Storing paint properly and using the right tools can ensure that you prevent blemishes and cover surfaces evenly.

These DIY painting tips can help you improve the quality of your work and save time and money in the process, whether you’re preparing to sell, changing your decor or doing some routine home maintenance.

 Don’t let your paint dry out

A half-empty can of paint will dry out.  place plastic wrap under the lid, seal it tightly and store the paint upside down.

 Use the right primer

 If you’re painting paneling, water-damaged or smoke-saturated walls, opt for an oil-based primer.

 Avoid lap marks

 To avoid stripes caused by rolling over paint that’s already starting to dry, keep a wet edge by painting the full height of the wall and then moving over slightly so you can overlap the last stroke with the next.

 Stir paint 

Before you stir paint, drill holes in the stirrer to help mix the paint more thoroughly. The holes help the paint flow through the stirrer, aerating it like a whisk and mixing the paint evenly.

Don’t wash your brushes or rollers

If you’re using latex paint, there’s no reason to clean your brushes or rollers if you don’t finish your project in one day. Because cold temperatures keep latex paint from drying quickly, you can simply wrap your rollers or brushes in plastic bags or tin foil and put them in the refrigerator.