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All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about the interior painting services offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.
Interior Painting Services FAQs
For over 25 years Mr. Handyman professionals have been helping homeowners and businesses repair, maintain, and enhance their space. We are a one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about interior painting.
What type of paint is best for interior painting?
Choosing the best paint for interior house painting depends on the room, surface, and desired finish. For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, semi-gloss or satin paints are ideal due to their durability and ease of cleaning. For living rooms or bedrooms, an eggshell or flat finish can provide a smooth, nonreflective look that hides minor imperfections. If you’re unsure, interior painting services provided by professionals, like those from Mr. Handyman, can help you select the perfect paint to match your needs.
How do I prepare my house for interior painting?
Proper preparation is essential to ensure the best results whether you hire an interior painting service or want to DIY. For DIY, start by clearing out furniture, decorations, and valuables from the room or moving them to the center and covering them with drop cloths. Next, clean the walls to remove dirt, dust, and grease that could interfere with paint adhesion. Fill any cracks or holes in the drywall and sand rough patches for a smooth surface. Protect flooring and trim by taping edges with painter’s tape and using drop cloths. When you hire service professionals, they typically take care of covering, masking, and can even assist in moving furniture to gain the access they need.
How long does interior painting take?
The time required for interior painting depends on factors like the size of the space, surface conditions, and the complexity of the job. As a general estimate:
- Small rooms (100-200 sq. ft.): 1 day, including prep work and two coats of paint.
- Medium rooms (300-500 sq. ft.): 1-2 days, depending on wall conditions and drying time between coats.
- Larger spaces (600+ sq. ft.): 2-3 days or more, especially if ceilings, trims, or extensive repairs are involved.
Additional time may be needed for specialty finishes, detailed trim work, or multiple rooms. When you speak with your local Mr. Handyman, they will share a timeline for your particular painting project. Hiring professional interior painters ensures a smooth and efficient process, with high-quality results tailored to your home’s needs.
Can I just paint over old paint?
While it’s possible to paint over old paint, important steps must be taken to ensure a smooth and lasting finish. First, inspect the walls for peeling or flaking paint, as these areas must be scraped and sanded. Next, clean the surface to remove dirt and oils that could interfere with the new paint’s adhesion. If the old paint is a dark color, applying a primer will prevent bleed-through and help the new color appear vibrant.
Professional interior painters will assess your space, share the steps, and take care of surface preparation after they determine whether a primer is necessary to ensure the best results for your interior painting project.
What happens if I don’t use primer before painting?
Skipping primer can lead to several issues during interior painting. Without primer, the paint may not adhere properly to the wall, resulting in uneven coverage, streaking, or peeling over time. This is especially true when painting over glossy finishes, dark colors, or bare surfaces like drywall. Primer also helps seal porous surfaces, reducing the number of paint coats needed.
For a professional finish that lasts, hire an experienced interior painter to determine when primer is necessary and ensure your home looks its best.