Got a paint job coming up?
Paint peeling. Trim chipped. Front door falling off its hinges. Painting is one of the least expensive ways to give a room a whole new look.
According to a new FrogTape poll, nearly 60% of homeowners plan to tackle interior painting jobs this year.
Here’s the problem:
Most DIYers walk into a building material supply store without a clue. They pick up a can of paint, a flimsy roller and go home… Then the paint cracks, the lines run and it takes FOREVER.
Great paint jobs are won (or lost) in the prep.
How to shop wisely, pick up your supplies and walk out with everything you need in one trip.
Here’s how to do it…
Inside This Guide:
- Why Shop at a Building Material Supply Store?
- Plan Your Project Before You Leave Home
- The Prep Supplies You Can’t Skip
- How to Choose the Right Paint
- Pro Tips for the Checkout Counter
Why Shop at a Building Material Supply Store?
Warehouse clubs are good for picking up something in a hurry. When it comes to paint and prep supplies you can’t beat your local building materials supplier.
Why?: These stores cater to the contractors, builders and serious DIYers who shop there daily. That translates to shelves stocked with pro grade paint, primer, patching compound, caulk and lumber… all in the same place. And don’t forget about the expert staff at a trusted building material store who can point you to the right primer for a glossy trim and teach you why certain fillers won’t crack in a cold garage.
It’s not just you cleaning house. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies predicts homeowner spending on renovations will reach $518 billion by late 2026. Americans are fixing up the homes they already own … and painting is near the tip of the brush.
Pretty cool, right?
Plan Your Project Before You Leave Home
The #1 mistake shoppers make? Turning up without a plan.
Taking five minutes to do your homework means you won’t make a second (or third!) trip to the store.
Measure Every Surface
Measure walls. Calculate the height times width of each wall to determine square footage. Deduct doors/windows.
Generally speaking, one gallon of paint will cover 350 to 400 square feet with one coat. Keep in mind you will usually need two coats in most rooms. So work out how much before you go!
Write your numbers down and bring them with you.
Check The Condition Of Your Walls
Take a slow walk around the room. What you’re looking for is:
- Holes and dents from nails or furniture
- Cracks in the plaster or drywall
- Peeling or flaking old paint
- Water stains or mould spots
Take some pictures with your cell phone. The quickest way to learn what needs done is show them to a pro.
The Prep Supplies You Can’t Skip
Prep is where the magic happens.
It’s not the enjoyable step. But if you don’t do it, that’s why so many paint jobs end up looking splotchy after a few weeks.
Your paint is only as good as the surface under it.
Here are the 5x prep supplies every painting project needs:
- Patching compound: Fills holes and dents so your walls look smooth.
- Sandpaper or sanding sponges: Smooths patches and scuffs glossy paint so new coat will stick.
- Painter’s tape: Gives you sharp, clean lines around trim, ceilings and windows.
- Drop cloths: Protects floors and furniture from drips (canvas lasts longer than plastic).
- Caulk: Seals the gaps between trim and walls for a finished, pro look.
Primer: The Secret Weapon
Think of primer like a handshake between your wall and your paint.
Primer seals the surface so paint will adhere better, prevents stains from bleeding through and helps conceal repaired areas. Use primer when painting bare drywall, new patches, dark colours or glossy surfaces.
Tip: Paint & primer in one products will work on walls that are in decent condition. However, if you have stains or unpainted wood… use a standalone primer is recommended.
How to Choose the Right Paint
Face a wall of paint cans and you might feel helpless. You don’t have to.
There are only two things to worry about. Where you want to paint, and how glossy you want it to be.
Interior vs Exterior Paint
Interior paint is formulated to be scuff-resistant and low-odor for indoor use. Exterior paint is designed to withstand the elements of sun, rain and fluctuating temperatures. Do not interchange them; paint designed for indoor use will quickly fade and crack if used outside.
Pick The Right Sheen
Sheen refers to the shine level of paint when it dries. The higher the sheen, the easier it is to clean… however, it also shows imperfections more.
- Flat: Best for ceilings and walls with lots of bumps.
- Eggshell: A soft glow that works great in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Satin: Because it’s easily wipeable, satin is great for kitchens, hallways, and kids’ rooms.
- Semi-gloss: Tough and shiny, ideal for trim, doors, and bathrooms.
Not sure? Grab a sample and paint a test patch before you commit.
Pro Tips for the Checkout Counter
You’ve got your list. Now it’s time to shop like a pro.
Talk to the staff. This is the single greatest benefit of visiting a building material supply store. These folks think about painting problems on a daily basis. Bring them your photos and measurements and ask them what they would use.
Don’t scrimp on brushes and rollers. A quality angled brush and roller cover are game changers. Cheap brushes and rollers shed fibres and streak.
Buy a bit extra. Get 10% more paint than you estimate you will need. Shades may vary from batch to batch. You’ll have some paint left over for future retouching.
Take a colour sample. Matching an existing colour? Take along a chip of the old paint. Most retailers can scan it and create a close match.
It really is that simple.
Price also plays a role. Nearly 50% of respondents in the FrogTape poll indicated that economic hardships influenced their DIY projects… just don’t expect them to hire a professional.
(There’s that “plan first, paint second” rule in action again.)
The Final Coat
A successful paint project begins long before cracking open that first can of paint. It starts with smart shopping.
To quickly recap:
- Measure your space and check your walls before you leave home
- Shop at a building material supply store for pro-grade supplies and real advice
- Never skip prep – patch, sand, tape, caulk and prime
- Pick the right paint type and sheen for each room
- Buy a little extra and bring your photos and samples
If you follow these steps your walls will look better, your paint will last longer and you’ll save time, money and effort.
That’s a win-win-win.
Now grab that tape measure and get started!
