How to Paint Walls: 8 Steps to Transform Your Home With Color

First, carefully unscrew and remove all light switch plates and electrical outlet covers. You can also wrap them in painter’s tape if you prefer to leave them up. Put the covers and screws in a baggie to keep them from getting lost.

Next, lay protective drop cloths over the floor and furniture. If possible, remove furniture or scoot it to the center of the room. Don’t forget to use furniture sliders to protect your floors from scratches or dents.

Lay painter’s tape around any surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on, including window and door frames, the ceiling perimeter, crown and base moldings, and baseboards. Hold the tape taut, line it up, then firmly slide your fingers down the length of the tape to ensure a straight, tight seal.

If your wall has any holes, dents, or dings, cover these imperfections with spackling paste using a putty knife. Once the spackle dries, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the area until it’s completely smooth. Wipe down any sanded areas with a damp cloth to remove any dust particles.

The next step to prep walls for painting is to wipe down the surface with a damp rag and mild detergent. Be sure to take care of grease splatters, crayon marks, and other oily messes off the walls. If you’re painting in a light color, you’ll also want to remove scuffs and other dark marks that could show through. You can clean these with vinegar, a degreasing spray, or a melamine sponge.

Use a flathead screwdriver to open your paint can, then give it a stir with a paint stirrer. Pour it into your paint tray to a depth of two to three inches, depending on the square footage of your wall.

Follow this pro painting tip before going in with your paint roller: Grab a paintbrush and paint around—or “cut in” as the pros call it—areas that will be difficult to reach with the paint roller. That includes the perimeter of the wall and any awkward bends or crevices. Once you’re done cutting in the edges, move immediately to the next step as you’ll see the marks if they’re allowed to dry.

Dip your paint roller in the paint tray and roll it to saturate it with paint. Roll the paint onto the wall using a vertical motion and working from top to bottom.

Give the paint at least two hours to dry before touching it or adding additional paint coats. Use this downtime to clean your paint rollers and brushes to prepare them for your next coat or painting project. If you’re done painting, hammer the lid back onto the paint can and store it for later use.