When there’s a will, there’s a way! Don’t want to commit to a full paint job but itching to jazz up your space? We’ve got some great ideas (and tips) for fun, paint-based projects you can do by yourself! Luckily for you, we’ve made plenty of mistakes in the past, and as a result, have some mega helpful suggestions to ensure that your experience is a great one.

Regardless of which project you choose to take on, the most important part of the painting equation is being PREPARED! Benjamin Moore’s ben & ME kit comes with everything you need to get a DIY painting project started (from painters tape and drop cloth to a playlist (!!!).

Give your trim or baseboards a fresh look. As a rule of thumb, you want to put darker colours on the bottom (like your floor, baseboard, chair rail) and keep lighter colours at the top to make the space look airy and bright.

Tips:

  • Use a plastering knife to keep the floor clean, moving it along as you go!
  • Use as little paint as possible. The dryer your brush, the more control you will have.
  • High-med gloss paint works best.

If you’re looking for a dramatic change, paint your ceiling!

Tips:

  • Everything becomes a splatter zone so be sure to use a drop cloth, or you’ll be sorry. Trust.
  • Don’t overload the roller. This way you’re not dragging paint around and minimizing drip potential.
  • Paint in squares, and feather in the edges in between for a cohesive look.

One of our favourite projects of the last year has been painting our doors a bright red colour. This might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but it’s definitely a quick and fun way to add playfulness to any room.

Tips:

  • Cut and roll at the same time. The best way to do this is to load the paint directly (and quickly) on the door, and then smooth it out with a roller. DON’T STOP. No, really, don’t stop unless you’re into streaks.
  • Paint top to bottom.
  • As this is a super high traffic area, be sure to use a higher gloss paint.
  • Use a wedge beneath door to keep it from flapping around while you paint.

Bored of your Ikea furniture? Paint it! WHY THE HELL NOT?

  • Make sure paint is med gloss so it’s easy to clean and doesn’t show fingerprints.
  • If you’re feeling a lil daring, add a print or some basic colour blocking using painters tape.

Regardless of which project you’ve decided to take on, we highly recommend Bejamin Moore’s ben & ME kit to get the job done right. Be sure to head on over to their website for all sorts of helpful painting resources, and to find Benjamin Moore retailer nearest you!

When you’re painting, we want you to feel like a pro. Here are 3 terms that will give your painting game some major cred.

FLASHING: reflecting light off a wall which reveals unevenness in the glass.

FEATHERING: a light brushing technique that joins hand cut to rolled areas.

BACKROOL: going back over roller lines to further smooth them when necessary.

Although this post has been generously sponsored by Benjamin Moore, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect Benjamin Moore.

BenjaminMooreLogo