Easy Room Painting: 5 Simple Steps

Painting a room is a simple and inexpensive way to transform your space. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran, it's essential to have a plan of attack. From choosing the right paint to preparing your walls, there are several steps to follow for a successful paint job. In just 5 easy steps, you can brighten up your room and give it a fresh new look.

Choose your paint colour

Choosing a paint colour can be both exciting and daunting. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right paint colour for your room.

Firstly, decide on the general colour characteristics. Do you want a warm or cool shade? Would you prefer a neutral or saturated colour? If you have existing furniture or art, consider how the shade will complement these items.

Once you have a sense of what you are looking for, pick a few shades and get some samples. Many direct-to-consumer brands offer adhesive swatches that you can stick on your wall to get a better sense of the shade. You can also get small paint samples from paint stores to try out. Apply these samples to your wall in at least a 12-inch by 12-inch square. Test the colours at different times of the day, as lighting can affect how the colour looks. Many paint companies have tools on their websites that allow you to upload a photo of your space and preview different colours on the walls. However, colours can look different in real-world conditions, so testing them out in your space is important.

If you are changing from a dark paint colour to a lighter one, a primer is essential to seal the wall and prevent mould. Some primers can be tinted to match the colour of the paint.

Prep the room

Prepping a room for painting is a crucial step in ensuring a successful paint job. Here is a detailed guide to help you prepare effectively:

Clear the Room

Start by removing all furniture and items from the room. If there are large pieces of furniture that cannot be removed, move them to the center of the room and cover them with drop cloths. Canvas drop cloths are ideal as they are durable, absorbent, and reusable. Alternatively, you can use plastic or paper drop cloths, but be aware that plastic is non-absorbent, and paper can tear easily.

Protect the Floors and Fixtures

Cover the floors and any remaining fixtures, outlets, light switch plates, and doorknobs with drop cloths or painter's tape. Painter's tape is especially useful for masking off trim, baseboards, windows, doors, and power outlets. Press the tape firmly in place to prevent paint from seeping underneath.

Repair and Smooth Walls

Inspect the walls for any imperfections, such as cracks, small holes, or fuzzies. Repair these areas and fill any nail or screw holes. Once the filler or spackle is dry, use sandpaper (220-grit is recommended) to sand down the repaired areas and smooth the walls. Sanding will create dust, so be sure to vacuum and then wipe down the walls with a damp rag or sponge and warm water. Allow the walls to dry completely.

Clean the Walls

Thoroughly clean the walls to ensure they are free of dust and dirt. Start from the top of the wall and work your way down, using a damp rag or sponge. Allow the walls to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Ventilate the Room

Before you begin painting, ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans. This will help speed up the drying process and prevent paint fumes from building up.

By following these steps, you will have a room that is prepped and ready for painting!

Prime the walls

To prime the walls, start by inspecting them for any cracks, small holes, or other imperfections. If you find any, repair these areas using spackle or similar products to fill them in. Once the spackle is dry, use 220-grit sandpaper to sand down the repaired areas, smoothing them out and ensuring the wall is perfectly smooth. It is important to vacuum up any sanding dust, and then wipe down the walls with a damp rag or sponge and warm water. Allow the walls to dry completely.

After the walls are dry, it is time to apply a primer. Primer helps to seal the wall, prevent mold, and facilitate the transition from a dark paint color to a lighter one. Some primers can be tinted to match your chosen paint color. Primer is also more cost-effective than paint. Before priming, you may want to use painter's tape to cover any edges or surfaces that you do not want the primer to touch, such as baseboards, doors, windows, trim, the ceiling, or adjoining walls. Be sure to press the tape down firmly to prevent paint from seeping underneath.

Paint the room

Painting a room is a simple and inexpensive way to transform your space. It is a straightforward process but requires some preparation.

Prep the Room

First, remove all furniture from the room. If this is not possible, move it to the centre and cover it with drop cloths. Canvas drop cloths are durable and absorbent, but plastic or paper drop cloths are more affordable and can be moved around the room as you paint. Next, use painter's tape to mask off trim, baseboards, windows, doors, doorknobs, power outlets, and other fixtures. Press the tape firmly in place to prevent paint from seeping underneath. If you have a textured ceiling, run a screwdriver along the edge to create a small, texture-free surface for the tape to adhere to.

Prep the Walls

Inspect the walls for imperfections and repair any cracks or small holes. Use spackle to fill in any nail or screw holes, then sand down the repaired areas with 220-grit sandpaper and a sanding sponge. Vacuum up any sanding dust, then wipe the walls with a damp rag or sponge, starting from the top and working downwards. Allow the walls to dry completely.

Now you are ready to begin painting. Stir your paint for at least 60 seconds, then pour some into a handheld paint pail. Start by painting the edges of the room, using a small paintbrush to cut in. Once you have a nice layer of paint on, use a small roller to blend the brush strokes. Then, use a normal rolling brush to paint the rest of the wall, making "V" shapes and overlapping each stroke by about 50%. Reload your roller after every 3-4 feet, then only make "downward" motions to create a consistent look. Continue this process, keeping a wet edge to work with.

Clean Up

Once the walls are complete, remove the tape. Allow the paint to dry completely (this usually takes 2-4 hours) before determining if a second coat is needed. For latex and water-based paints, clean your brushes with soapy water, while oil-based paints will require mineral spirits. You can use a painter's brush to clean and reshape bristles.

Clean up

Once you've finished painting, it's important to clean up properly to ensure your room is ready for everyday use. Here are the steps to follow:

Firstly, remove all the painter's tape. Make sure any spills or splatters are dry before you move the drop cloths. If you have used latex or water-based paints, clean your brushes with soapy water. For oil-based paints, you will need to use mineral spirits. You can use a painter's brush to clean and reshape the bristles. If you want to reuse roller covers, use a 5-in-1 tool to remove the excess paint under running water.

Next, inspect the walls for any paint splatters or drips. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any paint marks. Be sure to pay attention to the edges and corners of the room, as paint may have splattered onto adjacent walls, doors, or windows. You can use a 5-in-1 tool to help with scraping paint chips.

If there are any paint spills on the floor, use a damp mop or cloth to clean them up. Ensure that all drop cloths are free of paint before removing them from the room. Fold them carefully and dispose of them safely, following any necessary guidelines for paint waste disposal in your area.

Finally, gather all your tools and supplies and put them away for future use. This includes cleaning and storing your brushes and rollers, as well as any ladders, scaffolding, or other equipment used during the painting process.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your newly painted room is clean and ready to be enjoyed.

Frequently asked questions