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How to Paint Interior Walls

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By Alice Wilson
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Paint Interior Walls
Paint Interior Walls

A fresh coat of paint can add just the right color and flare to your tired old walls. With just a little creativity and some good quality paint, you can *remodel* any room in your house!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • paint brushes 2"
  • paint rollers and tray
  • primer
  • good quality paint
  • drop cloth
  • painter's masking tape
  • rags
  • paint can opener
  1. Step 1

    Examine the current wall surface you'll be painting. Note any wallpaper removal or surface repairs that will have to be done before you start.

  2. Step 2

    Choose your color scheme and paint finish. Possible color schemes include:

    Blending - Using all shades of the same color for a restful, quiet feel.
    Contrasting - Using different, sometimes opposite colors for a bold feel.
    Accented - Using two shades from the same color family emphasized by a contrasting color.

    By utilizing these color schemes you can achieve the desired effect, whether it's to make the room look larger, smaller, bolder, quieter etc.

  3. Step 3

    Estimate the amount of primer and color paint needed to purchase. Calculate the square footage you'll be painting and take into consideration the number of coats you'll need and any extra you'll want to keep on hand for future touch-ups.

  4. Step 4

    Prep your room.
    (a) Move or protect furniture and use a drop cloth on your flooring.
    (b) Prep your walls. Remove wallpaper, patch drywall and/or sand rough spots as needed.
    (c) Sand any wood trim that will be painted as well.
    (d) Dust thoroughly. Get all dust out of the room. Don't forget the top edge of doors and door frames.
    (e)Using blue painters tape, mask all surfaces/trim that will not be painted.
    (f)Double check your tools list to make sure you've got everything you need before you start.

  5. Step 5

    Prime your walls. It's good to give your walls a good primer coat before painting desired colors. Follow directions on your primer label and proceed accordingly.

  6. Step 6

    Paint walls with your desired color coat. Begin with 2" brush paint and brush paint into wall corners, around windows, doors, and baseboards. Start from the ceiling and work down.

    Once edges are painted switch to a roller and begin painting your wall. Paint in a vertical direction and use a zigzag pattern. Roll upward on the first stroke, then form an "M" pattern to evenly distribute the paint on the roller. It's best to work this pattern in 3-ft sections. Fill in the "M" pattern until you have complete coverage of the 3-ft area. Repeat pattern until the wall is finished.

    Apply the number of coats recommended by paint manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings
  • Go directly to the paint experts for advice on color schemes. They'll help guide your selection to achieve your desired effect.
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