How long does it take to paint interior walls?

A typical interior painting project takes 4-5 days: Day 1 for planning and preparation, Days 1-2 for room preparation, Day 2 for priming, Day 3 for the first coat, and Day 4 for the final coat and cleanup. Professional painters can often complete the work faster.

Should I hire professionals or do it myself in Newtown Square?

DIY painting saves money on labor but requires time and skill for quality results. Professional painters in Newtown Square, Radnor, Wayne, and Ardmore offer expert quality, time efficiency, proper equipment, warranties, and are licensed and insured. Consider your budget, timeline, and desired quality level.

Do historic homes in Wayne and Radnor need special primers?

Yes, historic homes in Wayne and Radnor townships often have plaster walls that may require specialized primers for proper adhesion and coverage. It's recommended to consult with local painting professionals familiar with Main Line historic properties.

How much paint do I need for interior repainting?

Calculate square footage by measuring wall length × height, then subtract doors and windows. One gallon typically covers 350-400 square feet. Most projects require primer plus two coats of paint for optimal coverage and durability.

Home Improvement Guide

Transform Your Home with Professional Interior Repainting

Discover expert tips and professional painting services for homeowners in Newtown Square, Radnor, Wayne, and Ardmore. From color selection to finishing touches, learn everything you need to know about interior repainting.

Published: December 2024

8 min read

Local Focus: Main Line Area

Professional painter using a paint roller applying green paint on a wall in a room during a home renovation

Professional Results

Expert painting services

Why Your Home in Newtown Square, Radnor, Wayne & Ardmore Deserves Fresh Paint

These prestigious Main Line communities are known for their beautiful homes and attention to detail. Interior repainting is more than just a cosmetic update—it's an investment in your property's value and your family's comfort.

Increase Property Value

Fresh paint can increase your home's value by up to 10%. In competitive markets like Wayne and Radnor, this attention to detail makes a significant difference.

Protect Your Investment

Quality paint acts as a protective barrier against moisture, wear, and everyday damage, extending the life of your walls and surfaces.

Personal Expression

Transform your living space to reflect your style and create the atmosphere you've always wanted in your Ardmore or Newtown Square home.

Improved Well-being

Fresh, clean paint creates a healthier environment by covering stains, odors, and allergens that may have accumulated over time.

Enhanced Lighting

The right paint colors and finishes can make rooms appear brighter and more spacious, maximizing natural light in your home.

Quick Transformation

Unlike major renovations, interior painting provides dramatic results in just a few days, with minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Ready to transform your space? Keep reading for expert tips and color trends!

Choosing the Perfect Colors & Paint Types

The right paint selection can make or break your interior repainting project. Here's everything homeowners in the Main Line area need to know about color psychology, paint finishes, and quality considerations.

Color Psychology Guide

Cool Blues & Greens

Promote calmness and focus. Perfect for bedrooms and home offices.

Warm Yellows & Oranges

Create energy and warmth. Ideal for kitchens and dining areas.

Neutral Grays & Beiges

Versatile and timeless. Work well in any room and with any décor.

Pure Whites

Maximize light and space. Essential for smaller rooms and dark areas.

Paint Finish Selection

Flat/Matte

Best for low-traffic areas like bedrooms. Hides imperfections but harder to clean.

Eggshell/Satin

Perfect balance of durability and appearance. Ideal for living rooms and hallways.

Semi-Gloss

Highly durable and easy to clean. Best for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work.

Pro Tip from Main Line Experts

Invest in premium paint brands like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams. The higher upfront cost pays off with better coverage, durability, and color retention—especially important for historic homes in Radnor and Wayne.

Man painting wall with light blue dye indoors, back view

2024 Trending Colors

Step-by-Step Interior Repainting Process

Whether you're tackling the project yourself or working with professionals, understanding the proper sequence ensures quality results that will last for years.

1

Planning & Preparation (Day 1)

Room Assessment: Evaluate wall conditions, identify repairs needed, and measure square footage for paint calculations.

Color Selection: Test paint samples in different lighting conditions throughout the day.

Material Gathering: Purchase quality primer, paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and painter's tape.

Main Line Pro Tip: Historic homes in Wayne and Radnor may require specialized primers for plaster walls.

2

Room Preparation (Day 1-2)

Furniture Protection: Move furniture to center of room and cover with plastic sheeting.

Surface Cleaning: Wash walls with mild detergent to remove dirt, grease, and cobwebs.

Repairs: Fill nail holes, cracks, and imperfections with spackling compound.

Taping: Apply painter's tape to trim, windows, and adjacent surfaces.

3

Priming (Day 2)

Why Prime: Essential for color changes, stain blocking, and ensuring paint adhesion.

Application: Use brush for detailed areas, roller for large surfaces. Work in sections.

Drying Time: Allow 4-6 hours between primer and paint (check manufacturer specs).

Light Colors

Use white or light gray primer

Dark Colors

Use gray or tinted primer

4

First Paint Coat (Day 3)

Cutting In: Use angled brush to paint edges, corners, and around trim first.

Rolling: Apply paint in W-pattern, then fill in with parallel strokes.

Technique: Work from top to bottom, maintaining a wet edge to avoid lap marks.

Coverage: Most quality paints require two coats for optimal color and coverage.

5

Final Coat & Cleanup (Day 4)

Second Coat: Apply final coat using same technique as first coat.

Tape Removal: Remove painter's tape while paint is slightly tacky for clean lines.

Touch-ups: Address any missed spots or imperfections with small brush.

Room Restoration: Replace furniture and fixtures once paint is completely dry.

Drying Timeline

Touch dry: 2-4 hours | Recoat: 4-6 hours | Full cure: 30 days

DIY vs Professional Services in Newtown Square & Surrounding Areas

DIY Approach

Cost savings on labor

Personal satisfaction

Work at your own pace

Time-intensive process

Learning curve for quality results

Need to purchase all equipment

Professional Service

Expert quality and finish

Time-efficient completion

Professional equipment & materials

Warranty on workmanship

Licensed & insured

Higher upfront investment

Ready to Transform Your Main Line Home?

Whether you choose the DIY route or hire professionals, interior repainting is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your home in Newtown Square, Radnor, Wayne, or Ardmore.

Key Takeaways

Proper planning, quality materials, and attention to detail are essential for professional-looking results.

Timeline

Most interior painting projects take 4-5 days from start to finish, including prep and drying time.

Local Value

Fresh paint can increase your Main Line home's value by up to 10% while enhancing daily living comfort.

Serving the Main Line Communities

The historic charm and architectural beauty of homes in Newtown Square, Radnor, Wayne, and Ardmore deserve the highest quality interior painting services. Whether you're preserving a Colonial-era home or updating a modern residence, the right paint choices and application techniques will enhance your property's character and value.

From the tree-lined streets of Wayne to the rolling hills of Newtown Square, each community has its own unique character that should be reflected in your interior design choices.

Have questions about your interior painting project? Our team has extensive experience working with homeowners throughout Delaware County's Main Line communities. Contact us today to discuss your vision and get expert advice tailored to your specific needs.