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.
You Will Need
- Sandpaper
- Damp rags
- Painter's tape
- Drop cloth
- Primer
- Paint roller
- Replacement roller pad
- Paint
- 2 or 3" brush
- Roller pan
- Fan (optional)
- Small painter's brush (optional)