How to Paint a Room Like a Pro

Painting Preparation

Preparing your wall before painting is essential to ensure that the new paint adheres correctly and delivers optimal coverage. Be sure to clean the walls thoroughly, fill any holes or defects with spackle, sand smooth, and spot prime patched areas before painting.

For interior walls, check if priming is needed. Different types of paint require different preparation. Typically, latex paint can go directly over existing latex. However, prime the wall first when painting over oil-based paint or covering repairs. It is also important to prime the wall when you’re covering a dark color with a lighter paint or if the walls are glossy. We recommend using a stain-blocking primer made for painting over problem surfaces. Follow our guide for easy wall prep. 

Steps For Wall Prep

1. Wash walls with TSP or another cleaner to remove dirt, grease, and residues
2. Inspect closely under bright light and fill dents, pops, or cracks with spackle
3. Once the compound dries fully, sand smooth and remove dust
4. Spot prime repairs for seamless coverage; prime entire wall if painting over oil-based

Walls aren’t the only thing that needs to be prepped. Before priming or painting, inspect the trim and molding thoroughly for defects and caulk gaps with quality latex or silicone caulk made for indoor use before painting. Carefully apply caulk and smooth evenly. Allow proper drying time before painting.

Trim and molding may also need priming, especially if it is covered in oil-based enamel paint. Always prime trim before painting latex over oil-based paint to improve adhesion. It isn’t always obvious if your trim has latex or oil-based paint. Rub the trim with alcohol on a rag to test; if the paint comes off, it’s latex, but if not, it’s oil-based. Follow our quick guide for the best trim prep results. 

Steps For Trim Prep

1. Carefully remove loose old caulking and clean the surface thoroughly
2. Fill gaps between trim and walls with appropriate caulk
3. Allow caulking to dry, then sand smooth if needed
4. Scuff sand glossy trim to roughen for paint adhesion
5. Wipe trim with an alcohol-dampened rag to test if the existing paint is latex or oil
6. Prime trim before painting if covered in oil-based enamel

Painting Techniques

Believe it or not, there is a technique when it comes to painting your wall. Approach painting a room systematically to achieve professional-looking results. It’s best to work top-down when painting, starting with the ceiling and finishing with the trim work. This allows any dripping paint to be covered as you work your way down the wall. Be sure to use high-quality applicators and follow proven techniques.

• Ceiling: Cut along edges where the ceiling meets walls with brush. Roll ceiling paint using a 3/4″ nap roller cover. Apply paint in 3′ x 3′ sections.
• Trim: Use a high-quality trim brush for best results. Cut along edges with a brush, then roll large flat areas. Work slowly and carefully.
• Walls: Cut along the top edge, baseboards, and corners with angled brush. Roll walls using 1/2″ or 3/8″ nap roller in 2′ x 4′ sections. Work methodically and maintain a wet edge.

Painting Supplies

After you’ve selected the color you want to paint your walls, it’s time to invest in the proper painting supplies. The correct supplies will allow for a seamless application process and give you the best results. Here are the supplies we recommend for your next painting project. 

Painting Supplies You’ll Need:

• Drop cloths, painter’s tape, and protective materials
• Ladder or extension handle for cutting high walls and ceilings
• Paint tray, liner, and grid if using roller
• Quality nylon/polyester brushes for cutting in edges
• Roller frame and covers – 3/4″ nap for ceilings, 3/8″ or 1/2″ for walls

Applying Paint

Painting a new room can be daunting, especially if you’ve never worked with paint. With a few application tips, your painting renovation will go spectacularly. 

1. Always paint ceilings first to prevent drips on the walls. If you have a drip, it will be easy to cover once you’ve moved to painting the walls. 
2. To avoid unwanted paint on trim or molding, cut edges first with a brush and then roll large areas. 
3. Lap marks show when wet paint and dry paint overlap during the application process. It is best to maintain a wet edge and overlap strokes to avoid any lap marks. This can be done by applying paint in a “W” or zig-zag stroke evenly over the surface. 
4. Allow proper dry time between coats according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Cleanup and Protection

It is important to properly clean your supplies so they will last you for years to come. Carefully clean brushes, rollers, and other painting tools following the manufacturer’s instructions. Properly dispose of rags, drop cloths, and waste. Finally, replace switch plates, outlet covers, and furnishings that have been covered by paint.

With thorough preparation, quality application tools, and proper cleanup, your DIY paint job will rival work done by a professional painter. Be patient, take your time, and work systematically for excellent results you’ll be proud of.

So, Is Painting a Room Yourself Worth It?

While DIY painting requires more time and effort than hiring a pro, the cost savings may make the extra work worthwhile. If you have some experience and are willing to properly prep, the paint quality can be mistaken for a professional job. 

Follow the techniques here carefully. Protecting surfaces well and priming where needed helps amateur painters succeed. Also, splitting work over several days can make the project more manageable. Unless you feel comfortable painting on high ladders, you may want to hire a pro for high ceilings. 

Focus DIY efforts on the walls and trim — and if you lack patience for careful cutting-in edges by hand, hire a pro to brush while you roll. With strategic DIY and pro work splits, painting your space can be very doable.

Further Information

• Homeowner’s Guide to Paint Primer (article)
• Homeowner’s Guide to Caulk (article)