How to Paint a Wall

Never picked up a paintbrush? Don't worry. You can still paint a wall like a pro!

Instructions

Step 1: Smooth bumps & wipe If painting a new wall with no previous paint, use sandpaper to smooth any bumps. If there are any holes, spackle and sand them. Then wipe with a damp rag.
Step 2: Cover trim & floor Cover the trim with blue painter’s tape and cover the floor with a drop cloth.
Step 3: Apply primer Apply a thick coat of primer with a thickly padded roller. This will hide any surface imperfections and keep the paint from peeling. Allow the primer to fully dry.
TIP: Choose paint colors a shade lighter than what you really want—colors often dry darker than you expect—and test them on a small, discreet spot.
Step 4: Paint edges Tackle the edges first. Using a two- or three-inch brush, apply a band of paint along the edges of the ceiling, windows, doors, baseboards, and cabinets. This is called 'cutting in.'
TIP: Small rooms take about one or two gallons for the first coat; the second coat takes about half as much.
Step 5: Use roller to paint Pour paint into a roller pan and use the roller to paint in an up and down motion. One technique: roll out a W shape in paint and then spread it evenly into a square.
TIP: Don’t paint from side to side—it can look streaky.
Step 6: Wait for 1st coat to dry Wait an hour or so for the first coat to dry.
TIP: Want to make it dry faster? Put some fans in the room.
Step 7: Apply 2nd coat Apply the second coat with a fresh roller pad with a lighter shag. Use less pressure the second time around—just make sure the paint is distributed evenly.
Step 8: Fill in spots Use a two-inch brush—or even a small painter’s brush from an art store—to fill in or even out any spots you missed or that are too bulky or streaky.
Step 9: Let dry & remove tape Once the second coat is dry (in about an hour) carefully remove the painter’s tape.
Step 10: Enjoy wall Enjoy your newly painted wall!
FACT: Fast-food restaurant walls are often painted yellow or orange because studies show those colors make people eat faster.