How to Apply Latex Paint

Choose latex primer and paint that are the same brand to ensure smooth coverage.

Latex paint is a specific type of interior or exterior paint. Paint manufacturers formulate primer and paint to work together according to their composition. When preparing to apply latex paint, always choose primer and paint of the same brand to ensure that they are compatible. Choose high quality paintbrushes and roller covers for the best latex paint finish.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic drop cloths
• Screwdriver
• Painter's tape
• Soap
• Bucket
• Cleaning cloth or sponge
• Latex primer
• Latex paint
• Paint stirring stick
• Synthetic paintbrush
• Paint roller
• Roller cover
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Move everything out of the room or area to be painted. Place heavy furniture in the center of the room and cover with a plastic drop cloth. If painting the exterior, cover bushes and permanent plants with a plastic tarp.

2. Remove switch plates and outlet covers with a screwdriver. Put painter's tape on the edges of permanent fixtures such as ceiling fans, lights or plumbing.

3. Clean the surface with soapy water using a cleaning cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly.

4. Wet the paintbrush in running water before using for primer or paint to make the brush easier to clean for reuse.

5. Stir the primer with a paint stirring stick until the primer is thoroughly combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the can to mix in all of the heavier components of the primer that settle during storage.

6. Apply a 3- to 5-inch band of primer around the perimeter of the room or exterior wall where the painted surface intersects surfaces that will not be painted. Apply a band of paint around all fixtures and outlets.

7. Open the primer with a screwdriver or paint can opener. Fill a paint tray one-half full with primer.

8. Place a roller cover on the paint roller and cover with the primer in the paint tray. Roll back and forth and reposition the roller to coat the roller completely with primer. Start from one corner and roll a "W"- or "M"-shaped line on the surface to be painted. Use straight vertical strokes with the roller to distribute the primer. Continue working this pattern for the entire surface. Allow the primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions printed on the primer can label before painting.

9. Remove the roller cover from the roller. Pour the remaining primer back into the primer can. Use a hammer to tap the lid back onto the can (unless the lid screws on as with some of the new plastic paint containers). Clean the roller, paint tray and paintbrush with running water. Shake out excess water before using for the latex paint.

10. Stir the latex paint with a paint stirring stick until the paint is thoroughly combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the can to mix in all of the heavier components of the latex paint that settle during storage.

11. Apply a 3- to 5-inch band of latex paint around the perimeter of the room or exterior wall where the painted surface intersects surfaces that will not be painted. Apply a band of paint around all fixtures and outlets.

12. Place a new roller cover on the paint roller. Cover the roller with the latex paint in the tray. Apply the paint from one corner and roll a "W"- or "M"-shaped line on the surface. Again, use vertical strokes to distribute the paint from the letter-shape on the section of the wall. Continue working this pattern for the entire surface. Apply a coat of latex paint that is thick enough to provide coverage after it dries.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply latex paint when the temperature is 50 to 75-degrees F and humidity is below 70 percent.

• Use a paintable latex caulk for caulking in bathrooms and outside.

• Latex paint shrinks as it dries.

• Dispose of unused latex paint according to local regulations.

References

• Davis Paint: Exterior Latex Painting: The Ideal Time to Paint
• Ask the Builder: Painting Tips
• Ask the Builder: Special Gray Primer
• Ask the Builder: Cleaning Paint Brushes