How to Touch Up Painted Walls

Scuffs and marks on your walls don’t always require a professional painter, but achieving a seamless touch-up takes more than simply applying leftover paint. Before getting started, make sure you’re using the same paint color and sheen as the surrounding surface. Even the correct color will stand out if the finish doesn’t match.

Your roller also matters. Different surfaces and finishes require different roller nap thicknesses to recreate the original texture. For an eggshell wall, a 1/2-inch nap roller is often a good choice, but it’s best to match the roller that was originally used whenever possible.

When applying the paint, avoid overloading the roller. Use a relatively dry roller and begin in the center of the damaged area. Lightly feather the paint outward, gradually reducing the pressure as you reach the edges. This will help blend the new paint into the existing finish and prevent the touch-up from leaving a noticeable patch.