Paint Calculator Pro

Pro painting tips

1. Prep beats paint. Clean, sand, and fill every hole before you open a can. A $40 gallon over great prep beats a $70 gallon over bad prep.
2. Cut in first, roll second. Cut the edges with a brush, then roll while the cut-in is still wet so the texture blends.
3. Keep a wet edge. Never let the roller edge dry mid-wall. Work top to bottom in 3-foot sections to avoid lap marks.
4. Box your paint. Pour all gallons into a 5-gallon bucket and mix. Same-color cans vary slightly, and you will see it on the wall.
5. Buy quality once. Premium paint covers in two coats where cheap paint needs three. The labor savings pay for the paint.
6. Do not skip primer on bare drywall or dark colors. It seals the surface and gives the topcoat something to grip. Skipping it is the number one cause of peeling.