How to Fix Paint Drips on Your Wall

1. Prepare the Area:
   Start by laying down drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect your floor and nearby furniture. It's essential to work in a clean and organized environment.
2. Identify the Drips:
   Carefully examine your painted wall to identify the areas with paint drips. Drips often occur near the edges of the wall or around corners. Use a flashlight to help you spot them.
3. Let the Paint Dry:
   Allow the paint to dry completely before fixing the drips if it is still wet. This can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on the type of paint and the humidity in your area.
4. Scrape the Drips:
   Once the paint is dry, gently scrape off the drips using a paint scraper or putty knife. Be careful not to gouge or damage the surrounding paint. Start with a medium grit sandpaper and switch to a fine grit if necessary to smooth the surface.
5. Sand the Area:
   After removing the drips, sand the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Feather the edges of the sanded area to blend seamlessly with the surrounding paint.
6. Apply Painter's Tape:
   To protect the areas you don't want to repaint, apply painter's tape along the edges of the sanded area. Make sure the tape is properly adhered to and creates clean lines.
7. Prime the Patch:
   Apply a coat of primer to the sanded and taped area. Primer helps the new paint adhere evenly and ensures a uniform finish. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Repaint the Area:
   Once the primer is dry, paint over the patched area with the same paint color used on the rest of the wall. Use a paintbrush or roller, depending on the size of the area. Apply multiple thin coats if necessary to achieve a seamless finish, allowing each coat to dry between applications.
9. Remove the Tape:
   Carefully remove the painter's tape while the final coat of paint is still wet to ensure clean lines. If you wait until the paint dries, you risk peeling off some fresh paint.
10. Blend and Touch Up:
    After the paint has dried completely, inspect the patched area. Use fine-grit sandpaper to further feather the edges and ensure a seamless blend with the surrounding paint. If you notice any color discrepancies, touch up as needed until the repair is indistinguishable from the rest of the wall.