How to Paint an Entire Room
When painting an entire room, preparation is important because you need a good starting point to do the job right. You must also know how to use a roller and a paint brush and protect surrounding surfaces from any paint drips. Be prepared for any accidents or mistakes and always think ahead before you begin painting. "Cleaning as you go" is also a good technique when taking on a large job such as painting a room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Canvas coverings
- Pole sander
- Sand paper
- Dust mask
- Putty knife
- Wall putty
- Paint rollers
- Angled paint brush
- Blue tape
- Rags
- Paint pans
- Paint
Instructions
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1
Move any furniture away from the walls and cover everything including the floors with canvas coverings. Plastic can be used, too, but it is more slippery.
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2
Prepare the surfaces you will be painting by filling in and sanding gaps or cracks. Scrape and sand existing paint that is chipping until it is smooth and even. If you are painting the ceiling as well, always finish the ceiling before moving on to the walls. Wear a dust mask when you sand and use a pole sander with 120-grit sandpaper on the ceiling and high up on the walls.
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3
Prime all surfaces before painting if you are working on brand new walls. If your existing paint is a much darker or lighter color, it will help to use a primer that is tinted closely to the color of the paint you are using. Sand the surface after priming to make it easier for the paint to adhere.
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4
Paint the edges of the ceiling first with an edge brush about four or five inches from the edge. Never start at the very edge of the ceiling with the brush. It's easier to carefully pull paint to the edge from a few inches away instead of getting a bunch in the crease and trying to get it out.
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5
Paint in small areas at a time and immediately follow the edging up with the roller to get the middle of the ceiling. Wait until the ceiling is completely finished and dry before you move on to the walls.
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6
Take any light fixtures and outlet coverings off of the walls. Put tape around the edges of molding and window sills that you don't want to get any paint on.
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Use the same edging technique with the angled brush that you used on the ceiling, working in small areas at a time and following up with the roller.
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8
Let the previous coat dry completely before you begin painting another coat.
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Tips & Warnings
Swipe the roller first in an "M" or "W" shape and then begin making uniform vertical strokes.
If your ceiling is textured, skip taping the edges because small pockets of paint will form under the tape. Do not press your roller hard when painting. That will give you blobs of uneven paint. Don't begin painting directly in a corner. Start a few inches away from it and paint toward it.
