Painting your home is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to completely transform your space — and if you live in Vancouver, you know how much of a difference a clean, fresh coat can make after months of gray skies and rain.
But painting isn’t as simple as grabbing a roller and going to work. The right techniques, materials, and preparation make the difference between a job that lasts years — and one that starts peeling by next season.
At Aftermath Contracting, we’ve completed hundreds of painting projects across Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, and West Vancouver. Here’s our professional guide on how to paint your home like a pro, step-by-step.
🧰 Step 1: Gather the Right Tools and Materials
Before you start, make sure you have everything you’ll need. Cheap brushes, the wrong paint, or missing prep tools can ruin your results.
Here’s what our experts at Aftermath Contracting recommend:
High-quality paint (interior or exterior, depending on your project)
Paint primer (especially for bare or dark surfaces)
Rollers, brushes, and painter’s tape
Drop cloths and extension poles
Sandpaper and a putty knife
Ladder or scaffolding (for exteriors)
Caulk for sealing cracks and gaps
We always tell homeowners: never skimp on quality materials. Paint and tools built for Vancouver’s damp climate will give you the smoothest finish and longest lifespan.
🏠 Step 2: Prep Your Surfaces Like a Professional
Prep work makes or breaks your paint job. Don’t skip it — it’s 70% of the process.
For interior painting, start by:
Cleaning walls with mild soap and water to remove grease or dust.
Filling nail holes or cracks with spackle and sanding smooth.
Applying painter’s tape around trim, windows, and outlets.
For exterior painting, Vancouver’s rain and moss mean extra cleaning:
Pressure wash walls and siding to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint.
Scrape peeling areas and sand rough spots.
Repair damaged wood, siding, or caulking before painting.
At Aftermath Contracting, we always ensure every surface is clean, dry, and smooth before applying paint — especially because moisture is one of the biggest enemies of paint adhesion in BC’s climate.
🎯 Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Paint
Not all paints are created equal — and in Vancouver’s humid coastal air, the wrong type can mean mold, fading, and premature peeling.
For interior spaces, use:
Eggshell or satin finishes for living rooms and bedrooms.
Semi-gloss or gloss for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim — they’re moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
For exterior surfaces, use:
Acrylic latex paint — flexible, durable, and made to handle BC’s rain.
Choose mildew-resistant formulas for shaded or damp areas.
Lighter colors reflect heat and last longer in direct sunlight.
Aftermath Contracting works with premium brands tested specifically for Vancouver’s weather conditions, ensuring your paint job looks great for years.
🪄 Step 4: Prime Before You Paint
Primer helps seal surfaces and gives your paint something to grip onto. It’s especially important if:
You’re painting bare drywall, raw wood, or new siding.
You’re changing from dark to light colors.
You’re covering stains or water damage.
Skipping primer can cause uneven color and poor coverage — mistakes that cost more to fix later.
🖌️ Step 5: Apply Paint the Right Way
This is where precision matters. Always:
Cut in edges first using a brush — corners, baseboards, and trim.
Use a roller for large surfaces, working in small sections.
Maintain a wet edge to avoid visible roller lines.
Apply two coats for full, even coverage.
For exteriors, pick a dry, mild day — ideally between 10°C and 25°C — and avoid painting in direct sunlight or rain. Vancouver’s spring and early fall are the best seasons for outdoor painting.
💨 Step 6: Allow Proper Drying and Ventilation
After painting, allow walls to dry completely before moving furniture or hanging décor. Keep windows open or fans running to prevent odors and speed up curing.
Exterior paint usually needs at least 24 hours before it can resist rain — so always check the forecast before starting.
🧑🔧 Step 7: When to Hire a Professional Painter
DIY painting is rewarding — but it’s not always practical.
If you’re dealing with:
High ceilings or hard-to-reach exteriors
Peeling, water-damaged, or moldy surfaces
Historic homes that require careful preparation
Large-scale commercial or multi-room projects
— then it’s time to call Aftermath Contracting.
We specialize in interior and exterior painting across Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, West Vancouver, and North Vancouver, using top-grade materials, expert preparation, and long-lasting techniques.
We don’t just paint — we protect, restore, and enhance your home’s value.
🎨 Final Thoughts
Painting your home is one of the simplest ways to refresh your space, protect your investment, and boost curb appeal — especially in Vancouver’s ever-changing climate.
Whether you’re updating your living room or repainting your exterior before the rainy season, remember: quality prep, the right paint, and professional expertise make all the difference.
If you’re ready to transform your home, Aftermath Contracting can help you get results that last.
Visit aftermathcontracting.com to get your free estimate today.
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