Things You'll Need:
- Paint samples
- Color cards
- Wall paint
- Paint can spout
- Paint tray
- Tray liners
- Plastic bags
- Paint bucket
- Paintbrush
- Rags
- Drop cloth
- Newspaper
- Painting tape
- Roller
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Step 1
Remove all furniture, especially if upholstered, from the room that needs to be painted. If furniture cannot be removed, push the furniture to the center of the room and cover completely with drop cloth. If an alternative material is used to cover the furniture, make sure that is thick and waterproof so paint drips don't soak through, leaving stains.
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Step 2
Wipe the wall and chair rail clean of visible dust. If necessary, clean the wall or rail and let dry thoroughly before taping and painting. Food stains, grease stains, and crayon marks will need to be removed and cleaned before painting.
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Step 3
Tape the sides of the chair rail next to the wall that will be painted or rolled. Consider placing a piece of tape across the center of the chair rail as well to prevent any tiny paint drips from splattering on the chair rail while brushing or rolling the paint on.
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Step 4
Tape off the ceiling and the baseboards to prevent paint from adhering to these surfaces. Place drop cloths or newspaper on the floor surfaces under the wall you will be painting. Consider taping the newspaper or drop cloth in place to prevent it from moving or slipping while you are working.
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Step 5
Cut in the wall that will be painted -- paint the areas along the taped chair rail, directly above the baseboard, directly below the ceiling, and the corners of the room. Angled sashes of 1 1/2 inches to 2 1/2 inches cut in the best. The wall(s) that you are painting will appear "framed" when cut-in is complete.
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Step 6
Paint the rest of the wall using either a large wall paint brush (wide and flat) or using a roller. If using a roller, pour your paint in a paint tray with a paint tray liner or a plastic bag tied around the tray as a liner. Use a paint can pour spout to make pouring easier, cleaner, and more accurate. If painting out of a large bucket, use a roller screen in the bucket for smooth paint application.
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Step 7
Paint a second coat of paint by cutting in again and either brushing or rolling the wall again. Most paints -- the majority of colors -- will look perfect after two coats. After paint dries to the touch or completely, gently remove the tape from the wall and chair rail.
