Painting

Painting is the application of pigmented coatings to surfaces for protection and aesthetic appeal, and it's one of the most impactful ways to refresh your home. Whether you're updating a single accent wall, tackling exterior trim, or transforming entire rooms, the right approach makes all the difference. Angi helps you explore techniques, compare costs, and connect with local pros who can bring your vision to life.

Related to Painting

Painting Articles and Advice
Deane Biermeier  •  Apr 10, 2026
How Long Should You Wait Between Coats of Paint?
Your second coat adheres better and lasts longer when you give the first ample time to dry. Here’s how long to wait between coats based on paint type and room conditions.
Jill Harness  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Hire a Painter
When you hire a painter, you need to understand what goes into painting contracts to ensure your project will go off without a hitch.
Kyle Schurman  •  Apr 10, 2026
The Biggest Painting Contractor Scams to Watch Out For
Don’t let common painting contractor scams cost you money. Learn about the red flags to watch for to guard against an unethical pro painter.
Jill Harness  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is Paint Lacquer and How Is It Used?
Paint lacquer is a clear finish that can protect surfaces from cracking, peeling, scratches, and fading.
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Apr 10, 2026
What You Need to Know About VOC Paint
If you are wondering what VOC is in paint, we share the crucial details, including its health impacts and the various alternatives.
Dan Simms  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Hire a Painting Contractor
Looking to hire a professional to refresh your space and boost your home value? Learn how to hire a painter to ensure you get the right expert for the job.
Josh Maday  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Paint Stainless Steel and Make It Stick
Revitalize your stainless steel with a fresh coat and color of paint. Find out how to paint stainless steel and create a new look for your appliances or countertops.
Rachel Hoffman  •  Apr 9, 2026
How Long Does Paint Take to Dry?
Ensuring your paint is fully dry can help it last longer and avoid damage to the finish. Learn how long paint takes to dry and what affects drying time.
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Common Painting Questions

While caulking is handy for quite a bit of jobs, it’s still limited. Any crack or gap larger than 1/4 inch is best left for a more intensive repair job. When you hire house painters, they should run a thorough check to see what they need to repair before they start the job.

Large repairs that caulking typically won’t do well with include cracks or holes larger than a 1/4 inch, rotted wood, or metal surfaces, such as garage doors.

Acetone—such as the type in nail polish remover—is a solvent that can remove paint from many surfaces, including wood. However, the acetone will also remove any finish on the wood and can stain the wood below.

If you leave primer unpainted, it will likely begin to crack and peel, potentially damaging the wall. Primer doesn’t have the same protective, damage-resistant properties as paint, so it’s not a good idea to leave primer unpainted.

Airless sprayers are more comfortable to use because the nozzle that you hold doesn’t have a container of paint attached to it like you’d see on an HVLP sprayer, so it’s easier on your wrist. Airless sprayers also provide a much faster application because they have a higher paint output. However, airless sprayers are significantly more expensive than HVLP sprayers.

Enamel paint is typically an oil-based paint, but some options on the market are water-based. Water-based enamel paints tend to dry faster, in less than 8 hours, while oil-based enamel paints may take 24 hours. Oil-based enamel tends to be more durable and retain its shine for longer than water-based enamel paint.