Do you have a DIY painting project on your to-do list but are worried about the cost and time it may take? You’re not alone! Many people shy away from painting projects due to their associated costs and time requirements. However, with some simple and effective DIY painting hacks, you can save yourself some money and make the job much easier and less time-consuming. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best DIY painting hacks that will help you save both time and money on your next painting project.

1. Use a paint sprayer instead of a brush or roller 🖌️👨‍🎨

Using a paint sprayer instead of a brush or roller can save you a lot of time and effort on your painting project. Paint sprayers provide an even, consistent coat of paint in a fraction of the time it takes to use a brush or roller. With a paint sprayer, you don’t need to worry about the texture or nap of your roller, or the skill required for brushwork. Instead, you simply point and shoot, and the sprayer does the rest.

A person using a paint sprayer on a wall

2. Prep your surfaces properly before painting 🧹📜

Proper surface preparation is crucial to a successful painting project. Prepping your surfaces involves cleaning, sanding, and filling any holes or cracks. This step may take a little extra time, but it’s well worth it in the end. By prepping your surfaces properly, your paint will adhere better and last longer, and you’ll end up with a much smoother finish.

Sanding a wall before painting it

3. Use painter’s tape to create clean edges 🎞️🔍

Painter’s tape is a great tool for creating clean, crisp edges on your painting project. Simply apply the tape to the edges you want to protect, and then paint up to the edge of the tape. Once the paint dries, remove the tape, and you’ll have a perfectly straight, clean edge. Painter’s tape is also useful for creating patterns and designs on your walls.

A person applying painter's tape to the edges of a wall

4. Reuse old paint cans and containers ♻️🎨

Don’t throw away your old paint cans and containers! Instead, clean them out and reuse them for your painting project. This will save you money on new containers and help reduce waste. You can also use old containers to mix and store paint samples or leftover paint.

Old paint cans and containers used for storing paint samples

5. Use a wet edge technique for a uniform finish 💧🎨

When painting large areas, it’s important to maintain a “wet edge” to prevent lap marks and ensure a uniform finish. To achieve this, start by painting one edge of the surface and then immediately painting the adjacent section, overlapping slightly, while the first section is still wet. This creates a continuous “wet edge” and ensures that the surface is covered evenly.

A person using the wet edge technique while painting a wall

6. Invest in good-quality paint and tools 🛠️💰

While it may be tempting to skimp on the cost of your paint and tools, investing in good-quality products can actually save you money and hassle in the long run. Good-quality paint is more durable and provides better coverage, which means you’ll need to use less of it over time. High-quality brushes and rollers will also last longer and provide a smoother finish, reducing the need for touch-ups.

A person painting a wall with high-quality tools and paint

Now that you have these DIY painting hacks in your arsenal, you can tackle your next painting project with confidence! By using a paint sprayer, prepping your surfaces properly, using painter’s tape, reusing old containers, using the wet edge technique, and investing in good-quality paint and tools, you can save both time and money on your painting project. 🔨🎨

An image of a finished painting project