The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

The walls in your home see their fair share of abuse.

If your wall could use a facelift, read on to learn the correct way totouch up paint.

Ideally, you will have some leftover paint and applicators from when the wall was first painted.

Paint being retouched on wall next to painting supplies and houseplant

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

If not, you will have tofind a matching paintwith the same color and sheen.

Smaller rollers are usually recommended since they offer the highest level of control and precision.

Start by cleaning the wallwith a damp sponge.

Materials and tools to touch up paint on wall

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Dry with a clean rag.

Continue cleaning the area until there’s no trace of dirt, grease, or grime.

Clean off residual drywall and spackle dust with a damp rag.

Wall area prepped with holes covered in spackling compound with putty knife

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Tip

Use a drywall repair patch for holes larger than 2 inches.

Otherwise, the spackle might shrink excessively or form cracks after it dries.

Prepare the Paint

Thoroughly mix the can of paint to properly blend all the pigments and binders.

Wall area primed with light coat of interior-grade latex primer

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

You may also consider thinning the paint to help it blend into the wall.

Refer to the specific thinning instructions provided by the manufacturer of the paint you’re using.

Thinning paint will lighten the paint color slightlytest a small area for color matching before proceeding.

Paint being prepared by mixing bucket with mixing stick

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Apply Paint

Load your brush or roller with just enough paint to cover the touch-up area.

Start in the middle of the touch-up spot, and work your way out to the edges.

Paints for Indoor Use.

Brush painting area on wall to touch up

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

National Capital Poison Center.