Paint a Room

Plan and Visualize

First, you should 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 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 Personal Color Viewer from Benjamin Moore.

Prepare to Paint a 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.

Now, 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 a 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 switchplates.
• 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 excellent ventilation.

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

• Paint brushes should be dipped halfway into paint, tapped slightly, and applied to the wall so that the bristles gently bend.
• Paint rollers should be rolled in the paint tray until well coated and then use tray ridges to get rid of extra paint.
• When using a roller on a smooth surface, start with a two foot square N pattern as shown in this instructional video from Sherwin-Williams.

Follow this order when painting to reduce drips and spills:

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

Clean Up!

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

Tips for Latex Paints:

• Clean spills prior before they dry with a dampened paper towel.
• 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 them drying with a paper towel dampened mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• 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.

Tips for the Environment:

• Buy only the paint you really need to reduce paint that must be thrown out.
• To keep a small amount of paint for touch-ups, stretch plastic wrap over the can opening and then use a mallet to secure the lid.
• Don’t pour paint into a drain, storm sewer, or anyplace that may pollute the environment.