How to Improve Interior Paint Touch Up Results

Most interior walls and trim eventually need touch-up painting. However, the results are often disappointing. The new paint looks lighter, darker, or otherwise doesn't match the original finish. Sometimes even using the same paint originally used for the job doesn't blend in correctly and it's even trickier if you need to buy new paint to match. Using the correct applicator will give you much better results.

Things You'll Need

• Mini paint roller
• Roller pan
• Brushes
• Bucket for mixing paint
• Drop cloths

Instructions

1. Label, date and save left-over paint after every project. To keep the paint fresh, securely close the lid and store in a cool, dry place. Even if the paint is no good later when you need it, you can take the can back to the paint store to have it matched.

2. Use a primer to seal the drywall mud or patching compound before painting if the touch up is over a drywall repair.

3. Use the same method of application for the touch-up as the original. In other words, if the original walls were painted with a roller, use a small "mini" roller to touch up smaller areas instead of a brush. When touching up brushed trim or woodwork, use a brush instead of a roller. If walls or ceiling were originally sprayed, your best chance for successful touch-up is with a short-napped roller.

4. Pour the touch-up paint into the appropriate container or roller tray and thin it with water--about four parts paint to one part water. Applying touch-up paint too heavily often creates "lap marks" or margins at the edges of the touch up.

5. Apply the paint in thin, even coats. Gently feather the paint onto the original surface with the brush or roller instead of leaving abrupt margins. Follow the directions on the label for drying time between coats, because painting multiple coats of paint too quickly can result in uneven sheen.

6. Allow the paint to dry for a day. While drying, the touched-up area may look a little shinier but as it starts to cure it ought to blend in.

Tips & Warnings

• If the entire wall has faded or become discolored with age, it may be impossible to make a touch-up blend in, and painting the entire wall from corner to corner will be your only recourse. Don't assume all white ceiling paints are the same if touching-up. Every brand--and very often different ceiling paints by the same manufacturer--will be a little different. Most ceiling paint has black colorant added for better hide.

References

• Paint touch-up tips

Resources

• Mini paint rollers