Things You'll Need:
- Paint
- Brushes and/or rollers
- Paint tray
- Painter's tape
- Old sheet or plastic
- Spackle and putty knife
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Step 1
Pick the area that needs an accent color. It could be a whole wall or an architectural feature like a fireplace mantle or TV hutch.
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Step 2
Pick up some color samples at your local home improvement, hardware or paint store.
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Step 3
Compare the samples to your the furnishings and art in the room where you will be painting to see is they go well together.
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Step 4
Decide what sheen you would like. For accent paint, it's generally best if it matches the paint on the others walls. So, if your other walls are painted with semi-gloss, plan to buy that for your accent paint.
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Step 5
Paint small swatches of paint onto the wall or feature if you are unsure what color you want. This will allow you to see what the dried paint color will look like in the environment and its lighting.
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Step 6
Estimate how much paint to buy. This can be difficult if you are painting accent features, but keep in mind that a gallon of paint should cover about 350 square feet.
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Step 7
Buy your paint. Make sure to check the color before you leave the store, just in case it was mixed incorrectly. Purchase a little more than you think you will need. That way you'll have extra for touch-ups. Don't buy too much, however, because paint can be difficult to dispose of.
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Step 8
Purchase a tinted primer if using a dark color. This will prevent you from having to paint multiple coats.
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Step 9
Line the area below where you will paint with old sheets or plastic, which can be purchased at the same store as your paint.
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Step 10
Prepare the area for paint by washing it gently to remove grime. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle.
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Step 11
Use blue painter's tape to mark the areas where you want to paint and ensure you get straight lines.
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Step 12
Pour a small amount of paint into the paint tray.
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Step 13
Cover your roller in the paint. Make sure it's not dripping or too thick.
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Step 14
Carefully roll a thin layer of paint onto your wall or surface. Be sure to paint in even strokes, all moving in the same direction. Don't paint in too large of strokes to avoid a striping effect.
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Step 15
Use a high-quality brush if your area is too small for a roller. Dip the brush into the paint and then tap it lightly on the inside of the can to remove excess and distribute the paint in the bristles.
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Step 16
Use a small angled brush to paint edges and fine details.
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Step 17
Allow the paint to dry. Paint a second coat if desired.
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Step 18
Remove the painter's tape. Touch up any areas that might need it.
