Have you ever walked into a home and thought "well, they painted those walls themselves"? Some DIY paint jobs are definitely obvious -- and this is probably not what you want for your own home. Rather, you want a paint job that looks polished and professional. Here are four tips that will help you achieve professional results when painting your own interior walls.

1. Buy Good-Quality Paint

You may be tempted to try to save a few dollars by buying low-end paint. However, cheaper paints tend to contain less pigment than higher-quality paints, which will mean you have to apply extra coats of paint to get good coverage. It's harder to get a smooth, even look if you have to apply three coats. Higher-end paints also roll on smoother and with fewer ripples, so you won't have to try as hard to get a smooth finish.

2. Cut-In First

Cutting in is the art of painting all of the corners and edges of the room with a brush before you then paint the rest of the wall with a roller. Some people leave cutting-in until the end, but not the pros! You won't have as many noticeable brush stokes if you cut-in first and then roll. Use a good-quality brush, and make sure you hold it at a 45-degree angle to the wall as you work.

3. Paint in Good Light

If the room you are painting is dimly lit, bring in some shop lights to illuminate the space. The better you can see, the less likely you are to overlook drips, light spots, and other mistakes. When the paint is dry, shine a light sideways across the walls to look for any imperfections. You can touch up these imperfections sooner rather than later for a more perfect look.

4. Use the Right Roller

Not all rollers are the same! For a smooth wall, you want to use a roller with less nap; a 1/4-inch roller should do the trick. If your wall has more texture, you can use a 1/2-inch roller, but never use anything nappier than that. Overly nappy rollers can leave streaks and thick areas in the paint, which certainly does not look professional.

Painting well takes practice. If you are struggling to get the results you want, consider hiring a professional painter to paint your space instead. They work quickly and will make your home look lovely. You can contact companies like Braendel Painting for more information.