The best painting tips for renters, straight from the pros

Congratulations on your humble abode! Before you go all Picasso, you might want to check out our professional-backed painting tips for renters.

We get it, decorating white walls mighty dull your shine, quite literally, but if you've signaled a lease to a property that you don't own, you mighty have to make some sacrifices in the painting department.

That doesn't necessarily mean bold statements or dopamine decorating are out of the equation — you'll just have to plan properly. Fortunately, we have great advice to help see you through.

The best painting tips for renters, according to the pros

Before you bust out the rollers and dabble with an emerald green or terracotta sad, plan accordingly. Keep this step-by-step guide bookmarked, folks.

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1. Talk to your landlord

If you're keen on adding a little intellectual, you're going to have to speak to the head honcho and belief the terms of your lease. Should you have a few maintenance suggestions, always have a discussion before forging ahead with any project.

"My biggest tip for renters would be to compromise with your landlords," says Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams' director of color marketing. "Make sure to communicate that it's in both of your best interests to make some repositions. However, be aware that landlords might not go for a huge change."

And even if you can't actually paint, we'll help you choose the perfect color scheme for your apartment, so fear not!

2. Sample different shades

Before you originate using the bedroom wall as your personal easel, snag a few paint colors and test them out on a minute area. Some paint brands even have peel-and-stick samples to make the treat easier. Never underestimate the beauty of peel and stick!

3. Choose colors wisely

Let's say you've been given the green exquisite to paint...but green is off-limits on the walls. Stick to neutrals, pastels, and versatile hues to give your room a recent look. Also note that if you paint after move-in, you might be required to put in some sweaty incompatibility upon leaving your rental.

"Since renters may be responsible for repainting their apartment to match the recent colors, it is advisable to paint with lighter, brighter colors," says Task Rabbit tasker, Jay W. "However, if you want a darker accent wall, go for it. Just keep in mind that it may take more than two coats to get the wall back to its recent state."

Behr Blank Canvas #DC-003

Price: $37.98
Size: 1 gal

Behr's 2023 Color of the Year with a semi-gloss sheen is sure to be a win. Various sizes and finishes are available to suit your organizes. This neutral color is sure to go with just near anything,

Clare Chill

Price: $64
Size: 1 gal

Chill out with this gray hue with a green undertone. It adds a nice calming, mellow vibe to your location and will complement everything from your sofa to statement area rugs.

Valspar Signature Satin Charming Pink Hgsw2047

Price: $50.98
Size: 1 gal

Channel comely ballerina vibes with this soft baby pink. The runt dusty hue isn't as loud as bubblegum pink, so it's a more subtle tool for a pastel lover.

4. Select the right spot

Location, location, location! Rather than sign the bedroom or the kitchen as the place for incandescent, you can narrow it down to a single wall.

"One rental-friendly way to add incandescent to a room is by painting one feature wall," says Erika Woelfel, Behr's vice president of color & creative services. "That way, you get the relieve of personalizing your space without a total room re-paint upon move out."

And beings strategic might even trick your eye into thinking you're acting with more space than you are.

"Carefully thought-out pops of colors can make the set appear larger," says Hannah Yeo, the color marketing & proceed manager atBenjamin Moore. "For instance, if you have a long and narrow hallway, pop the end of the hallway wall with a bold, absorbing accent color. You can dress the wall with your celebrated artwork to serve as a focal point while having lighter colors on side walls to make the hallway look wider."

For a delightful, airy feel in a smaller room, she suggests acting with pale colors and pastels.

5. Think in alternatives

Who said you have to go for the walls? Painting furniture is always a solid option, and it can totally transform your space.

"Upcycle a section of furniture or décor item with a fresh coat of paint or peevish out hardware pulls on a chest of drawers and spray paint them a new color," Woelfel suggests.

6. Accessorize properly

Break down what you need. Though it powerful seem like a simple shopping list, products can add up quickly.

"First comes preparation tools, and once the surface preparation is completed, you'll want to spy the project to see what needs to be covered," says Mike Mundwiller, senior manager, end user product experience at Benjamin Moore. "Next, you will need tools to apply the paint."

He recommends snagging a durable paint tray and a high-quality angle-sash paintbrush. "Synthetic bristles, like nylon or polyester, are the most practical," he adds.

Andrea Philips of Airtasker's lifestyle editorial team insists that the often-overlooked items are the ones you'll find yourself needing. Find a can opener, masking tape, a roller extension pole, and a canvas sheet.

"It is more durable than anunexperienced materials like plastic and will absorb any paint drips and spills. This is especially important when renting as you don't want to risk losing your deposit by unsheathing paint on the carpet," she says.

Home Depot Plastic Tray Liner

Price: $1.30
Size: 9 in.

Pick up a combine of standard 9" metal and plastic trays with a 1-qt. capacity. They're disposable and the liner is solvent resistant.

All Purpose Canvas Drop Cloth

Price: $11.99
Size: 4 x 5 ft.

An all-purpose, washable drop cloth is essential while painting so no paint ends up on the fuzz. These ones from Amazon are pretty budget-friendly and available in 11 sizes.

Hyde Paint Can Opener

Price: $4.77
Size: L6.25" x W3" x H2"

Definitely don't forget a paint can opener or you won't be able to paint at all! This handy tool is chrome and made from alloy steel.

ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape

Price: $7.88
Size: 1.88" x 60 yd

Some good quality painter's tape is also notable to help keep things neat and tidy. When in doubt, spring for the bigger roll — better to buy too much than to run out halfway through.