If you can’t remove all of the furniture from the room, make sure you cover it with a sheet to keep it clean. Put all of the fixtures or outlets into a bag so you don’t lose any pieces. Keep track of all the screws you remove so you can put the fixtures back. Put painter’s tape over electrical outlets, plugs, and wires so you don’t get any paint in them.
You might need multiple drop cloths to cover the whole floor.
Paint can still bleed through tape, so try to avoid painting over it. It’s just there as a precaution.
If you’re sensitive to paint fumes, use a window fan to pull more fumes out. You can also prevent fumes from getting into other rooms by taping a plastic sheet over the doorway.
Spackle could take 1-4 hours to dry, depending on the type. Caulk can dry in as little as 30 minutes. Check the instructions on the product you use and give the repairs enough time to dry.
Pay special attention to any rough or raised spots. Smooth them out so they don’t show through the paint. Always wear a dust mask while you’re sanding, even if the windows are open. If you have textured walls, then skip the sanding. You could remove the texture accidentally.
Let the walls dry completely before you start painting. If you’re painting a textured wall, it’ll be tougher to clean. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to get dirt out of the grooves and crevices before washing the wall with a sponge. [13] X Research source
Hold the paint samples up to the wall to see if they match the existing décor and look good in the light. If you can’t decide on a color, paint a small section of the wall and leave it there for a few days. Notice how the light hits that spot and how it complements the rest of the room. If it looks good, then pick that one. You could also ask a designer at the hardware store for suggestions on the best shade. Use a textured paint if the wall has imperfections. [15] X Expert Source Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Expert Interview. 22 July 2020.
Gloss paints can show any imperfections like cracks or holes more clearly, so be sure you’ve repaired and sanded the surface before painting.
If you have to paint corners or edges, brush the primer on with a regular paintbrush. Primers come in a few different colors, but use a white one since you’re using white paint.
If you have any doubts about whether or not you need a second primer coat, then apply a second coat. You don’t want to finish painting only to realize the base color is bleeding through.
Also brush 2–3 in (5. 1–7. 6 cm) on either side of each corner, since you won’t be able to reach into there with a roller.
Since you’re painting with white, lay the paint down thick. This prevent the base color from bleeding through. If any drips, roll over it with your roller so you don’t cause any drip lines on the final coat. Make sure you use a clean roller or tray so you don’t mix primer and paint. Paint usually takes 8 hours to dry, but check the drying time for the specific paint that you use.
In most cases, 2 coats are enough. However, if the paint dries and you can still see some of the base color, then add a third.
Try to roll up and fold the drop cloth when you pick it up. This way, you won’t spread any dust in your home. Then take it outside and let it air out.
