Paint a Room Checklist

Painting Supplies

• Basin or bucket of water
• Cellulose Sponge
• Mild Diswashing Liquid
• Sponge RollerYou 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 tapePut 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 primerPrimer 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 wellEnsure 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 paintRemove excess by scraping brush on sides of can.

Painting the Walls

• Roll from the cornerUse your roller by starting at the corner and painting in a 3x3 "W" pattern, then fill in the sections.
• Paint one wall at a timeKeep using the "W" (or M) pattern, and fill in the spaces.
• Use your brush where you can't rollBrush around doorframes, windows, and moldings.
• Save the trim for lastWait until walls are completely dry, then tape where wall meets the trim.
• Paint the trim using a trim or sash brushHold 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 spotsTouch 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.