How to Paint a Room

Guide Note:Looking for a new look to an old room? Need to change an existing room to serve a specific purpose? From choosing the right paint and tools, through painting and cleanup, this page shows six steps on How to Paint a Room like a pro.

Table of Contents:

Introduction: How to Paint a Room

  • Painting a room is one of the most inexpensive ways to give it a fresh look. With a little paint, creativity and elbow grease, you can go from drab to fab in just a few hours!
(Creative Commons photo by Augie Schwer)
(Creative Commons photo by Augie Schwer)

Step 1: Selecting Paint

  • Choosing the right paint can make or break your project.

Latex vs. Oil Based Paint

  1. Latex Paint is generally used for interior rooms as it's easy to use and has less odor. Latex paints are water-based and can be cleaned up without harsh chemicals.
  2. Oil Based Paint is generally used for exterior surfaces as it contains alkyd, which makes paint harder and more durable as it dries. Oil based paints require a ventilated work area and solvents such as paint thinner or mineral spirits to clean up spills and equipment.

Select a Perfect Color

  • When deciding on a color, ask yourself these questions.
  1. What is the room being used for?
  2. How will it coordinate with your furnishings in the room?
  3. What mood are you trying to set in the room?
      1. Red suggests a bold and exciting environment, but can also come off as aggressive. It also represents love, strength and passion.
      2. (Creative Commons photo by GaDeeRy)
        (Creative Commons photo by GaDeeRy)
      3. Orange suggests a cheerful and organized environment. It naturally relaxes and calms people.
      4. Yellow suggests brightness and mental clarity. While bringing warmth, it also gives a sense of caution.
      5. Green suggests balance, harmony and relaxation. It provides warmth and signals good health.
      6. Blue is the most popular color in the United States. It represents travel, trust and dependability.
      7. Purple suggests creativity, imagination and magic. It also suggests royalty and elegance.
      8. Black suggests power and sophistication. It can also reflect mystery and intrigue.
      9. White suggests innocence and purity. It enhances other colors and provides clean lines.
      10. Gray suggests intelligence without assertiveness. Its neutrality makes it complement any other color.
      11. Brown suggests warmth and family. It also brings a natural, outdoor feel.
  4. How will the color flow with adjacent rooms?
  5. How much sunlight does the room get?

Choose Paint

  1. Browse paint colors at your local hardware store. It's best to bring home a few sample color cards and see how they look in your home, before making a final decision.
  2. Cut color cards into individual colors to get the best feel of the color in your environment.
  3. Many companies now offer paint in sample sizes. With a couple of ounces, you can try the color on your walls, before buying a larger amount.
  4. A few companies, for a small price, allow users to upload a photo of the room and experiment with different colors in a virtual makeover.

Choose a Finish

  1. Flat or matte, has virtually no shine and best for quiet areas like living rooms and bedrooms. Flat paint is the least durable for washing.
  2. Eggshell is very similar to flat paint, just slightly more shiny. Eggshell is commonly used in hallways and family rooms.
  3. Satin will reflect more light after it dries and is generally the highest gloss choice for interior rooms, excluding kitchens or baths. It is also washable, making it a great choice for kids rooms.
  4. Semi-Gloss is most commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms and for trim as its sheen makes it very easy to wash.
  5. High-Gloss is the shiniest of all and is most used to paint woodwork and furniture. Extra preparation is necessary before using high gloss paint as it will show all imperfections in the surface it is applied to.
  6. Ceiling Paint is generally pre-mixed flat white paint, formulated for less splatter. Since ceilings are very low traffic areas, this paint is generally lower quality and not as durable to washing. Several companies offer color changing ceiling paint, which makes it easy to see which areas need covered.

How Much Paint?

Specialty Textures and Faux Finishes

  • Looking for something out of the ordinary? There are several options other than the average finish. Check your local hardware store for more info on products for faux finishes.
    1. Color Washing enhances the base paint color by blending colored glazes over the paint.  Angie: Easiest faux finish to apply, great for beginners
    2. Dragging, or Graining simulates real wood by adding a second color of paint using a specialized brush.
    3. Marbleizing simulates the appearance of true marble, using plaster or several colors of glaze.
    4. Ragging simulates texture by applying glaze to the wall, then using a rag to remove some of the glaze.
    5. Sponge Painting simulates texture, using painting sponges to apply glaze to the wall.
    6. Venetian Plaster simulates depth and texture by adding plaster in thin layers.

Primer

  1. Painting over unfinished drywall, wood or other previously unpainted surfaces
  2. Painting over stained areas or when changing from a very dark to a light color
  3. When painting darker colors, be sure to ask when purchasing the paint if a tinted primer is recommended. Grey primer is recommended for many deeper colors to obtain the desired finished product.

Step 2: Get Your Equipment

  • You have decided on paint, now what? There are a few more tools we will need for this job.

Applicators

  1. Paint Brushes - Higher quality, more expensive brushes are the best choices as they hold paint better and will last longer. Look for brushes with split ends on the bristles, this is a sign of a higher quality brush.
    • (Photos by Nicolas Raymond and Simon Nicklin)
      (Photos by Nicolas Raymond and Simon Nicklin)
    1. A two-inch angled brush, for cutting in, and a two-inch flat brush, for painting trim, are recommended.
    2. Natural brushes made from hog hair, can only be used with oil based paints
    3. Synthetic brushes made from nylon or polyester, can be used with oil or water based paints
  2. Roller Frame - a standard nine inch roller frame with handle
    • If you are painting a ceiling, an extension pole for your roller makes things much easier.
  3. Roller Covers
    1. Synthetic covers, made of nylon or polyester, are best for latex paints
    2. Natural covers, made of mohair or sheepskin, are best for oil based paints
    3. Blended covers, made of polyester and wool, are great for all paints and the most durable
    4. The pile depth or nap, the thickness of the fuzzy layer of the roller, you want will depend on the texture of the surface you are painting. The smoother the surface, the the shorter the nap. Likewise the rougher the surface, the longer the nap.
  4. Paint Trays - a paint tray and a few disposable liners.
    • For those on a tighter budget, aluminum foil can be used to line your paint tray.
  5. Paint Sprayer (optional)
    1. If you are planning to paint several areas, especially exteriors, you may consider purchasing a paint sprayer.
    2. Sprayers can cover more area in less time, however they do require a lot more preparation as they can be very messy.

Wall Finishing Tools

  1. Paint Scrapers are thick and used to remove old or flaking paint.
  2. Putty Knives are flexible and used for applying spackling compound to cracks or holes
  3. Spackling Compound
    • Spackling compound is for plaster and drywall and generally dries white, to match the wall.
    • Wood putty is better for wood and often comes in several colors, to match the particular wood.
    • Many companies offer spackle that goes on one color, then turns white to show it is completely dry.
  4. Sandpaper - fine grit to smooth patched areas and rough up glossy areas so your new paint will adhere better

Masking and Safety Equipment

  1. Tape
    1. Blue painters tape is optimal as it has lower tack and can be removed up to two weeks after it is applied without damaging the surface below.
    2. For those on a tighter budget, regular masking tape will do just fine.
  2. Drop Cloths, Old Sheets and Rags
    1. Disposable plastic drop cloths or old sheets are a must to cover floors and furniture from splatters.
    2. Rags or paper towels are also necessary for cleaning up equipment and spills.
    3. Old newspapers can also be used for covering windows.
  3. Safety Equipment
    1. Safety glasses and rubber gloves are recommended to protect your eyes and hands from the chemicals in paint.
    2. If you plan to use a paint sprayer a dust mask or respirator is recommended so you do not inhale paint while spraying.

Step 3: Prepare the Room

  • So you have your paint and supplies, now what? There are a few things left to do before we apply the paint.

Clear the Room

(Creative Commons photo by Ted Johnson)
(Creative Commons photo by Ted Johnson)
  1. Remove as much furniture as possible. Any remaining furniture can be covered with drop cloths or old sheets to protect it from drips and splatters.
  2. Take down any wall hangings and the nails used to hold them up.
  3. Take down any curtains or blinds and their hardware.
  4. Remove face plates from light switches and outlets.

Remove Wallpaper (if necessary)

Clean

  1. Using a mild household cleaner and water wash all surfaces that are to be painted.
  2. Remove dust, cobwebs, crayon marks, cigarette residue, finger prints or anything else that may be on the walls or ceilings.

Scrape, Spackle and Sand

  1. Using a paint scraper, scrape any paint that is peeling or flaking off.
    •  WARNINGUse extra caution when scraping areas that may contain lead paint. If you home was built before 1978, it is a good possibility that you may have lead paint. Contact the EPA at 1-800-424-LEAD or visit their web site for more info on safely working around lead paint. WARNING
  2. Fill in any holes or cracks in the walls or ceiling using spackling compound and a putty knife. Allow to dry.
  3. Once the spackle is dry, sand your patched areas smooth so they will blend with the rest of the wall.
  4. Vacuum up all dust both on the floors and on the walls.

Protect Your Floor

  1. Lay drop cloths or old sheets over every inch of the floor to protect it from drips and splatters.
  2. If you are especially messy, you may want to tape the drop cloths secure to the floor.

Step 4: Get Ready to Paint

Priming (if necessary)

(Creative Commons photo by Edwin & Kelly Tofslie)
(Creative Commons photo by Edwin & Kelly Tofslie)
  1. Apply the primer to every area that will be painted.
  2. Let dry 3-4 hours and assess your work.
  3. When priming over dark colors or stained areas, if color or stains bleed through the first coat of primer, a second coat of primer may be necessary.

Ceiling Taping

  1. Apply tape to the wall in corners, where the walls meet the ceiling.
  2. Remove ceiling fixtures if possible. If not. loosen and cover them with a plastic bag.

Wall Taping

  1. Using painters or masking tape, tape off:
    1. where the wall meets the ceiling
    2. all trim, including window moldings and baseboards
    3. adjoining walls
    4. anything else you do not want painted

Trim Taping

  1. Apply tape on the walls, around windows, moldings and baseboards
  2. Tape down drop cloths to cover your floor.
  3. If you are a particularly messy painter, you may want to tape newspaper to windows.

Step 5: Time to Paint

  • Ready, set, paint! Lets get some color on those walls! Whether you choose to paint with the standard brush and roller or use a paint sprayer, the order stays the same, always work from top to bottom.
(Creative Commons photo by Phyllis Buchanan)
(Creative Commons photo by Phyllis Buchanan)

Using a brush and roller

Cutting-In
  1. Using your 2-inch angled brush, paint 2-3 inches around any edges that connect areas you want to paint and areas that you do not want to paint.
  2. These areas are typically where the walls meet the the ceiling, in corners, around any windows, doors, outlets, light switches and above baseboards.
  3. Wipe up any drips or mistakes as soon as possible using a damp rag or paper towel.
Roll
  1. Line your paint tray with either a disposable liner or aluminum foil and pour your paint into the deep end of the tray, a couple inches of paint is plenty.
  2. Assemble your roller frame by attaching the roller cover to the frame and dip your roller into the paint in the tray.
  3. Roll the roller back and forth along the textured, angled part of the tray to remove excess paint and distribute it evenly on the roller.
  4. Select an area, approximately 4 foot by 4 foot, working from top to bottom. Start diagonally, rolling a large W or M in that section, to distribute paint through that space. Using up and down strokes with the roller, even out and fill out the rest of the 4x4 section.
  5. Move to the next adjacent section and repeat until all the walls are covered. Painting adjacent sections before the previous section dries will reduce overlapping lines.
Rolling Tips
  1. Dampen brushes and roller covers before using them. This will make the your tools hold paint better and will make clean-up quicker.
  2. Only dip your brush about a third of the length of the bristles into the paint. Grabbing more paint than necessary can result in drips and a mess.
  3. When using higher sheen paints, paint smaller sections at a time. Higher sheen paint will show more overlapping lines than flat paint.
  4. If you hear a peeling sound when rolling, that is a clue that you are out of paint and will need to apply more to the roller.

Using a Sprayer

Extra Precautions
  1. Paint sprayers put a lot of paint into the air, almost like a fog, so it is crucial to seal off the room you are painting.
    1. Using plastic drop cloths, securely tape the drop cloths over doorways, windows and flooring.
    2. Be sure to seal off absolutely everything that you do not want paint on.
  2. It is best to wear old clothing and shoes, as you too will probably end up covered in paint.
  3. Be sure to wear eye protection and a dusk mask to protect from the paint.
  4. Check with your paint sprayer and paint manufacturers to see if it is necessary to thin paint before spraying. Follow the manufacturers recommendations when thinning paint, using water for latex paint and mineral spirits for oil based paint.
  5. Be sure there is proper ventilation, and turn off any appliances in the area you are painting.
Oil and Prime
  1. Follow the instructions that came with the sprayer to oil the sprayer before and after painting.
  2. Assemble the sprayer according the the instructions, making sure each part is assembled while the unit is unplugged.
  3. Fill the reservoir with paint and screw it into place or connect the hose directly to paint in the can.
  4. Plug in the sprayer and pull the trigger, spraying away from yourself or others onto a scrap piece of cardboard or wood. It may take a few moments for the paint to reach the nozzle and start spraying.
Spray
  1. Starting from top to bottom, spray the area with smooth even strokes.
  2. Hold the sprayer approximately ten inches from the wall.
  3. Make a single pass across the top of your section, then continue on to the next lower adjacent area, overlapping slightly.
  4. Continue until all areas are covered.
    •  WARNING Never spray paint at yourself or any other person or animal. Sprayers force paint from the nozzle at a very high rate of speed, fast enough to penetrate skin.  WARNING
Spraying Tips
  1. Take some time to practice before you apply paint to the walls or ceilings. Using scrap wood or cardboard, get used to how the paint flows from the nozzle.
  2. Many sprayers have adjustments for amount of flow and direction of the nozzle. Be sure to experiment with these settings before applying paint to your area.
  3. The nozzle may clog during spraying. Do not attempt to unclog it with your fingers. Use a wet rag or paper towel to gently wipe the nozzle clean.
  4. Paint dripping from the nozzle is common, be sure to clean up any drips before you step in them and track them around your home.

After the First Coat

  1. Allow to dry at least 3-4 hours and assess your work. Paint shrinks as it dries, so you may not be able to see lighter areas until the paint is completely dry.
  2. Apply a second coat if necessary.
    1. Typically, two coats are recommended for painting walls.
    2. If painting a dark color, reds especially, let the paint dry overnight before adding a second coat. Darker colors require more time for the final color to develop.

Step 6: Clean Up

  • Happy with your work? Awesome! Just one more thing to do: clean.
(Creative Commons photo by Chris Corwin)
(Creative Commons photo by Chris Corwin)
  1. Clean Brushes and Roller Covers
    • If using latex paint, rinse each with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. This may take a while, but is key to the longevity of your supplies. Remove as much excess water as you can and let air dry.
  2. Remove Tape
    • Tape should be removed as soon as the adjacent area has dried. Leaving tape on too long may cause it to peel the underlying paint off.
  3. Clean your Paint Sprayer
    1. Before disassembling your sprayer, be sure to unplug it.
    2. Return any remaining paint in the reservoir to the paint can.
    3. Fill the reservoir with water if using latex paint or mineral spirits if using oil based paint.
    4. Plug your sprayer back in and spray into a sink or bucket until the water runs clear.
    5. Unplug and disassemble your sprayer according to the manufacturers instructions and wash all removed parts. Do not submerge the sprayer in water, gently wipe it clean with a wet rag or paper towel.
    6. Allow removed parts to air dry and again oil the sprayer according to the manufacturers instructions.
  4. Pick up and dispose of drop cloths.
  5. Replace outlet and light switch covers. Replace light fixtures.
  6. Re-install wall hangings and window coverings.
  7. Move furniture back into the area.

Clean-Up Tips

    1. Soak your tools in a sink or bucket of warm water for a few minutes before cleaning them. This will make clean-up faster and easier.
    2. If you plan to paint again soon with the same paint, simply place your brushes or roller covers in a zipper style plastic bag and place in the freezer. Before your next painting session, you will need to remove them, so they can thaw a couple of hours, but no need to wash them between each session.
    3. Several tools are available to assist in cleaning your equipment, check your local hardware store for more info.

Resources for How To Paint a Room

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Paint | Latex Paint | Oil Based Paint | Paint Sprayers | Paint Brushes | Wallpaper



Have any great tips on How to Paint a Room? Post your thoughts to the discussion board or email them to Angie: Angie at mahalo dot com.