Tools

• paint roller frame
• roller covers
• extension pole
• angled paint brush
• paint tray
• paint tray liners
• painter's tape
• drop cloths
• step ladder
• putty knife
• sanding sponge or sandpaper
• stir stick
• clean rags
• bucket

Materials

• interior wall paint
• primer
• spackling compound
• mild wall cleaner or soap
• water
• plastic sheeting

Safety

• Ventilate the room well before and during painting.
• Cover floors and furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
• Use a stable ladder and avoid overreaching.
• Wear gloves and a mask if working with strong fumes or sanding dust.
• Follow the paint can instructions for drying time and cleanup.
• Keep paint and tools away from children and pets.

Steps

1. Step 1: Clear and protect the room

   • Move small furniture out of the room if possible.
   • Place larger furniture in the center and cover it with plastic sheeting.
   • Lay drop cloths over the floor.
   • Remove wall decor, outlet covers, and switch plates if practical.

   Check: Floor and furniture are fully protected. · Nothing valuable is exposed to paint splatter. · You have clear walking and ladder space around the room.

2. Step 2: Clean the walls

   • Dust the walls and trim with a dry cloth.
   • Wipe dirty areas with mild wall cleaner or soap and water.
   • Let the surfaces dry completely before continuing.

   Check: Walls are free of dust, grease, and fingerprints. · Surfaces feel dry to the touch.

3. Step 3: Repair and smooth the surface

   • Fill nail holes, dents, and small cracks with spackling compound using a putty knife.
   • Allow repairs to dry according to the product instructions.
   • Sand patched spots until smooth and flush with the wall.
   • Wipe away sanding dust with a clean damp rag.

   Check: Patched areas are smooth and level. · No sanding dust remains on the wall.

4. Step 4: Tape and prime if needed

   • Apply painter's tape to trim, ceiling edges, and other areas you want to protect.
   • Prime repaired spots, stained areas, or the entire room if making a major color change or painting over a difficult surface.
   • Let the primer dry fully.

   Check: Tape lines are straight and firmly pressed down. · Primer covers the necessary areas evenly. · Primer is dry before paint is applied.

5. Step 5: Cut in the edges

   • Stir the paint thoroughly.
   • Use an angled brush to paint a narrow band along ceiling lines, corners, trim, and around openings.
   • Work in small sections so the brushed edges stay wet before rolling.

   Check: Edges are covered without heavy drips. · You have a wet painted border ready for rolling.

6. Step 6: Roll the walls

   • Pour paint into the tray and load the roller evenly.
   • Roll paint onto the wall in sections, using overlapping strokes for even coverage.
   • Maintain a wet edge and avoid pressing too hard on the roller.
   • Finish each section with light, even passes in one direction.

   Check: Coverage looks even with no dry patches. · There are no obvious roller lines or heavy drips. · The wall section has a consistent finish.

7. Step 7: Apply additional coats

   • Let the first coat dry fully according to the paint label.
   • Inspect the walls for thin spots or uneven color.
   • Apply a second coat using the same cut-in and rolling process if needed.

   Check: The first coat is fully dry before recoating. · Color and finish look uniform after the final coat.

8. Step 8: Remove tape and clean up

   • Remove painter's tape carefully while the paint is slightly tacky or according to the tape instructions.
   • Clean brushes, rollers, trays, and other tools based on the paint type.
   • Allow the room to dry and air out before replacing furniture and wall plates.

   Check: Tape removal did not pull off dried paint. · Tools are cleaned or disposed of properly. · The room is tidy and paint is left to cure undisturbed.