6 Smart Painting Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Finding the right paint colors can be fun. But all the prep work? Not so much. Your furniture needs to be moved, drop cloths put down, and strip after strip of painter’s tape affixed around all the doors, window frames and woodwork. All just to put a fresh coat of paint on the wall!

But the good news, there are shortcuts that cut the prep time in half without skimping on quality.

Before you start taping up every surface in your room, check out these painting hacks from TikTok user @therenegadehome. She shared two videos with a total of six handy hacks to make sure you never have a messy paint project again!

@therenegadehome Any others hacks I should try? #painthacks #diyproject #homeimprovement #painting ♬ TWINNEM – Coi Leray

Line Your Trim with a File Folder

No need for extra painter’s tape here. Use a file folder to keep things clean as you paint, especially in tough, detailed areas like door frames and trim that connects to the floor or ceiling. You’ll also need a steady hand.

Place the folder between the areas you are and aren’t painting, and slide it along the surface as you go. The result? Clean lines, without the 45 minutes of laying painter’s tape beforehand.

Keep the Paint Can Tidy

Take all the painter’s tape you aren’t putting up on your wall and use it on your paint can. It can help prevent every painter’s pet peeve — a messy, paint-covered pail and label.

For this, join two strips of tape at an angle over the top edges of the can. Secure them with a third strip, wrapped around the can right under the rim, and voilà! You’re left with a DIY spout that allows for easy paint-pouring and clean-up.

When you’re finished, rip off the tape, cover and store away until the next use.

Keep Your Paintbrush Clean

A paint-covered brush handle makes for messy hands and stained clothing if you aren’t careful. To avoid this, simply wrap some painter’s tape around the base of your brush and the handle.

If things start to get too messy, you can wipe off the excess paint with a towel or replace the tape as you go. And when you’re done with your project, just rip off the tape to reveal an almost brand-new brush — besides the bristles.

@therenegadehome Let me know if you’ve tried any of these in the comments ⬇️ #painthack #interiorpainting #diypainting #diy ♬ Forever – Labrinth

Use a Rubber Band to Wipe Your Brush

There’s nothing worse than trying to put a lid back on a can of paint with a messy rim. To keep this from happening, put a rubber band vertically around your can, adjusting it to the center. Dip your brush in and wipe it off on the rubber band so paint drips right back into the can.

Use Fabric Softener to Clean Your Brushes

We never want our brushes crusty with paint, but sometimes water alone doesn’t clean well enough to prevent it from happening. This trick solves that problem in a jiffy: Mix some fabric softener with a little water and soak your brushes in it for an hour. They’ll look as good as new!

Use a Six-in-One Painter’s Tool to Clean Rollers

Use the curved part of this handy tool to scrape off excess paint, making it super easy to wash the rest out. It also functions as a putty knife, scraper, gouger and paint can opener — is there anything this gadget can’t do? Look for a six-in-one tool like this before you start painting.