Touch-ups: a final walk-through to catch missed spots.

To get accurate bids, list the rooms, ceiling heights, current and new colors, and any repairs you know about.

Get Bids From Local Painting Pros

Ready to repaint? Post your painting job on BidHandyman for free, add photos of the rooms or outside walls, and share a budget if you like. Only pros approved by BidHandyman can bid. Compare their bids, profiles and reviews, message them with questions, and hire the painter you like, with no obligation. Post a painting job or browse painting pros near you.