The Simple Hack That Makes Touch-Up Paint Jobs Undetectable

Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, you may find yourself needing to touch up some paint from time to time. Typically, the process involves finding the right paint color, prepping, cleaning, and repairing anything necessary. Then, after testing the paint, you apply the paint using a paintbrush or paint roller. As you apply the paint, you will want to try to match the texture of the rest of the wall, either using a paintbrush to achieve brushstrokes or a roller for a smoother finish. But, if your wall already has a roller texture, you may find it a little more difficult, as you'll need to use a specific feathering technique to get the right texture and blend to make the touch-up undetectable. Luckily, there are some household staples that make paint touch-ups even easier, such as one option, which involves applying the paint using a sponge.

For this hack, you follow the typical routine until the application of the paint, when the process deviates. Instead of carefully applying the paint to blend it, you can just stroke it on with your paintbrush before dabbing it with the sponge to perfectly match the surrounding areas, similar to how a person might blend makeup on their face. The use of the sponge creates a seamless, undetectable fusion and a texture that is incredibly similar to that of a paint roller. The best part is that you don't even need an expensive sponge. Any clean dish sponge or even a piece of one will do.

While paint roller touch-up kits, which feature small rollers designed to work with paint samples, can be purchased for just a few dollars, these products are not nearly as versatile as dish sponges. They have only one use, while there are countless creative uses for kitchen sponges around the house, making them more worth their price of just a couple of dollars for a multi-pack. However, this sponge hack is meant to be used alongside a paintbrush or other easy paint application method you already have the tools for. So, the sponge hack may be more expensive than a touch-up kit if you need to purchase a new regular paintbrush as well. You will also need to purchase paint and repair materials for your touch-up, regardless of your method. If you can combine this with the painting hack that will save old paint for tiny touch-ups, though, you may be able to complete a small paint project without buying any additional supplies. 

When using this hack, there are a few tips that may help you get the best possible result. With any paint touch-up, you will likely need two or three coats. Try to keep the coats over the spot that needs the touch-up and only blend the final coat using the sponge to prevent a buildup of gloss that will make the wall look patchy. Also, use even coats that are not too thin throughout the process, and seal and prime correctly. Overall, this hack is a great way to get a smooth, undetectable result with an easy process and a lower total price tag than a roller touch-up kit.