How to Paint a Room Like a Pro

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Clear and protect the room

   Move furniture to the center and cover with plastic. Lay canvas drop cloths on the floor — plastic is slippery and paint pools on it. Remove outlet covers and switch plates.

2. 2

   Wash, patch and sand

   Wipe walls with a damp sponge, especially above the stove and in bathrooms. Fill nail holes with spackle, let dry, then sand smooth with a fine sponge. Caulk any gaps between trim and wall.

3. 3

   Tape the trim

   Run painter's tape along baseboards, window casings and door frames. Press the edge down firmly with a putty knife — that's what prevents bleed.

4. 4

   Cut in with a brush

   Cut in a 3" band along the ceiling, corners and trim using the angled sash brush. Work in 4–6 ft sections so the cut edge stays wet when you roll into it.

5. 5

   Roll the walls

   Load the roller until it's saturated but not dripping. Roll a large W or M pattern in a 3x3 ft area, then fill it in with light, parallel strokes. Always finish each section rolling top to bottom in one direction.

6. 6

   Apply coat two

   Wait the full recoat time on the can (usually 4 hours). Repeat cut-in and roll. Two thin coats always beat one thick coat.

7. 7

   Pull tape and clean up

   Pull the tape at a 45° angle while the last coat is still slightly tacky — that gives the cleanest line. Wash brushes and rollers immediately; dried latex paint destroys tools.

Safety note: this guide is educational. Always follow local building codes, pull required permits, and hire a licensed pro for structural, electrical, gas or plumbing work when in doubt.