How to Paint Silver Metallic

Remove light switch plates and outlet covers with a screwdriver. Move all furniture to the center of the room. Take down any drapes or curtain rods that may be in the way.

Use painter's tape to mask off anything you don't want painted silver, for example, baseboards, window casings, ceiling or wall lights, light switches, crown molding and the floor.

Cover the floor and furniture with drop cloths. Use painter's tape to secure drop cloths in place on the floor.

Paint the walls with a coat of gray primer. Ideally, the gray primer should be similar in color to the silver paint, or a shade or two lighter. Use the low-nap roller for large areas, and the brush for edges and corners. Let the paint dry per the primer manufacturer's instructions.

Apply silver metallic paint to the walls using the high-nap roller. The high-nap roller will produce a textured, mottled effect that hides roller marks, as metallic paint is especially prone to showing roller marks. Roll the paint on in a "V" pattern, making horizontal strokes both up and down, left and right. This will help prevent roller marks as well. Apply paint with the roller as close to the wall edges as possible, because metallic paint tends to show brush marks. The less brushing you do, the less chance you'll have brush marks. Allow the paint to dry per the paint manufacturer's instructions. Re-coat as needed; it may take several coats to achieve your desired look.

Wash out rollers and remove painter's tape and drop cloths. Move furniture back into position, rehang draperies and rods, and replace light switch plates and outlet covers.

Place your drop cloth on the floor or work surface, and place the item to be painted on the drop cloth.

Sand the item lightly with sand paper if it has a glossy surface. This will help the paint adhere better. Keep in mind that materials such as glass, ceramic and plastic may not take paint well. These instructions are best suited to wood, resin, plaster, metal and other easily painted surfaces.

Apply a coat of gray primer and let it dry. Ideally, the gray primer should be similar in color to the silver paint, or a shade or two lighter. While brush-on primer is specified, you may use spray primer if your item is not too large. Let the primer dry per the manufacturer's instructions.

Apply a coat of paint and let it dry. While brush-on paint is specified, you may use silver metallic spray paint if your item is not too large. Let paint dry per the manufacturer's instructions. Re-coat as necessary. It may take several coats to achieve your desired look.