Touch up scuffs on interior walls
Save the leftover paint. The right touch-up technique keeps the fix from standing out.
What you'll learn
- Why rolling a touch-up almost always stands out (and what to do instead)
- The dab-and-feather technique for blending into existing paint
- When the wall needs a full repaint vs. a touch-up
- How to store leftover paint so it's usable a year later
Step by step
- Clean the scuff or mark with a damp magic eraser, let dry fully.
- Stir the leftover paint thoroughly, paint separates over time.
- Use a small art brush or artist's sponge, not a roller or standard brush.
- Dab (don't stroke) the paint onto the spot, feathering outward.
- Let dry 4 hours, check the blend, add a second dab if needed.
Safety note
If the touch-up stands out even after drying, the surrounding paint has aged or faded. A full wall repaint (corner to corner) is the only way to hide an old scuff perfectly.
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