Painting—some people love it, some people hate it. No matter which side of the fence you fall on, you will probably agree that painting is a skill that requires practice. And time. To help with both, we have compiled a few do’s and don’ts about painting the inside of your home.

Do’s:

Invest in good materials – There’s nothing quite like a richly painted room to welcome you home. So here’s a word to the wise: certain paints will ensure rich, full colors, while others will fall flat. The same is true for paintbrushes. That doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive materials, just not the cheapest.

Know your materials – There are a couple of rules that all painters should know. First, you cannot apply a layer of latex paint over a layer of oil paint. The two don’t play well together. And secondly: egg shell finishes don’t mix well with satin finishes. The results are spotty at best.

Complete the prep work – Most people dislike painting because of the extensive prep work—taping, covering the furniture and floor, cleaning the brushes properly and so on. But cheer up—the more work you do upfront the less work you will have to do later. It’s that simple.

Don’ts:

Don’t thin down your paint – As the old adage goes “time is money.” Sure, you might save a few bucks on materials by thinning down your paint, but you will pay for it later by having to apply several additional coats. More importantly, thin paint makes achieving solid consistency difficult.

Don’t rush through it – As with anything, sloppy work shows. When painting a room, try to take your time and enjoy it. Put on some tunes and relax. Remember to pay attention to the details, and don’t forget to let the paint dry in between coats. Go stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat at Ladles or enjoy a beer at The King Street Grille. You deserve it.

Don’t hire a plumber to paint – No offense, plumbers, we love you too. This is just our way of saying that painting is an art. The best professional painters have years, if not decades, of experience. Remember: it’s easier for a person to over-promise and under-deliver than the other way around. Especially if it’s not his area of expertise.

If you have your own painting tips, we would love to hear about them. Feel free to post them or your favorite painting story in the comments section below.