Learning how to paint a room like a pro is one of the highest-impact home improvements you can make. A fresh coat of paint transforms a room completely and costs a fraction of any other renovation. Here’s how to do it right the first time.

What You’ll Need

Paint (calculate by measuring wall square footage — one gallon covers about 400 square feet), Primer, Roller and roller covers, Angled brush for edges and corners, Paint tray, Painter’s tape, Drop cloth, Sandpaper (120 grit)

Step by Step

Step 1 — Prep the room. Move furniture to the center or out of the room. Lay down drop cloths on the floor.

Step 2 — Clean the walls. Wipe down with a damp cloth. Grease and dirt prevent paint from sticking.

Step 3 — Tape off edges. Apply painter’s tape along trim, baseboards, and ceiling edges. Press it down firmly so the paint doesn’t bleed under.

Step 4 — Prime if needed. Priming is essential if you’re making a dramatic color change, painting over a dark color, or painting new drywall.

Step 5 — Cut in first. Use your angled brush to paint a 2 to 3 inch band along all edges, corners, and trim before rolling.

Step 6 — Roll the walls. Load the roller evenly and work in a W or M pattern from top to bottom. Keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks.

Step 7 — Let the first coat dry completely. This usually takes 2 to 4 hours.

Step 8 — Apply a second coat. Two coats almost always look better than one.

Step 9 — Remove tape while the paint is still slightly wet. Pulling tape off dry paint can peel chunks off.

Pro Tips

Buy good brushes. Cheap brushes leave streaks and shed bristles into your paint.

Don’t skip primer on bare drywall. Paint alone will look patchy and uneven.

Stir your paint before using, not shake. Shaking creates bubbles.

Final Thoughts

Painting a room takes a weekend, but the results last for years. Once you do it yourself, you’ll never hire it out again.

Just moved into a new home? Check out our guide on what to do when you move into a new house.

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