For some, the idea of painting an entire room can seem like an impossible task. It can be so daunting that many homeowners opt to hire a professional. But you can save money and time by doing it yourself.
You will see many long and overly detailed articles and videos that may make your head spin, but really, painting a room is as easy as 1...2...3.
Let’s look at what you’ll need and the best techniques, so you can get that room painted in less than a day.
Step 1: Pick and Prepare your Paint
The three-step process of painting a room begins with picking your paint. While you can repaint a painted room in the future, it is easier to take the time to make a proper choice of paint color upfront.
Think about how you want your room to look.
Certain colors give off unique impressions.
Blue gives a calming effect.
Yellow brightens a mood.
White makes a room more spacious.
Green reduces anxiety.
Next, you will decide how much paint you need. As a rule of thumb, you will need one gallon of paint for every 400 square feet.
If you have a more complex room full of nooks, crannies, windows, and doors, then consider using a paint calculator like this one offered by Benjamin Moore.
Room already painted?
If you are painting over an existing color, then use a primer to give the walls a clean slate. It is basically like starting from scratch.
The paint you choose might also already have a primer built-in.
Step 2: Get your Tools
The second step is to gather your tools. You will want to have everything you need before you get started so you don’t have to stop in the middle or make a mess trying to figure out what is missing.
Applying the Paint:
Paint Rollers - You should purchase several paint rollers as they cover the most space and make the painting as quick and efficient as possible. Your best bet is a Paint Roller Kit that gives you everything you need.
Paint Roller Extension Pole - Easiest for the ceiling or high walls.
3- Inch Flat Paint Brushes - Best for more intricate and detailed work like where the walls and ceiling intersect and around the trim at the bottom of the wall. Also good for painting around wall switches and appliances.
Paint Tray - Holds the paint for easy use of your rollers.
Protecting the Room:
Drop Cloths - If you are painting in a room with finished floors or carpeting, then drop cloths are a must. Make sure they are covering everything that you don’t want painted.
Painters Tape - Put this tape around all baseboards and around all existing light switches, fixtures and anything else you don’t want painted. After you use the rollers to
get close to these spots, you can remove the tape and use your brush to finish the rest.
Other Considerations:
If you are painting a room that has been well-used, then you might need a couple extra tools to prep the room for painting.
For any holes in the walls, use a spackle and a spatula to fill in the gaps and make them flat, so you can paint over them along with the rest of the room.
You might also have rough parts on your walls from a previous coat of paint. Use sandpaper to even those spaces out so you can paint without issue.
Step 3: Paint and Ventilate
The third and final step to painting a room is to get to business and get it painted.
Walls
After you have prepped the room and it is ready to go:
1. Open the paint can and mix it with a wooden paint stick.
2. Prep your roller by dampening it with water from your faucet so it becomes more pliable and will cut down on paint splatter.
3. Roll the roller into the paint tray, making sure to distribute the paint on the full roller evenly.
4. Paint the wall in rectangular segments. First, paint up and down and diagonally to make an “M”. Then, cover the M and fill in the rectangular shape.
5. Repeat these steps to finish the walls.
Ceiling
When it comes to where the ceiling and walls come together, use your paint brush to paint about 2 inches in each direction.
Then, you can use the paint roller for the rest.
Use a ladder if necessary, and safety goggles are not a bad idea, so you don’t get paint in your eyes.
Ventilate
Your best chance to finish the project in one day is to keep the room well ventilated, so the paint dries faster. Keep a window open or use fans and point them at the walls that you have completed.
Wrap Up and Final Notes
Painting an entire room can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little time, it is an easy endeavor.
Keep in mind that one layer may not be enough. If you notice that the paint is a little light or patchy, apply another coat of paint.
Once done, enjoy the splendor of a wonderfully painted room.
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