Hiring a professional painter is like hiring a magician. One day your walls are dingy, the next they’re flawless. The only trick? The bill. A single room can set you back $400-$600. Multiply that by a few rooms, and you might as well start selling plasma.

The good news: You can paint your own walls. With the right tools and tricks, nobody will know you didn’t pay a pro.

PREP: THE PART NOBODY WANTS BUT EVERYONE NEEDS

Painting is 80% preparation and 20% actual painting. If you rush the prep, you’ll regret it when you notice bumps, drips or the ghost of every old nail hole.

Start by patching. A $5 tub of lightweight spackle will fill nail holes and mystery dents. Smooth with a putty knife, let it dry, and sand lightly. Next, wipe down your walls. Even if you don’t see dirt, trust me, it’s

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