Paint a Room

Kitchen and Bathroom Designer

Changing your wall color is probably one of the quickest and cheapest ways to entirely transform the look and feel of a space. But how hard is it to paint a room? Will you need a professional painter? While complex decorative finishes may require the help of a pro, there are tons of painting kits and tools available to help you get expert results. Follow this basic process when painting a room.

Select the Paint

Determine what type of paint will meet the functions of your room. Finishes range from flat to gloss, so choose a sheen that will provide the durability suited to the room:

Flat - This matte finish hides surface imperfections and cleans easily with a damp sponge. Best for low traffic areas like adult bedrooms, dining rooms and ceilings.
Satin or eggshell - This finish has a slight gloss, which makes it easier to clean than a flat paint. Ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, children's bedrooms and family rooms.
Semi-Gloss - A shiny, hard-wearing finish that is just the thing for areas that get cleaned regularly like kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.
Gloss - This finish is really tough and very shiny, providing excellent protection for trim, cabinets, doors and furniture pieces.

Next, decide on either latex or oil paint. Latex paint has a longer lasting finish and the paint tools clean up easily with soap and water. Oil or alkyd paint is great at repelling stains and is very durable, which makes it ideal for trim in high-traffic zones. Oil paint requires mineral spirits when cleaning paint tools.

Now comes to fun part - choosing your paint color! The easiest way to choose a paint color is take something that will be in the finished room (fabric, rug, etc) and get the paint custom matched. This takes all of the guess work out of choosing from hundreds of paint chips. You can also pick some paint chips that appeal to you and bring them home to see how they look in your room. Many paint stores and hardware stores sell small samples of paint colors so that you can test the color on the wall. Also, try using the Explore Paint Color Option from Benjamin Moore.

Prepare to Paint the Room

You will get the best long-term results by using a primer and preparing the wall surface before applying color. A perfect painting surface is clean, firm and dry, without cracks and pits:

Wash off dirt, grease, soap and oil.
Remove flaking paint and chalky residues.
Fill holes and cracks with spackle. Allow filler to dry, then sand it smooth.
Lightly sand or use an abrasive cleanser on shiny or nonporous surfaces so they have a dull finish. Then remove any dust or cleanser residue.

Apply a primer to all bare wall surfaces to reduce painting problems and provide a smooth and uniform top coat. Many people like KILZ primers, but there are many other brands and options at your local paint store or hardware store. Primers are crucial to the success of your paint project because they cover up stains or dark colors, block odors, create level surfaces and seal absorbent surfaces. After priming, use caulk to fill any gaps between walls, ceilings, moldings or trim.

Painting the Room

Make the paint application go quicker and protect your floors and furniture from accidental paint splatters by prepping the room:

Remove all window treatments, pictures, mirrors, rugs, hardware and switch plates.
Move all furniture out of the room or to the room's center, and use drop cloths to cover remaining furniture.
Tape off trim and moldings with masking tape, and cover floors with plastic drop cloths.
Cover light fixtures with plastic and tape over any remaining hardware.
Open a window or door and use a fan for appropriate ventilation.

Make sure to use the paint generously and follow these tips:

Dip paint brushes halfway into paint, tap them slightly and apply to the wall so that the bristles gently bend.
Roll paint rollers in the paint tray until well coated, then use tray ridges to get rid of extra paint.

Follow this order when painting to reduce drips and spills:

Ceiling - Use a roller with an extension pole.
Walls - Paint along the ceiling, floor, and trim with a brush, then use a roller to fill in the rest.
Woodwork and trim - Use a brush.
Floor - Use a roller and start in the corner diagonally across from the exit door.

Clean Up the Paint

If you plan to save your paint tools for future projects, clean and store them right after use.

Tips for Latex Paints

Clean spills before they dry with a dampened paper towel, and clean brushes and rollers with soap and water. If your local trash collector takes dried latex paint, place the open paint can in an well-ventilated area clear of kids and pets. After the paint is totally dried up, place it in the trash.

Tips for Oil Paints

Clean up spills prior to drying with a paper towel dampened mineral spirits or paint thinner, and clean tools with mineral spirits or paint thinner (use proper ventilation and be cautious with these highly flammable liquids). Store sealed oil paints in a safe spot away from heat or flame until proper disposal is available. Most city trash services have a household chemical waste drop-off location or collection dates.

Beautify Your Home and Protect the Environment

Remember to buy only the paint you really need to reduce the amount of paint that must be thrown out. Keep a small amount of paint for touch-ups; stretch plastic wrap over the can opening, then use a mallet to secure the lid. Don't pour paint into a drain, storm sewer or anyplace that may pollute the environment. Follow these steps from beginning to end, and your new paint job will transform your space.