Before you start, take time to plan the room’s color scheme and estimate the amount of paint you’ll need. Estimate how much paint you need based on room size, surface area, and the type of paint application.

Proper preparation ensures better paint adhesion and a smooth finish. Move furniture out, cover floors, and clean surfaces. Then, follow these steps to prepare walls, ceilings, and trim for painting.

Use a mild detergent to clean the walls and remove dust, dirt, and grease. For minor damage, patch holes and cracks with a filler.

Applying painter’s tape to borders between walls, trim, and ceilings helps you get sharp lines. Check out our guide on paint prep for more detailed tips on how to prep walls for painting.

Priming is essential for new walls or if you’re switching from dark to light colors. It also helps the paint adhere better, resulting in a longer-lasting finish. See how to apply primer to learn more about which primer to use.

Painting the ceiling first prevents drips on freshly painted walls and trim. For a smooth, even look, use a roller with an extension pole. Consider these tips for painting ceilings:

• Use a low-luster paint for minimal reflection.
• Overlap each pass with your roller for even coverage.
• If your ceiling is textured, use a thicker roller.

For more details on ceiling painting, visit our ceiling paint guide.

Once the ceiling is dry, move on to the walls. If you’re using a sprayer to paint a room, ensure proper ventilation and mask off trim and ceilings.

If painting by hands, paint a 2-3” strip, using an angled brush, along the edges where the ceiling meets the walls. Switch to a roller and work your way down the wall. Apply paint with even strokes, maintaining a “wet edge” to avoid lap marks.

For the best results, begin painting the shorter side of the room first. If your room is 20’ x 12’, for instance, start along one of the 12’ walls. Find more advice on getting a professional finish, check out our tips on painting walls.

Let the first coat dry completely before applying the next. Typically, wait 2–4 hours between coats, but always check your paint’s label. 

Painting the trim last avoids accidental drips onto the walls. Decide if you want walls and trim in the same color for a seamless look or contrasting colors for a defined style. Use a small brush for precise edges.

Should You Paint Trim or Walls First?  Paint walls first for ease and then add a fresh coat to trim and baseboards.

Use a high-quality brush for trim and door frames, and apply even, smooth strokes. A semi-gloss or gloss finish works best for trim as it’s more durable and easier to clean. Check out our painting trim tips for expert advice.

Let the first coat dry completely before applying the next. Typically, wait 2–4 hours between coats, but always check your paint’s label. 

Paint in Natural Light: If possible, paint during the day to see the true color and catch any missed spots.

Remove Tape: Carefully remove painter’s tape after the paint has dried, typically within 24 hours.

Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to help paint dry evenly.

How to Paint Patterns or Designs: For a custom look, consider stencils or a project like a mountain mural with painter’s tape for easy patterns.

Whether you’re working on a bedroom painting project or refreshing a living room, follow these steps for a smooth painting experience. Explore our full range of paint and supplies to complete your project with ease.

With this structured approach, you’ll have a beautiful, professional-looking room in no time. For more painting resources and project ideas, visit our Project Center.