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.