How to Easily and Quickly Paint a Room

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By PABechko
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Ceramic House

If that old paint job is looking tired and dingy it might be time to add a new coat. But, you say, I’ve never painted a house, how do I do it and make it look professional?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

paint
rollers
brushes
paint pail
drop cloths
rags

Step 1

photo by mirzaman

It isn’t difficult really, it’s a matter of setting your mind to it, deciding the look you want and then going for it.
Step 2

photo by Chance Agrealla

First look at the room in daylight, really look at it. What color do you want it to be? Neutral, in the whites or tans, or colorful, something bright? There are hundreds of looks you can create fairly economically. One place to check out is Home and Gardens TV website. Lots of ideas here, and tips on how to accomplish your look. Other resources for ideas and help below in resources. If you find a color you really like but aren’t quite sure, ask your paint store for a very small amount and brush a bit on the wall to see how you like it.
Step 3

Now, make sure you dust the walls, knock down the cobwebs and clean off any dark marks with a grease-cutting cleaner.
Step 4

photo by Chance Agrella

Get some rolls of the blue painter’s tape as well as some plastic drop cloths and lots of rags. Decide if you’re going to paint with a brush or rollers, then buy good quality of the one you’ve chosen. Don’t forget the roller pans or small paint buckets. All these items are generally inexpensive, except perhaps for good quality paint brushes. They can be pricy so you may need to go middle grade. Try to avoid the really low end price-wise and they usually lose lots of their bristles in your paint.
Step 5

Be sure to remove all the outlet covers, switch plate covers and any hardware that might be in the way of your painting and set them aside. Then use the painter’s tape to mask off any areas where paint may intrude where it’s not wanted. BUT, remember, the blue tape is a precaution, it won’t stop all paint splots if you simply slop the wall with the paint. Be gentle around the taped areas. Also, paint right up to the electrical outlets, but don’t paint over them. Same for switches.
Step 6

If you’re painting over a wall already a color, you need to get a good quality base coat first. Ask your paint store about the types they carry and choose a good quality. If you’re doing a base coat, paint it a day or two before so it dries thoroughly before you put on the final coat.
Step 7

photo by Chance Agrella

If you’re painting with rollers, be sure to get a small, fine paint brush as well for reaching into small areas and painting a fine line along the painter’s tape. This will make the job look more crisp and professional.
Step 8

Be sure to leave windows open when painting. I hope you get a non-toxic, water-base paint, but even if you do, leave those windows open or some other way provide good ventilation. If you’re roller painting, the job should go very quickly, but take your time on the details. They’ll make the end result look great.
Step 9

When you’ve finished be sure to clean your tools thoroughly for the next time. Keep a bit of your paint in a jar for ‘touch-ups’, and if you have a fair amount left over, dispose of it responsibly. Perhaps donate it to Habitat for Humanity or another local group that will get it to someone who can use it. Remove the painter’s tape carefully, leaving a crisp line behind. Replace electrical wall plates and switchplate covers.
Step 10

Enjoy your fresh and refreshed room and be proud of your accomplishment