Milk Carton Paint Brush Holder

Suppose you're looking for an easy and affordable way to store your paintbrushes while you're working. In that case, a milk carton paintbrush holder like the one pictured here is a great solution. To create this DIY holder, take an old plastic milk carton and cut out a portion of the center panel. Once you have removed the center panel, you can fill the base with paint and stick your brush through the hole at the top.

This easy hack lets you keep your paintbrushes and paint within easy reach. You also ensure paint handles remain clean because they won't accidentally fall into the paint. Handy, right?

Quick and Easy Paint Trays

Having a reliable paint tray is essential when working on a painting project. However, purchasing a new tray whenever you paint something in your home can be expensive. A great alternative is to use an old food or foil tray and turn it into a paint tray by lining it with a plastic bag or wrap. Just make sure to cover the sides and bottom thoroughly. Then, pour in your desired paint color.

Not only is this hack a cost-effective solution, but it also makes cleaning up a breeze. Just discard the plastic bag and toss the tray in the recycling bin. With this quick and easy hack, you can have a paint tray ready to go in no time.

Use the Zig-Zag Method to Start With the Walls

Once you've got your paint, space, and brushes in order, let’s talk technique. When it comes to getting the perfect painting finish on your walls, you don't have to be a professional to do it. Just use the zig-zag method! Start at the corner of your wall and use slow, overlapping strokes that mimic a zig-zag or narrow 'W' pattern across the wall's surface. This technique ensures complete coverage with minimal effort.

The slight overlap helps to ensure you don't miss any spots, either! Professional painters swear by this technique, so give it a try next time you pick up a paintbrush – you'll be glad you did!

DIY Roller Storage Tin

This DIY hack is simple and affordable, requiring only an old food can or Pringles tin. First, remove the roller's handle and slide it into the cylinder of the can. Then, seal the opening until you're ready to use the roller again. This hack isn't only cost-effective, but it's also an excellent way to keep your workspace tidy and free from clutter. But best of all, it prevents the roller brush from drying up around the edges.

With your DIY roller storage tin to hand, you can down tools for a lunch break safe in the knowledge that your roller is stored safely away, ready to use again at your leisure.

Scent Your Paint

Painting your home can give it a fresh, updated look, but the smell of paint can linger long after the project is done. If you want to minimize this unpleasant odor, a great hack is to add a few drops of vanilla extract to your paint can. Adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract per gallon of paint can reduce the strong smell of varnish and leave your room with a pleasant, subtle vanilla scent.

This hack is the perfect way to make your painting experience more enjoyable and help you feel more comfortable in your home after completing the project. Best of all, you may already have some vanilla extract in your kitchen cupboard!

Create a Portable Studio

This mini portable studio pictured here is perfect for those who need to spray paint or quickly paint small items using a brush without making a mess. Setting up one of these studios begins with finding the right size box for whatever you're painting. Then, affix a piece of plastic or tarp to the bottom of the box, which acts as a protective layer against any excess paint that might drip from your brush or spray bottle.

Pro tip: Hang some paper towels nearby to quickly blot away any accidental spills. With this simple setup, you’ll be ready to spray paint away - minus the inconvenient mess.

Prime Old Furniture

You can achieve a much smoother finish on wood by using furniture concealer or wood filler to prime it before painting. This is easy to use and provides an excellent base layer for painting. But first, sand the wood lightly to create a smooth surface. Then, apply a thin coat of the furniture concealer with a clean cloth and let it dry completely. The product's creamy consistency will fill any imperfections in the wood surface and add strength to the structure.

Priming older wooden furniture is all the more important as these tend to have tons of knots, dents, bumps, etc., that make painting difficult. In such scenarios, you'll be glad you took the time to prime.