Before you begin pick your paint colors carefully. You may love one color, but will it go well with your furnishings, carpeting, and adjoining wall areas? Choosing with care can save you a frustrating and costly re-do.
Use water-based latex paint for ease in application and cleanup.
Buy the correct paint for the surface you are painting. Wood floors, concrete, masonry or metal require specific products.
Before you dip your brush in that paint, assemble every item you will need:
Enough paint for the entire job (you don’t want to take your paint-smeared self back to the store in the middle of the job)
Brushes, rollers (if you settle for the cheapest quality you’ll get brush hairs and roller fuzzies all over your walls!)
Plastic dropcloths or old sheets (yes, you will make a mess)
A large damp cloth for wiping up small drips and mistakes while they are still wet
Stepladder
Screwdriver and claw hammer to remove wall hooks, switchplates, nails, etc.
Plastic automotive tape to edge windows, trim and carpet
Hand cream-you will be so glad you used this on your hands and arms when it comes time to clean up
Prepare the surface. Cracks and holes should be filled with spackling, and old paint should be lightly sanded so the new paint will adhere. Make sure the surface is clean of dirt, grease, rust and flaking paint.
Paint in this order: ceiling, walls, trim, floor. Remember, paint drips DOWN.
Use a roller for the big areas and a brush to cut in from the outside edges.
Tape all window edges, trim, and carpet edges. You will thank yourself for this once you start cutting in with the brush!