Paint a Room Checklist
Table of Contents
Painting Supplies
Basin or bucket of water
Cellulose Sponge
Mild Diswashing Liquid
Sponge Roller
You may want one with a retractable or attachable handle for ceilings or high walls.
Wall Paintbrush
Sash or Trim Paintbrush
Cans of Paint(s) in the color(s) of your choice
Roller Tray
Blue Painter's Tape
Plastic sheeting to cover the floors
Tarps or old bedsheets to cover any furniture
Appropriate Paint Thinner if using non-latex paint
Primer
Disposable gloves
Clothes you can paint in
Surgical Mask (optional)
Ladder
Prep the Room
Cover the floor with plastic sheeting.
Move as much furniture or belongings out of the room as you can.
Arrange remaining ;furniture ;in the middle of the room, where it will be safer from any paint splatter.
Cover any remaining furniture with tarps or old bedsheets.
Tape edges with blue painter's tape
Put tape where the wall meets the door and window frames and any moldings.
Prepare a bowl with water and dishwashing liquid.
Soak sponge in the liquid, and remove any rust, dirt, stains or grease spots from the walls.
Rinse sponge in clean water and gently wipe walls free of any soap residue.
Prime the walls with primer
Primer will maximize sheen and give paint an overall even appearance.
Prep your Roller
Dampen roller in water or ;appropriate thinner (for non-latex paint).
Squeeze out excess liquid by rolling on kraft paper or a grocery bag.
Open cans of paint and mix with wooden mixer.
Pour paint into well of roller tray until half full
;Set roller in the middle of tray well.
Roll roller back and forth up the tray slope, stopping just short of the well
Ensure the roller absorbs paint fully.
Prep your Brush
Dampen roller in water or ;appropriate thinner (for non-latex paint).
Swirl brushes in paint can to mix.
Dip brush halfway in paint
Remove excess by scraping brush on sides of can.
Painting the Walls
Roll from the corner
Use your roller by starting at the corner and painting in a 3x3 "W" pattern, then fill in the sections.
Paint one wall at a time
Keep using the "W" (or M) pattern, and fill in the spaces.
Use your brush where you can't roll
Brush around doorframes, windows, and moldings.
Save the trim for last
Wait until walls are completely dry, then tape where wall meets the trim.
Paint the trim using a trim or sash brush
Hold the brush handle as you would a pencil.
After Painting
Remove painter's tape before wall dries, so as to avoid removing any paint.
Check for any uneven or missed spots
Touch up with your brush.
Clean brushes and rollers with warm water (latex paints)
Make sure water runs clear before setting tools out to dry.
Keep doors and windows open for fume ventilation.
Remove floor sheeting and furniture covering, after walls have dried completely.
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Presented by:
Lauren Meir
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Details
Who it's for
This Paint a Room Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Paint a Room essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Paint a Room structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Paint a Room Checklist
- Save Paint a Room Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Paint a Room (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.