Winter in Colorado often means more time at home. Hello, cabin fever! It’s common to start noticing the little things indoors and thinking about simple ways to freshen up your space. For many homeowners and contractors alike, a paint project is an easy place to start.
A new coat of paint can completely change the look and feel of a room, but it can also feel overwhelming if you are not sure where to begin. The good news is that with the right approach, painting can be a smooth, rewarding project instead of a stressful one.
Here are our tips to help make your winter paint project a smooth, stress-free update for your home.
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1. Prep First for a Professional Finish
Ask any experienced painter, and they will tell you the same thing. The secret is not the paint; it’s the prep. Pros spend more time preparing the surface than painting, because good prep is what makes the finish look clean and professional.
Before you open a can, run through this quick checklist:
- Clean the walls: Dust and residue keep paint from sticking. Wipe surfaces with a damp sponge and mild soap. Use TSP for kitchens or high-traffic areas.
- Patch small imperfections: Fill nail holes and cracks with spackle, then sand smooth once dry.
- Remove hardware when possible: Take off switch plates, outlet covers, and door hardware for a cleaner look than taping around them.
- Tape with intention: Use quality painter’s tape on trim and edges. Press it down firmly with a putty knife to prevent bleed-through.
2. Choosing the Right Tools
A professional finish starts with professional-grade tools. If you want to paint interior walls like a pro, using the same supplies we trust and recommend makes a noticeable difference in both the process and the final result.
What We Use and Recommend at Timberline Ace
- Paint: Benjamin Moore and Clark+Kensington for reliable coverage and long-lasting results.
- Brushes: Angled sash brushes for clean cut lines along ceilings, trim, and corners.
- Rollers: The right nap for the job:
- 3/8 inch for smooth walls.
- 1/2 inch for textured surfaces.
Not sure what you need? Stop by your local Timberline Ace and talk with our team. Whether you are painting one room or an entire home, we will help you match the right tools to your walls and make sure you leave with everything you need to get started.
Watch this quick Ace Hardware video on choosing the right paint and tools:
3. Roll Walls the Right Way
One simple thing DIY painters can pick up from pros is how they handle the roller. In the video linked below, the painter demonstrates a smooth wall-rolling technique that keeps the finish even and clean.
Instead of rolling in random directions, start high on the wall and roll down in straight, overlapping lines. Keep the roller slightly tilted and apply steady pressure so the paint spreads evenly. After covering a section, lightly roll over it again using long, straight strokes to smooth the surface before the paint begins to dry.
Starting high, rolling straight down, and finishing with gentle, consistent passes helps prevent streaks and gives your walls a more uniform, professional-looking finish.
Watch and Learn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snJ8kwcRLtE
4. Use Winter to Your Advantage
While warmer weather often motivates home projects, winter offers some real advantages when it comes to interior painting in Colorado.
- Faster drying: Lower humidity helps paint dry more evenly, making it easier to apply a second coat sooner.
- Easy ventilation: Cracking a window just slightly provides enough airflow to reduce fumes without letting the cold take over the room.
5. For the Pros: Leverage the Timberline Pro Program
For contractors, painting like a pro is not just about technique. It is also about efficiency, consistency, and keeping jobs moving. The Timberline Pro Program is built to support your workflow and help protect your margins.
Pro Program Benefits
- Consistent pricing: Reliable pricing on the paint you use most helps keep bids accurate.
- Color matching support: Our team can match swatches to keep color consistent across job sites.
- Job site delivery: We bring supplies directly to you so your crew can stay on schedule.
If painting is part of your business, the Timberline Pro Program is designed to make every project run smoother. Read more about the benefits: Pro Program Benefits
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Whether you are refreshing a guest room or bidding on a whole-home renovation, Timberline Ace Hardware has the products and the know-how to help you finish strong. Visit us in Aspen, Battlement Mesa, Carbondale, Clifton, Norwood, or Telluride today.
