San Francisco Sun

One of the first things that comes to anyone's mind when walking into a new space surrounded by four walls they can call their own is something along the lines of, "What color do I want to paint the walls?" or "How do I want to decorate?"

While not everyone is an expert interior designer or artist, the task of painting a room can start as exciting and quickly become a daunting task for first-time decorators, DIY remodelers or new homeowners/renters. To make sure this does not happen to you as a first-time room painting entrepreneur, some basic knowledge and tips can make all the difference. 

"Your local Ace Hardware store has everything you need to complete your paint project," Annie Hunter, Ace Hardware's paint expert, said. "That includes a broad range of paint and painting supplies, featuring top brands like Benjamin Moore, Magnolia Home paint by Joanna Gaines, Clark+Kensington, Kilz, Rust-Oleum, Purdy and Wooster. At Ace, you can not only find the right paint for your project and your budget, but you’ll also find all of the tools and accessories needed to make your project a success. Our red-vested associates will make sure you get everything you need to paint in one trip – guaranteed, with our Extra Mile Promise."

Painting, remodeling or any big change to one’s home is generally not an all-of-a-sudden impulsive choice. According to R-U-Home, there are basic steps throughout the painting process every first-time painter or beginner should know. 

Beginning painter tip #1: Have your paint color, finish and any accent colors decided on beforehand is essential. Afterall, you cannot paint a room without the paint.

"Not all paints are the same," Hunter said. "Different paint products should be used for different projects around your home, and your local Ace can help you choose the right paint product and sheen depending on your project. A busy hallway where you’re painting beige over beige is going to require a separate product than a living room where you’re painting a focal wall navy blue over beige."

Unsure of the color you want or finish you like? Or how will it look with your lighting? Will it be a room makeover hit or a disaster? Gathering paint testers to tape up and see an example against your walls will allow you to see how each color changes depending on lighting and finishes. This is a fail-safe option so you don't end up with a remodel disappointment. 

"Ace has an Everyday Color Sample program, where you can purchase a paintable color sample and receive a coupon for $5 off your gallon purchase!" Hunter said. "See your local store for details." 

Beginning painter tip #2: Double check that all necessary painting tools have been purchased and are ready for your project. General painting tools include different size brushes and rollers to fit the areas you will be painting and painting around, paint can openers, paint trays and liners, plastic drop sheets, a ladder, a paint scrapper if removing older paint, paint edger, spray-painter if choosing to paint that way and painter's tape. These are all essential items when painting any room. 

Beginning painter tip #3: Before beginning any painting project, it is important to prepare the room in which you are going to paint. Start by filling all of the holes in the walls with putty or other filler and sanding the dried putty to be flush with your wall. Next, wash down your walls with warm water and a mild detergent to help remove surface dirt and oils that may prevent the paint from being applied evenly and smoothly, The Rug Seller suggests.

Finally. finish your room preparation by focusing on everything else. Remember to move furniture out of the room or cover it for protection against paint splatter, tape off windowsills and vents or other fixtures, lay a plastic sheet across the floor to ensure your hardwood or carpet does not get ruined and always make sure the room you will be painting is well ventilated. 

"When it comes to a regular DIYer wanting to start your next painting project, my advice is to spend a few extra minutes on the prep work," Hunter said. "We all want to jump right into the painting fun because we’re so excited to see the beautiful color on the walls. However, spending time prepping the space will give you much better results and help you avoid problems along the way."

Beginning painter tip #4: Once you have your room prepared and the walls ready for a nice fresh coat of new pigmentation, open a can but don't forget to mix your paint before actual application. 

Beginning painter tip #5: When applying your paint onto a wall, always paint top to bottom, according to The Rug Seller. If you are using a roller, painting in a “W” pattern is the best technique. Also, make sure not to stretch your paint too much that you are applying it super thin, but also do not apply it too thick, which will create blotchy spots. As you come upon smaller, more detailed sections and obstacles, paint as closely to the edges as possible to prevent "hatbanding," or different textures of paint closer to edges than the rest of the wall.

Expert Annie's Suggested Paint Brands

"First, Benjamin Moore – the color authority – has 3,500 inspiring, brilliant colors to choose from and quality paint brands to suit your purposes. Aura is their best paint and unparalleled for long-lasting color depth and richness," Hunter said. "Regal Select is Benjamin Moore’s most durable paint, trusted by homeowners and painters alike for over 60 years to stand up to life’s spills, stains and scuffs. Finally, Ben is a great choice for DIY painters as it is easy to apply, touch up and maintain for an effortless painting experience." 

Benjamin Moore’s premium quality paints and huge selection of colors are available at over 4,000 Ace Hardware stores. With Ace’s award-winning service, we’ll help you get everything you need to paint in one trip or we will deliver it free with our Extra Mile Promise guarantee.

"Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines makes color selection easy with 150 timeless colors, hand-selected by Joanna Gaines to help infuse your style and personality into your home," Hunter said. "Any color in this beautiful palette is a great choice and they all coordinate with one another, which takes the guesswork out of choosing color. Magnolia Home paint is crafted with KILZ for durability and coverage that will stand the test of time in your favorite interior spaces. I also really like Clark+Kensington for the paint-plus-primer in one feature, and it applies beautifully with great coverage. This paint is known for its beautiful color, high durability and a smooth finish, all at a great value. Clark+Kensington offers 1,200 colors to choose from, and a full complement of paint products for walls, ceilings, trim and cabinets that are easy on the budget."

Looking for great ways to use that leftover paint? Hunter's Leftovers with Annie page offers tons of ideas for DIY decorations, painting looks and so much more. For more tips, expert know-how or to find paint inspirations, visit Ace Hardware's Tips page.

About Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, with more than 5,600 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 70 countries. 

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S., and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; Colon, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com.