Easy Room Painting: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting a room is one of the easiest home DIY projects to master, and it can totally transform the look and feel of your space. To achieve a professional finish, it's important to follow a step-by-step process, from preparation to the final coat of paint. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right paint colour to the painting technique, so you can achieve winning results.

Prep work: Remove furniture, fill holes, and repair imperfections

Prep work is the most important step when painting a room. Start by removing all furniture and fixtures, including lights, blinds, HVAC registers, and outlet covers. If you can't remove something, cover it with drop cloths. Canvas drop cloths are durable and absorbent, while plastic ones are budget-friendly but not absorbent. Paper drop cloths are the most economical but can tear easily on floors; they are better suited for covering light fixtures, cabinets, and furniture.

Next, carefully inspect the surfaces for cracks, holes, dents, or other imperfections. Use a bright light, such as a 1000W halogen lamp, to shine on the walls and highlight any imperfections. Circle or mark the areas that need to be filled or repaired. Use a putty knife and lightweight spackling compound to fill and repair holes and cover imperfections. Remove excess spackling with the putty knife. Allow the spackling to dry following the manufacturer's instructions before painting.

Finally, use sandpaper or a sanding sponge to smooth the repaired areas flush with the surface. Make sure to read the manufacturer's guidelines before sanding, as some surfaces may require specific sandpaper.

Primer: Use a thin coat of primer to seal the wall

Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the room. Remove all furniture and fixtures, including lights, blinds, HVAC registers, and outlet covers. If you are unable to remove certain items, cover them with drop cloths to protect them from paint splatters. Canvas drop cloths are durable and absorbent, while plastic drop cloths are a more budget-friendly option. Once the room is cleared, inspect the walls for any cracks, holes, or other imperfections. Use a putty knife and lightweight spackling compound to fill and repair any holes, creating a smooth surface. Allow the compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once the walls are smooth and prepared, it's time to apply a thin coat of primer. Primer is designed to seal the wall and prevent mold. It is particularly important if you are painting a lighter color over a darker one, as it can help reduce the number of paint coats needed. Some primers can be tinted to match your paint color, providing additional coverage and saving you money. Tinted primers are also useful when painting with a deep color base, as they can reduce the number of paint coats required.

To apply the primer, use a high-quality paintbrush to cut in along the edges of the wall, windows, and corners of the room. Then, use a roller to apply the primer to the rest of the wall, making sure to cover all areas evenly. The primer coat will dry quickly, usually within 15-20 minutes. Once the primer is dry, you can start applying your chosen paint color.

It is important to note that some paint products are marketed as ""paint and primer in one." If you choose to use one of these products, you may be able to skip the primer step altogether. However, if you are using a standard paint, applying a primer will help create a smooth base for your paint and ensure a more uniform and long-lasting finish.

Paint edges: Cut in and paint the edges of the room

Painting the edges of a room involves cutting in—that is, using a paintbrush to paint the edges before rolling the walls. This technique requires a steady hand and some practice, but it can yield faster and better results than taping off the edges.

To cut in, start by transferring a small amount of paint to a dipping pail. Only pour about an inch of paint into the pail to prevent spills and make clean-up easier. Then, use an angled sash brush to paint the edges of the room. A 2-inch brush is a good size for interior room painting, but you may need a smaller brush for painting windows or other small woodwork. To paint accurately, position yourself so that you can see the line clearly and use a bright light to illuminate the area. For cutting in along the ceiling, get your head close to the ceiling to see the line better.

When cutting in, drag the tips of the bristles lightly over the outside edge to thin the paint and get rid of any paint buildup. This will help ensure that your cut-in paint doesn’t show as a stripe after you roll paint onto the walls. It can be challenging to cut in along rough-textured ceilings without getting paint on them. To avoid this, use a putty knife to scrape away the texture along the edge of the ceiling, creating a small groove. Then, when you cut in along the top of the wall, the paintbrush bristles will slide into the groove, resulting in a crisp paint line.

Paint ceiling and walls: Paint the ceiling first, then the walls

Painting a room is a process that involves preparation, planning, and the right tools. It is recommended to start by painting the ceiling, then move on to the walls, and finish with the baseboards. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Prepare the room:

First, remove all furniture from the room if possible. If some pieces are too heavy or difficult to move, cover them with drop cloths or plastic tarps to protect them from paint splatters. You can use canvas, plastic, or paper drop cloths, depending on your preference and budget. Paper is the most economical, but it tears easily, so it is better suited for covering light fixtures, cabinets, and furniture.

Inspect and repair the ceiling:

Before painting, it is essential to inspect the ceiling for any cracks, holes, or imperfections. Use a putty knife and lightweight spackling compound to fill and repair any holes. Allow the spackling to dry following the manufacturer's instructions, and then use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to smooth the repaired areas, ensuring they are flush with the surface. Check the manufacturer's guidelines before sanding to choose the appropriate sandpaper for the surface.

Prime the ceiling:

Priming the ceiling is an important step to ensure the paint adheres properly. Use a roller or a paintbrush to apply a coat of primer, such as a latex paint primer or an interior latex drywall primer, depending on the texture of your ceiling. If there are stains on the ceiling, priming becomes crucial to creating a uniform base for the paint.

Paint the ceiling:

Now, it's time to paint the ceiling. Use a roller for most of the surface and a smaller paintbrush for cutting in corners and along the edges. If you are painting the ceiling a different colour than the walls, be careful to avoid getting paint on the walls. You can use painter's tape to mask off any molding or adjacent walls.

Paint the walls:

Once the ceiling is painted and dry, you can move on to painting the walls. Start by using a high-quality paintbrush to paint along the edges of the wall, windows, and corners of the room. Then, use a roller to paint the rest of the wall. If you are changing from a dark paint colour to a lighter one, consider using a tinted primer to save money and provide better coverage.

Remember to allow adequate drying time between coats, and always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific products you are using.

Clean up: Remove tape, gather drop cloths, and clean brushes

Once you've finished painting, it's time to clean up. Start by removing the painter's tape. It's important to do this while the paint is still wet, so that you don't peel off any paint from the walls. Make sure any spills or splatters are dry before you move the drop cloths. If you've used canvas drop cloths, you can reuse these next time. Plastic drop cloths are durable and budget-friendly, but you should be careful not to step on any spills, as these can be tracked. Paper drop cloths are the most economical, but they tear easily.

Next, clean your brushes. If you've used latex or water-based paints, you can clean brushes with soapy water. For oil-based paints, you'll 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 the curved edge of a 5-in-1 tool to remove the excess paint under running water.

Frequently asked questions