Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Roll a “W” on the wall with the roller, filling the empty spaces in a top to bottom motion. This basement room I painted looked pretty bad and I used my ‘Swiffer’ to get rid of all the spider webs and the dirt on the walls. You want to make sure that the surface you're starting with is as flat and smooth as possible. Is it better to thin paint with water or paint thinner? Use aluminum foil to cover your roller tray. This article has been viewed 681,704 times. Getting ready to paint a wall? First, use a paint brush to “cut in” 2- to 3-inch bands around the edges, corners and frames of a room. Paint can be virtually impossible to get out of upholstered fabrics, so it's a good idea to safeguard your furniture even if you think it's a safe distance away from the wall. This video will show the technique used when painting walls with a roller and how to get an even finish. Be sure to keep track of small pieces like faceplates and separator, and put the screws back where they belong. Pull off the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet to keep it from cracking or peeling. What should I do for the best results if I want to paint a purple wall green? As you paint, be sure to keep moving: Put the paint on the wall, level it out where it’s heavy, and get on with it. Once more, this saves a lot of time because you aren’t running back and forth to the paint tray. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Approved. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 681,704 times. If you cannot paint the entire wall at once, you can take a break in between sections of wall. Use a putty knife … Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. Using your edge brush, paint a band about 2 inches wide around all the edges of the wall and around any doors or windows. The key to a good result is spending time getting your walls and ceilings in a decent state for painting. If you're painting a large section of an unpainted wall, though, it's best to prime it first. There are 29 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Then use a roller to paint the base color over the entire wall. By using our site, you agree to our. Last Updated: November 18, 2020 If you've exposed any live wires in your outlets or switches, take care to avoid touching them as you paint. Allow the primer to dry a full 24 hours before painting over it. Paint long walls dark in a wide room to create the same sense of proportion. Schedule your project for a weekend or off day so you’ll have plenty of time to work unhurried. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, should only be thinned with special chemical paint thinners. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. As the days get chillier and snow starts falling, curl up with one of these good books to read in winter. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. Bundle up and head outside (or stay toasty inside)—either way, everyone in the family will love these snow day ideas. Accidents are often due to carelessness. How to paint a wall. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. A small amount of diluted TSP (trisodium phosphate) will be useful for removing stuck-on dirt and grime from walls in dirtier areas like the kitchen or basement. Starting from one of the upper corners and working your way down will give you a much easier time, especially as you near the end of the project. C) If you are going to use multiple gallons of paint, mix them together and paint from that combined paint. For more exact color-matching, try tinting your primer by stirring in a small amount of the paint you’ll be using for your top coat. Generally paint is mixed accurately, but you don't want to get caught with a subtle color difference after you've painted the walls. However, if you're painting a large section of wall that's never been painted, prime it first. Nicotine from heavy smoking can penetrate through the paint and settle into the pores of drywall, leaving … Photo 1: Roll paint on the wall. Look for tape in different sizes. The Easy Way to Apply Shiplap-Style Paneling. Dip your roller into the primer, rolling it back and forth across the tray’s … You should wait at least two days before putting painter's tape on a painted surface. Paint the areas around the trim, cutting in about two or three inches from tape. It will take a lot of coats to paint it white before painting it green. Roll the primer onto the wall. Only use as much paint as you need to cover the primer. Start about a foot from the bottom and 6 in. It's a good idea to start by cutting in around the edges because this is the most difficult part of painting. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Remember, since we were painting such high walls, the best tip I can give you is to start high. Mix your paint. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Get the long-lasting results you want with the right primer and room preparation techniques. Planning. Multiply the length of the room by the width in feet to find out exactly how much paint you’ll need for big interior projects. Try not to leave any bare patches, as this type of inconsistency can affect the final color of the paint. Let Dry and Store Supplies Like a Pro Starting with a smooth surface with no obstructions will help the project proceed much more efficiently. The key to great results. Just slide the drop cloth along as needed as you make your way from one end of the wall to the other. You can begin applying primer as soon as the caulk or putty is dry to the touch. If you do it first, you're still fresh, so you're less likely to make mistakes. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. How to Paint Your House's Interior. This article was co-authored by Barry Zakar. Painting walls without streaks is one important technique to master; start by steering clear of painting too large a space at one time. Save yourself from having … Do I paint light colors or dark colors first? A extended roller handle can help you reach the upper sections of the wall nearest to the ceiling. How much should you tip your hairdresser? If you're repainting a wall and you're using a paint and primer in one, you probably don't need to use a separate primer. Light colors first - easier to cover a mistake of a light color than dark colors. If you're painting over a darker colour use a primer first - we … Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. If there are any cracks or holes in the wall. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Instructions Step 1: Prepare Your Paint Brush Start by painting the edges, which is also known as cutting in. Don’t skip the prep work: A properly primed surface makes all the difference. Start by pouring mixed paint into a small container (small enough to hold in one hand). A single gallon is usually enough to cover about 400 square feet of wall space. This article was co-authored by Barry Zakar. Learn how to prep wallsfor paint the proper way so they'll be in tip top shape for painting. Primer paint should cover any colors on the wall. When painting for wood paneling, choose either a stain-blocking latex primer or an oil-based primer. Again, wipe away any debris and allow to … Remember to use your painter's tape for more precise lines and angles. How much time should there be between patching, priming and painting? wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. This will give you more flexibility over how to apply it and provide more coverage to keep paint from accidentally getting on other parts of the wall. You should also wait a couple hours between each individual coat of paint to make sure the underlying coat has had time to set up properly. To cut down on sloshing and splattering, pour the paint into a larger bucket before you begin mixing. There’s no need to cover the entire floor. How to Paint Over a Heavy Smoker's Walls. Preparing. Your roller will be filled with paint, which means it’s as elongated as it’s going to get and … Move and/or cover any furniture or other valuables in the room using painter's plastic. Expert Interview. Wait 2-3 hours for the paint to dry before applying another coat. Group comfortable seating near the dark wall for an effect much like gathering around a fireplace. Painting may seem like an easy task, but there are great small pieces of advice, "I am a good painter, but sometimes, I wonder when my painting doesn't have a finishing look. But before you do, it will be helpful to be aware of a few painting fundamentals that can save you valuable time and effort. Step 2: Taping Unplug all electronics and relocate them somewhere where they won't be damaged. Start preparing the wall by locating any knobs, outlet covers, light switch faceplates, thermostats and other items along the wall and take them off. Stock up on enough paint to be able to finish the project without running out. To release the paint into the roller, you just push up on the stick and start rolling. That means... 2 Tint the Primer. http://www.homedepot.com/c/painting_techniques_for_interior_walls_HT_PG_PA, http://www.bhg.com/decorating/paint/how-tos/how-to-ready-a-room/, https://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/prep-for-paint/project, https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/painting-lighting/using-a-drop-cloth/, http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/g151/13-painting-secrets-the-pros-wont-tell-you/, https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/painting/paint-wall, http://www.bhg.com/decorating/paint/how-tos/how-to-prep-paint/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/painting-how-to-choose-and-use-primers/view-all, http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/a3926/4286872/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/how-to-choose-right-colors-your-rooms, https://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-a-room/project, http://www.diyadvice.com/diy/painting/paint/techniques/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/what-to-do-with-old-paint/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-paint-room, http://www.behr.com/consumer/how-to/interior/how-to-paint-a-wall, http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/g110/interior-painting-tips-how-to-paint-your-walls-like-a-pro/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/techniques/paint-roller-techniques-and-tips/view-all, https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4536977/list/from-the-pros-how-to-paint-interior-walls, http://www.soundpaintingsolutions.com/how-many-coats-paint/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-paint-to-dry/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You can pick up painter’s tape from any home improvement store, as well as most major supermarkets and pharmacies. D) Roll the paint … This will help the paint adhere to the wall. 12:30pm: Now it's time to start painting. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Otherwise, you'll have to keep reaching higher and higher up, which can become difficult and make you more prone to mistakes if you're already tired from painting all day. A successful paint job starts with properly preparing the surface you're going to paint. Paint dries fast, even paint in your roller tray. Presenting a new way to party together—virtually. References You should paint the wall white first and then do green. Smoothing walls before painting is necessary for surfaces previously painted with a gloss or high-gloss paint. It’s also usually better to paint large areas like walls before repainting the trim; because you’ll work more quickly when covering open areas, this can result in roller spatters, overspray and occasional errant brushstrokes. Give fresh primer a couple hours to dry before you move on to painting. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. How to Paint Wall Stripes. There are three common ways you can measure your ring size right at home so you can finally get your ring measurement right, for good. What about your food-delivery person? This video shows how to make both painting and priming a snap. Do I always have to use primer when I'm painting? Protect your floor and furniture. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Next, paint walls. You can move your furniture to the center of the room and place a tarp or canvas cloth under the wall that you will be painting. For previously painted water-based paint, sand with a fine-grit sandpaper. To learn how to clean your wall before painting, keep reading! How to paint a wall, this video will show the best technique for painting walls with a roller. Yes, you don't have to worry about that. Fill in holes and smooth out inconsistencies around the trim, corners or spackling using high-grit sandpaper before applying the primer. % of people told us that this article helped them. [1] X Research source Most accents can simply be unscrewed and lifted off. You can also easily paint ceilings or tall walls without a ladder since the paint stick is longer than a regular roller. Oversaturating your roller can result in unsightly drips in the top coat. Don’t use back-and-forth brushstrokes, and don’t spend time making the first coat look perfect (it won’t be). this website. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. To load your roller push it forward on the tray then lift it to see … After the primer is fully dry, apply one or two coats of a high-quality acrylic latex paint. If you're painting walls, you might also want to consider. Place a lid on your 5-gallon bucket of paint and a damp cloth over your handheld paint container. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Wait 4 hours for the primer to dry, then paint the trim by hand. Before you start painting, be sure all the walls are dust free and clean from spider webs. Most accents can simply be unscrewed and lifted off. "This article is very informative. Step 3: Paint the Base Color (the Lightest Paint Color) Pour the base color into a roller tray with a liner. Painting stripes is one of the easiest ways to add dimension to any room without using wallpaper. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Make sure to overlap the edges while painting. It usually takes somewhere between 24-48 hours for interior paint to cure completely. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. How soon can I put painter's tape on a painted surface? Apply a thin coat of primer with a roller. For oil-based paint, a medium-grit sandpaper (100- to 150-grit) should be used. Before you start painting, you will need to cover your floor with a painter's canvas. In order to get a neat line where the wall meets woodwork or a wall of another color, there are several different methods. Not only will it help the paint stick, it will also cut down on the number of coats you have to apply to achieve the same depth of color. Use a light touch—you just want to clean the wall off, not totally soak it. This article has been viewed 681,704 times. Watch your step on stools and ladders. At the very least, paint entire walls at one time. Primer is especially useful when painting a lighter color over a darker color. Paint the Walls . If you're repainting a wall that's been painted before, primer and paint in one works fine. Dip a two-inch brush only about a third of the way into paint, then tap brush against side of container to remove excess and prevent drips. The key to achieving a smooth, seamless finish lies in the preparation—after cleaning the wall and applying a base coat of primer, you can direct your attention to the outer edges of the wall and work your way inward using a color that makes the room irresistible to the eye. However, extra coats may be useful for walls with coarse textures or when painting over a darker shade. Remove all accessories from the wall. Made with products you probably have on hand. Now roll up and down back toward the corner to quickly spread the paint. When the walls of your home are in desperate need of a new color palette, you might be tempted to just pick up a brush and go. ", "Very good easy to follow guide, a good read.". Learn tips before you buy, how to prepare, getting the right tools and clean-up tricks. Always use a primer when painting interior walls. Instead of cleaning the paintbrush every break, you can. Always fill, caulk, patch and sand before you get into the cleaning phase. Pass up flimsy floor coverings like newsprint or bedsheets. Then, apply a primer to help the paint stick as well as cut down on the number of coats you’ll have to apply. Quick Tip: Check that your walls and trim are thoroughly dry before applying painter’s … Water-based paints, such as acrylics, can be cut with a small amount of water without losing smoothness or adhesion. Real Simple may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on Use a wooden paint stick to stir the paint, and re-stir often throughout the project. Textured walls hide most imperfections, but any deep scratches or holes from hanging hardware needs to be patched before painting. Protect the floor from paint splatter using drop cloths and painter’s tape. If you’re painting an entire room, first paint the ceiling, then the walls. Here's when to tip, when to skip, and how much to tip in any situation (even the confusing ones). Apply the primer using long, smooth strokes, then smooth it out by brushing it in multiple directions. Don’t forget to remove the painter’s tape once you’re satisfied with the look of the wall. How to Paint a Room 1 Prep the Surface. To avoid leaving obvious seams, make sure you go over the entire wall, including the area around the trim. Lay the paint on the wall with a sweeping stroke. As far as the trim, Richter says to tackle that before the ceiling or the wall, and paint by using a brush and sweep with side-to-side strokes. Between priming, painting and drying time, painting interior walls can become a lengthy task. Adding a rustic shiplap wall is simple if you use peel-and-stick paneling; no nails, hammers or saws are needed. Then rinse with clean water and let them dry. Most beginners find using painters masking tape easy. Thanks! What do I do if a few bubbles show up on a wall after I have sanded, wiped it down and painted it with primer? Paint the base color along the trim using an angled brush. Explore tips, how to's and techniques on interior painting for your interior walls. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Use a brush to fill in any grooves. Mixing your paint prior to starting a big project is essential, whether you're using a brand new can or one that's been sitting on the shelf for a while. My wall has a hole in it. Stop a few inches from the ceiling. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. With wall repairs completed, it's time for final preparations like cleaning your wall's surface, applying painter's tape to trim, priming and caulking. Make sure the thinner you choose is formulated for the specific type of paint you're using--latex paint thinners, for instance, should only be used on latex paints. If they are hard bubbles use a hammer to break it and if they are soft push them down and if you use the hammer then make sure to use a flexy seel spray, then paint with primer and then real paint. Step 1: How to prepare a wall before painting. Now you’re ready to roll out the wall. © Copyright 2021, 10 Virtual Games to Play When You Can't Be Together, A Guide for How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home, 13 Air Fryer Recipes That Are *Almost* Too Good to Be True, Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaners to Tackle Every Stain, The Ultimate Guide to Tipping Etiquette in Every Situation, From Restaurants to Hair Salons, 9 Hair Color Trends Experts Predict for 2021, PowerPoint Parties Are the Socially Distant Party Trend You Have to Try: Here’s How to Host One, cellulose sponge, dishwashing liquid, painter's tape, primer, paint, paint tray, paint roller, two-inch angled paintbrush, ladder. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Our living room was painted black and blood red. Painting 2-3” outward from the trim will allow you to easily go over the rest using a roller. Barry Zakar. Any accents that you’re unable to remove can be covered with painter’s tape later on. Should I fill it first or do the cleaning process first? Close the distance with fun games you can play from the comfort of separate homes. Painting over wet primer can cause clouding and smudging, effectively ruining the coat. It’s so good that even though I shared it earlier, I’m going to repeat it. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Paint-a-Wall-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Wall-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Paint-a-Wall-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid769535-v4-728px-Paint-a-Wall-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"