TOOLS:
- Wall Cleaner: Use a classic cleaner like Spic and Span with a little bit of water and a sponge to get any surface dirt off the walls before painting1.
- Painter’s Tape: Purchase a quality painter’s tape like 3M or Frogtape1.
- Brushes: A 2 1/2-inch angled brush is ideal for painting trim and cutting in. Look for quality brands like Wooster, Purdy, and Benjamin Moore1.
- Rollers: A standard 9-inch roller with a synthetic core and a 3/8-inch nap is a classic choice. Ace and Shur-Line both make quality roller covers1.
- Canvas Drop Cloths: Canvas drop cloths are more expensive but durable. Get the 4-foot-wide runner length to use near the walls1.
- Paint Brush Cleaner: This product ensures that your quality brushes are completely clean for future use1.
- Plastic Bucket: It’s easier to pour paint into these containers than to work from a quart or gallon1.
- Plastic Roller Tray: Instead of metal, buy a heavy-duty plastic tray that’s rigid and easy to clean1.
- Roller Extension Pole: An extendable two-foot roller extension should work in most spaces1.
STEPS:
Preparation: Before you start painting, make sure to prepare the room by removing furniture and fixtures, covering the floor with a drop cloth, and cleaning the walls. You should also fill any holes or cracks in the walls with spackling compound and sand them down once they’re dry.
Priming: If you’re painting over a dark color or a surface that’s never been painted before, it’s a good idea to prime the walls first. This will help the new paint adhere better and cover up any stains or marks.
Painting: Once the walls are prepped and primed (if necessary), you can start painting! Use a brush or roller to apply the paint in smooth, even strokes. Be sure to work from top to bottom and use long strokes to avoid drips.
Drying: After you’ve finished painting, let the walls dry completely before moving on to any touch-ups or second coats. This usually takes a few hours, but can vary depending on the type of paint you’re using.
Clean-up: Once you’re done painting, clean up your supplies by washing your brushes and rollers with soap and water. You should also remove any painter’s tape or drop cloths and put your furniture back in place.
