Painting is one DIY task most people can easily handle themselves. Not only do you get a tremendous sense of accomplishment when done well, but it can also save money and give your home a fresh, expensive look. Whether you're a novice or an experienced do-it-yourself-er, there are always ways to make the process easier and more efficient. So scroll on down as we reveal some of the best painting hacks on the web for achieving professional-looking paint jobs on your walls, doors, baseboards, furniture, and more.

Degrease Surfaces

Another thing you can do to achieve a clean paint job is to use a degreaser to clean surfaces before you start. This works wonders for removing grime on the wall (or whatever surface you're painting). A degreaser works by dissolving the oils and dirt stuck on the walls without leaving behind any residue. This goes a long way to ensure the paint adheres better to the wall once applied.

It's also worth noting that cleaning surfaces with a degreaser first can also help preserve your paintbrushes, as they won’t get as overloaded with dirt and debris that can damage them.

Protect Your Space

Painting can be a messy job. So, taking steps to protect areas you don't want to ruin is essential. One helpful tip is to apply a thick layer of vaseline to things like hinges, screws, sockets, and other small areas that may get splattered with paint. This prevents the paint from sticking to these areas, which makes cleaning up much easier. This hack is easy, cheap, and can save time. Not to mention it could save you money on cleaning supplies and touch-up work.

Using this technique, you can focus on your painting work without worrying about damaging your surroundings. A quick wipe with some alcohol will clear the vaseline off after you finish.

Clean Your Surface

Before starting any painting project, preparing your surface to achieve a smooth and polished finish is crucial. So, ensure the surface is clean and free of dirt, grime, dust, and debris. A simple and effective way to do this is to use a Swiffer sweeper with a towel attached to wipe down the surface. If you don’t have one of these, a wipe attached to a flat mop will do.

This will help avoid dust or grime that may cause bumps in the paintwork. The bottom line: By taking a few minutes to prepare your surface, you can save time and ensure a better-quality finish.

The Easy Way to Strip Old Paint

Removing old paint from furniture or walls can be a time-consuming and challenging task. However, with Citristrip, you can make the process safer and more effective. Unlike traditional paint strippers, Citristrip is a gentle and non-toxic product that doesn't contain harsh chemicals. Nevertheless, it can still tackle multiple layers of dried latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, and shellac from wood, metal, and masonry surfaces. To use, apply Citristrip to the surface you want to strip, and let it sit for 24 hours.

Then, the paint should easily peel off, leaving your furniture or walls looking new. With Citristrip, you can remove paint without worrying about damaging your surfaces or exposing yourself to harmful chemicals - win-win!

Grab the Painter's Tape

Professional blue painter's tape is your best bet if you’re looking for clean lines and crisp edges in your paintwork. It can be especially useful if you're trying to create unique stencils or patterns – the possibilities are virtually endless! That said, you must remember to remove the tape before the paint has dried to avoid cracking. While it might seem tedious, it's an essential step towards achieving a great finish.

Just remember to have patience and stay diligent with those final touches, so your walls look perfect when you're done. You should be able to get a roll on Amazon or your local hardware store.

Prevent Paint Drips

Any DIY painter will tell you how much of a nuisance paint drips are! When they dry, they diminish the overall look of your paint job. But fortunately, there is an easy way to prevent it from happening. Just carry a cloth while painting to wipe off any excess paint from your brush. Not only does this eliminate the headache of dealing with pesky paint drips, but it also goes a long way to ensure a smoother finish.

Any old cloth will do. Remember that when you detect excess paint accumulating on your brush, reach for your cloth. Keep it in your apron/pocket to always have it to hand.

Keep Your Paint Supplies Organized

Organizing your paint supplies is essential to ensure a stress-free painting project. Using a cardboard box is one simple and cost-effective way to keep your supplies organized. An old grocery box can be repurposed to store your paint brushes, rollers, trays, and other essential supplies. Having all your supplies in one place lets you easily access what you need, and you won't waste time searching for misplaced tools.

Another benefit is that rather than purchasing a new plastic container, a cardboard box is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option that allows you to reuse something you may have otherwise thrown away.