CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – There’s a reason a fresh coat of paint is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can make to a home, but getting there without frustration takes a little know-how.

Dennis Moneymaker, Manager of Cardinal Home Center’s Paint & Decorating Center in Charlottesville, has spent years helping Cardinal customers pick the right paint and get it right the first time, and he has a way of making the whole process feel a lot less intimidating. Here is some of his best advice for anyone getting ready to pick up a brush.

Preparation comes first, every time.

“Preparation is everything,” Moneymaker said. “Look for cracks, holes, peeling paint, any imperfections, before you even open the can. Taking care of those issues first gives you a much better surface for your finish coat.”

Skip this step, and even the best paint in the world will show every flaw underneath it.

Primer also matters more than people think, especially on tricky surfaces.

“Primer can be especially important on raw sheetrock, or on surfaces affected by smoke, nicotine, or water damage,” Moneymaker explained. “It helps keep those stains from bleeding through your finished paint.”

A coat of primer now saves a frustrating callback later.

Dennis is also a believer that premium paint earns its price tag.

“It can absolutely save you time,” he said, pointing to Benjamin Moore Aura as his go-to recommendation. “Better coverage can mean fewer coats and less time spent painting.”

For anyone weighing one can against another, that is real math worth doing.

Moneymaker also said it’s important to remember that humid rooms need their own approach.

“Bathrooms and other humid spaces deserve products designed for those conditions,” Dennis said. He pointed to Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa, formulated to hold up against the moisture a bathroom throws at it every day.

Before you ever buy a can, Moneymaker also suggested slowing down.

“Look at the surface, the lighting, the surrounding materials, and how the space actually gets used,” he said. “Then talk with someone who understands the products and can help match the paint to the application.”

Cardinal’s team can also color match almost any shade you bring in, so if you already have a color picked out, they can help you match it. That conversation, Moneymaker said, is where most painting mistakes get avoided before they happen.

For more painting advice from Moneymaker, listen to Episode 13 of the Cardinal Corner Podcast, then stop by your local Cardinal Home Center and talk with the team about your next project. The team there would love to help you get it right the first time.