The Ultimate DIY Painting Guide & Calculator | Renovation Services
Free Planning Tool

Plan Your Dream Renovation

Estimate materials, calculate timelines, and get professional insights for your painting and renovation projects in NYC.

1

Project Calculator

Room Dimensions

The “Reality Check”

Most DIYers underestimate prep time. Our calculator includes taping, patching, sanding, and drying time.

Coats Required: 2 Coats + Spot Prime
Material Needed
1.2
Gallons of Paint
Est. DIY Time 12 Hrs

Includes prep & cleanup

Est. Pro Time 6 Hrs
Save Your Weekend – Get a Quote

Free estimates • No obligation

2

The Gear You Need

The “Buy It Once” Checklist

Don’t buy cheap brushes. You will spend twice as long picking bristles out of your wall.

Read Full Tool Guide
Must Haves
  • Angled Sash Brush (2.5″)
    For cutting in clean lines.
  • 9″ Roller Frame + Pole
    Extension pole is mandatory for even pressure.
  • Canvas Drop Cloths
    Plastic is slippery and messy.
For Professional Results
  • Sanding Pole & 120 Grit
    To degloss walls before painting.
  • Spackle & Putty Knife
    For nail holes and dents.
  • TSP (Cleaner)
    To remove invisible grease.
3

Step-by-Step Execution

This is where 90% of DIY jobs fail. Paint doesn’t stick to dust or grease. Wash walls with TSP. Fill holes. Sand everything.

NYC Lead Paint Warning

If your building is pre-1978, sanding can release toxic lead dust. Do not sand without testing.

Request a Lead Safety Consultation

Use your angled sash brush. Paint a 3-inch strip around all edges. The goal is to create a buffer so your roller doesn’t hit the ceiling.

Pro Tip

“Keep a Wet Edge”

Don’t let the cut-in dry completely before rolling. Work in one wall at a time.

Load your roller. Don’t submerge it—roll it on the grate until it’s saturated but not dripping. Paint a large “W” on the wall, then fill it in without lifting the roller. Repeat.

See Video Demo
4

Oh No… Now What?

Bubbling Paint?

Usually caused by moisture or painting over a dirty surface.

How to fix it →

Roller Marks?

You pressed too hard or the roller was too dry. Sand it down and recoat.

Get smooth walls →

Wrong Color?

It happens. Light in NYC apartments is tricky.

Choosing colors guide →