Looking to touch up paint in your home? If your walls have any chips, holes, or scuffs, touching up paint is a simple home improvement idea that can enhance your space. Whether you’re trying to stage your home for sale or simply want it to look more refined, check out the steps below to find the touch up painting tips you need.
Find the Right Paint
Taking the time to find the right paint sets you up for a seamless touch-up job. The best way to touch up paint is to use the paint color that was originally used to paint the entire wall. If you need to repurchase it, ensure you select the same sheen or finish (e.g., matte, satin, or gloss). If the original paint is unavailable, bring a paint sample to a home improvement store—they can use color matching technology to find you the closest alternative. When searching for the right paint, be sure to view it in different lighting conditions to confirm the match holds up!
Gather Painting Materials
After finding the closest paint match, consider any other tools you’ll need to get for the project. Gathering all your materials together before starting allows for a smooth, uninterrupted touch-up process.
Here are some supplies that are typically needed for a proper paint touch-up:
- Tarp or drop cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Clean rags & sponges
- Spackle (or nail hole filler)
- Putty knife
- Fine-grit sandpaper (or sanding block)
- Primer
- Small, angled paintbrush (for smaller touch-ups)
- Foam paint roller and paint tray (for larger touch-ups)
- Paint stir stick
- Protective gloves
- Paint thinner (optional)
Prep the Surrounding Area
Before touching up paint on a wall, it’s important to ensure the surrounding area is prepped and protected. Slide furniture away from the wall, and remove any shelves, mirrors, or other decor items that interfere with the touch-up area. Similarly, use painter’s tape to wrap any nearby hardware—such as handles—as well as baseboards, vents, and outlets. Then lay down tarps or drop cloths to help protect furniture and floors from potential paint spills or drips.
Clean the Wall
Starting with a clean surface makes for a smoother paint application and a longer-lasting paint job. Painting over any residue can cause bumps and keep the paint from properly bonding to the wall, which can result in peeling and chipping down the line. Cleaning also helps prevent mold and mildew, and eliminates any stains that could bleed through the paint. Use a damp sponge—and a mild dish soap solution if necessary—to remove any dirt, dust, grease, or grime from the touch up area, then leave it to dry.
Repair Any Damages
Painting over uneven surfaces can highlight existing flaws, making the touch-up work more obvious—that’s why repairing any holes or other damages in your wall before your paint touch-up is crucial. With a putty knife, apply a thin layer of spackle (or nail hole filler) over the hole or crack until it’s fully covered. Allow it to dry completely, then lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth, even surface. Clean any dust off with a damp rag and allow it to dry before moving onto next steps.
Prime the Area
Remembering to prime the area you’ll be working on is one of the best paint touch-up tips. Primer creates a more uniform surface for the new paint, which can help it better adhere and more naturally blend in with the rest of the wall. When trying to find the right paint primer, be sure to choose one that’s compatible with your paint—consider getting it from the same manufacturer. Use a small paintbrush to apply a thin, even coat of primer to the area. Avoid over-priming the wall, as this can draw more attention to the touch up—keep it confined to only the dimensions of the repair area for the best results.
Stir & Test Your Paint
Now that the touch-up area is ready, you can begin prepping your paint! Put on your protective gloves, then stir the paint thoroughly with a paint stir stick until it has an even color and consistency throughout. If your paint is especially thick, you may want to mix in a paint thinner for easier application—refer to the paint manufacturer’s instructions for the best paint thinner recommendations and ratios. Once you’re ready to start, test your paint on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it’s a good color match and appropriate consistency.
Apply the Paint
When touch up painting a wall, using the same paint applicators that were used to paint the wall originally can help you match the existing paint’s texture. If you’re not sure what was used, opt for a small, angled brush for painting small areas, or a foam paint roller and tray for larger touch-ups. Dabbing the paint can be a helpful technique for especially small areas—otherwise, apply the paint in thin, even coats. Begin in the center of the repair spot and work your way out, then feather the edges by making light strokes to help the paint blend seamlessly with the rest of the wall. Try to use as little paint as possible—just enough to cover the imperfection—for the best results.
Let the Paint Dry
If the first coat doesn’t provide adequate coverage, you can apply a second, thin coat of paint once the first coat has completely dried. Give your paint enough time to dry—ranging from a few hours to a day depending on your paint type—before applying more coats to help ensure an even, long-lasting finish. Letting your touch-up paint dry between coats can also help minimize brush strokes and prevent dripping. After applying your second coat, block off the area to let it dry overnight—or for up to a few days for larger areas.
Store Touch-Up Paint Properly
Your touch-up is complete! As you’re tidying up, be mindful to store your paint properly so it’s ready to go for any future paint touch-ups. If stored the right way, a previously opened can of paint can typically last for an average of 5 years, while an unopened can of latex, acrylic, or oil-based paint can last 10 to 15 years. Store your paint in its original can if it can be completely re-sealed, or put it in a glass jar with an airtight lid. Because paint is best stored at room temperature, you may want to verify your home’s storage space (e.g., garage, shed, basement, or attic) is climate-controlled storage to keep the paint in the best condition. Just remember to label your container with the paint color and finish, the room(s) it was applied, and the date it was purchased and last used!
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