Choosing the perfect colour is only half the battle. If you want that polished, professional look, you need the right techniques to go with it. From subtle roller tricks to knowing when to sand, how you apply paint has a huge impact on the final result.

Whether you're tackling a room in your Durham Region home or updating a rental suite in Pickering, here’s how Altona Painting ensures every job looks clean, crisp, and smooth from the very first coat.

1. Prep the Surface Like a Pro

Flawless finishes start with clean, smooth surfaces.

• Wash walls with mild detergent to remove grime

• Patch holes or dents with filler

• Sand repairs until the wall feels even to the touch

Skip this step, and even the best paint won’t save the result.

2. Use High-Quality Tools

Cheap rollers and brushes can leave behind streaks, lint, and uneven coverage. Invest in:

• Synthetic-bristle brushes for latex paint

• Natural-bristle brushes for oil-based paint

• Rollers with the right nap for your surface (shorter for smooth walls, longer for texture)

Well-made tools also hold more paint, meaning fewer drips and better consistency.

3. Load Your Tools Properly

• Brushes: Dip only halfway, then tap off excess paint

• Rollers: Evenly coat in a tray, avoiding overloading

This helps you control how much paint goes on the wall and avoids the common mistake of applying it too thickly.

4. Keep a Wet Edge

To prevent lap marks and streaks, always paint into a wet edge.
Work in sections, overlapping slightly before the paint starts to dry. This helps each stroke blend seamlessly into the next.

5. Use the Right Rolling and Brushing Technique

• For large walls: Use a "W" or "M" pattern to evenly distribute paint

• For trim and corners: Use long, smooth strokes with a steady hand

The goal is to keep things consistent and avoid going back over areas that have already started drying.

6. Apply Thin, Even Coats

Don’t try to cover everything in one go.
Thin coats:

• Dry faster

• Create fewer drips

• Give a more uniform result

Let each coat dry fully before applying the next — rushing it only adds work later.

7. Sand Between Coats (Yes, Really)

It’s the secret to ultra-smooth finishes.
Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge between coats to knock down any imperfections. Wipe clean with a tack cloth before reapplying paint.

8. Control Your Drying Conditions

Avoid painting in:

• High humidity

• Very cold or hot temperatures

Aim for a well-ventilated space at a moderate indoor temp. This ensures the paint dries evenly and reduces issues like streaking or cracking.

The Altona Touch: Precision Meets Professionalism

At Altona Painting, we apply every coat with care — whether we’re working on a modern build in Ajax or a character-filled home in Whitby. The difference is in the details, and our techniques ensure a long-lasting finish you’ll love walking into every day.

Ready to refresh your home with professional results?

Request a free quote or ask us how we can help prep your next project.