The first time I painted a house, I spilled two cans of paint onto the off-white carpet. The homeowner was livid, but I learned two valuable lessons. I learned how to clean paint out of the carpet, and I learned to lock up pets before pouring the paint. Since then, I’ve done several more interior paint jobs, and I’ve learned a lot. These are the top thirteen things I’ve learned since I started painting.

You can get a free estimate. If you’re worried about tackling this projects, consider hiring a painting company. You can usually request a free paint estimate to help you do a cost/benefit analysis.

Monochromatic colors emphasize simplicity. If you’re a minimalist at heart, try a monochromatic color scheme. Choose one color, and accent the trim or paneling with lighter or darker versions of the same color.

Opposite colors on the color wheel increase contrast. If you like high-contrast color schemes, choose two colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel. Be careful, though. These color scheme can get intense.

You can (and should) ask for a paint sample. Ask for a sample before you purchase your paint. Then, paint a small swatch inside your house and let it dry. This will allow you to change your mind before committing to one color.

Primer is worth the time and effort. While it’s irritating to add another coat of paint, it makes the finished product look a lot better. This is particularly true if you’re painting over a dark color.

Two-in-one paint and primer products do work. Two-in-one products work best. Two-in-one products work best if you’re painting over a surface that has already been painted. If this is the case, make sure that the previous coat of paint is the same sheen as the two-in-one primer.

Low-shine paints are best for low-traffic areas. They cover blemishes in the wall, but get dirty easily. Save flat paint for the ceiling and matte paint for the bedroom.

Medium-shine paints are best for high-traffic areas. The semi-reflective finish is easy to clean, while a medium shine is perfect for rooms with natural light. Use eggshell or satin paints in the living room or kitchen.

High-shine paints are best for accents. Reflective paints can look strange on large areas of wall, but they’re very easy to clean. Use semi-gloss or high-gloss paints on trim or cabinets.

Wash your walls before you begin. Dirt, dust, and hair particles make it difficult to apply paint evenly. Wash your walls with soap and water to prevent debris from ruining your paint job. While working, make sure to keep your roller off of the floor.

Never apply paint to a wet surface. After you finish washing the walls, let them dry before applying primer. When you finish applying primer, wait 24 hours before adding the next coat of paint.

Use drop cloths to cover the entire floor. You may be tempted to buy a single cloth and move it around the room, but this is a rookie mistake. Before you start painting, remove all furniture from the room and cover the floor with drop cloths.

Use painter’s tape liberally. Painters tape can prevent a variety of painting mishaps, After cleaning your walls, apply painter’s tape to your baseboards, fixtures, and outlet covers. After you finish, use a putty knife or scraper to smooth out air bubbles and seal the edges.

Paint the ceilings before you paint the walls. If paint drips downward, it will drip onto the old paint job. You should also know that ceiling paint is different than primers and wall paints. It usually comes as a two-in-one product, and it only takes one coat.

DIY is easy, but professional painters are fast. These tips should give you enough information to paint your own home. On the other hand, professional painters are ideal if you’re in a hurry.