Thinking about repainting the inside of your home? Whether you’re getting ready to sell, freshening up a room, or just tired of the same old color, repainting your walls is one of the easiest ways to give your home a whole new feel. If you live in Bellingham, you’ll want to work with a skilled contractor painter who understands the local style and climate—like the team at Next Step Painting LLC.
This step-by-step guide will help you understand the repainting process and decide whether to DIY or call in a pro.
Step 1: Choose the Right Color
Picking a color might seem easy—until you realize there are thousands of choices. The color you choose will affect the way your room looks and feels. Here are a few tips:
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Light colors make a room feel bigger and brighter
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Dark colors can add warmth or drama but may make rooms feel smaller
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Neutral tones are a safe choice and work well in almost any space
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Bold accent walls add a splash of personality
Don’t forget to test a few paint samples on the wall before making a final choice. Paint can look different depending on lighting and time of day.
Step 2: Prep the Walls
Before painting, you need to make sure your walls are clean and smooth. This part is super important for getting a great finish.
Here’s what to do:
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Remove nails, screws, and wall hangings
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Patch small holes or dents with spackle
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Sand rough spots and peeling paint
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Wipe the walls clean with a damp cloth
If the wall has stains or greasy spots, use a little soap and water to clean it off. Let everything dry before moving on.
Step 3: Tape and Cover
Use painter’s tape to protect the edges around trim, windows, and doors. You should also cover floors and furniture with drop cloths or old sheets. Even if you’re careful, paint splatters happen.
Professional painters like Next Step Painting LLC are experts at clean edges and protecting your space, which is one reason many Bellingham homeowners choose to hire a contractor painter instead of doing it themselves.
Step 4: Prime the Walls
If you’re painting over a dark color, stained walls, or fresh drywall, you’ll need to use primer. Primer helps the new paint stick better and look more even. Some paints include primer in them, but if you’re making a big color change, a separate primer is usually best.
Step 5: Time to Paint
Now you’re ready to roll—literally. Use a brush for edges and corners, then a roller for larger areas.
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Paint from top to bottom in small sections
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Use even pressure to avoid roller lines
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Apply a second coat after the first one dries (usually after 2–4 hours)
Be sure to follow the instructions on the paint can for drying times.
Step 6: Clean Up and Enjoy
Once your final coat is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape and clean up your tools. If you notice any missed spots or drips, now is the time to touch them up.
Stand back and admire your work—you’ve just transformed your space with a fresh, clean look.
When to Call a Pro
While DIY painting can save money, it also takes time and effort—and sometimes the results aren’t as smooth or long-lasting. If you want your walls to look flawless or don’t have the time, hiring a contractor painter is a smart move.
Next Step Painting LLC has helped homeowners all over Bellingham repaint their interiors with high-quality results. They take care of everything from prep to cleanup, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Final Thoughts
Repainting your home’s interior is one of the best ways to refresh your space. With the right color, tools, and steps, you can do it yourself—or save time by calling in a trusted contractor painter like Next Step Painting LLC. Either way, a new coat of paint can make your Bellingham home feel brighter, cleaner, and more like you.
