Back to Interior Painting How-To's
How to Paint a Room
Walls are the most visible, and therefore perhaps the most important, element of your DIY interior paint project. With proper preparation, tools, and painting techniques, you can ensure a quality result. Watch the video above to see how we transform this space, and follow along with the simple step-by-steps below.
For Best Results:
If you need to stop or break during your paint job, stop at a natural break in the wall.
When you are nearing the end of one container of paint, find a natural break in your project. Open a second container and mix it into the paint from the first container. Stir well.
Clean spills and drips using a damp cloth while the paint is still wet.
Suggested Tools & Supplies
-
Paint
-
Paint Can Opener
-
Stir Stick
-
Screwdriver
-
Spackle and Applicator
-
Sandpaper (150-220 Grit)
-
Painter's Tape
-
Angled Sash Brush (50-65mm / 2"-2½")
-
Roller Cover and Frame
-
Extension Pole
-
Paint Tray
-
Paint Tray Liner
-
Rags
-
Drop Cloths
-
Step 1Grab your tools.
-
Step 2Move your furniture and cover it and the floor with drop cloths.
-
Step 3Using a screwdriver, remove all cover plates from light switches and outlets.
-
Step 4Fill any holes with spackle. Wait for it to dry and lightly sand. Wipe off any excess dust.
-
Step 5Tape off any areas using an arm’s length of tape. Press down firmly to prevent any paint from seeping behind it.
-
Step 6After stirring the paint, dip an angled sash brush in the paint and then paint along the tape to form a border that is double the width of the brush.
-
Step 7Pour paint into the paint tray. Grab your roller and dip it in the paint making sure it is completely saturated. Roll it up and down on the tray to remove any excess paint.
-
Step 8Roll a “W” on the wall with the roller, filling the empty spaces in a top to bottom motion. This will help place an even distribution of paint onto the wall. Repeat this until you have completely covered the entire wall.
TIP: The "W" should not be any wider than one arm-length, which is typically 60 to 80 cm (2-2.5 ft.)
-
Step 9Wait 1-2 hours until paint is completely dry and recoat using the same process as step 8.
-
Step 10While the paint is still wet, peel off the tape.
-
Step 11Clean up your tools using warm soapy water.
More How-Tos
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
PAINT AND STAIN CALCULATOR
Inside or outside; paint or stain: Let’s figure out how much you’ll need to make amazing happen.
Calculate
ASK AN EXPERT
Every project is unique: Keep small wrinkles from becoming big problems by letting the Behr Technical Experts lend a hand.
Get Expert Help
COLOUR STUDIO
So many colours and so many ideas: Visit Behr’s Colour Studio for inspiration, colour tools, design advice and everything you need to find your project’s perfect colour.
Colour Studio
