
Here’s how: paint the top first, followed by sides, window ledges, and any narrow parts/sides of trim:
- Dip your brush into the paint, with bristles almost completely immersed. ...
- Instead of wiping brush on rim of can, lightly and quickly slap brush on the inside of the can a few times to reduce dripping.
- Apply paint to surfaces in long, steady, one-way strokes.
- When painting vertical framing, work quickly from top to bottom.
Full Answer
What is the best way to paint?
Paint Directly on the Wall. This is true for paint swatches for interiors as well as exteriors: You’ll get the best sense of how the color will really look if you paint it directly on the wall. Each of the five pros we spoke with agreed.
What is the best way to paint a room?
The best way to paint walls in a room is to roll them in one direction back to where you started. When rolling, it's important to lay the paint on evenly at a steady pace while keeping a wet edge. Latex wall paint dries quickly and rolling too slowly leaves roller marks in the paint.
How to paint a room properly?
To achieve the best results, the best order to paint a room is as follows: Calculate the amount of paint you need and prepare the surfaces. Paint the ceiling. Paint the walls. Paint the woodwork
How to paint a wall easy and fast?
Using the Paintstick
- Move the Toggle Switch to the Down position.
- Start turning the Inner Tube clockwise to feed the paint to the roller. ...
- When the roller is covered, and the dot pattern is no longer visible on the roller or wall, you can begin painting the rest of the wall (s). ...
- Continue to paint in up-and-down motions, twisting the Inner Tube as you go and as needed.

What is the correct way to paint?
1:199:55How to paint walls. How to paint a wall using a roller. Best Technique.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you start right in the edge you'll end up with a big thick lot of paint right in the corner. AndMoreIf you start right in the edge you'll end up with a big thick lot of paint right in the corner. And you won't be able to actually work that paint out so stay away from the corner.
What is the most efficient way to paint?
2:009:38How to Paint a Room FAST | Paint Hacks for Homeowners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to go to a half inch nap roller sighs. Main reason for this is that if you use too big of aMoreYou want to go to a half inch nap roller sighs. Main reason for this is that if you use too big of a nap roller you're going to apply too much paint to the wall.
What's the correct way to paint a wall?
0:484:11How to Paint a Wall Faster - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI like to roll as close to the wall as possible just rolling. It first getting as close as I can.MoreI like to roll as close to the wall as possible just rolling. It first getting as close as I can. And then I'll have less work to do what I have to go cut in.
Are you supposed to paint the same direction?
If you're touching up in the middle of the wall apply a light amount of paint - rolling it in the same direction that you did when you tipped off your walls - to avoid having to repaint an entire wall.
What is the correct order to paint a room?
In most cases, paint the trim first before the walls. Let the paint dry, then tape off the trim and proceed to paint the walls. If the top edge of your trim isn't wide enough to hold painter's tape, paint the walls first, let the paint dry, then tape off the walls and proceed to paint the trim.
How do professionals paint a room?
2:114:44How to Paint a Room Like a Pro - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse light long strokes to blend the paint change the direction of the roller slightly each timeMoreUse light long strokes to blend the paint change the direction of the roller slightly each time until the W. Disappears. Take your time with the roller and move at a steady and moderate pace to avoid.
Do you cut in before or after rolling?
Once you have your paintbrush in hand, it's tempting to cut in along all the trim, the ceiling and the corners in the room. But you'll get better results if you cut in just one wall, then immediately roll out the wall before cutting in the next one.
What part of the wall do you paint first?
Traditionally, interior painting should be done from the top down, because paint drips. This means you should paint the ceiling first, then the walls, and then the trim (although crown molding throws a bit of a wrench in this theory, since it's trim that abuts the ceiling).
Do you paint corners or walls first?
For painting wall edges, it is best to paint the edges first, then paint the rest of the wall surface with a paint roller. There are two ways to paint wall edges near the ceiling. You can either use a paint edger device or use a good-quality angled paintbrush.
Should you paint up and down or side to side?
1 Answer. Show activity on this post. You can apply the paint initially anyway you like, but to "finish" it you should roll up and down, moving the brush towards the handle side as you roll.
Do I need to cut in twice when painting?
Yes, you do need to cut in twice when painting a room. In fact, you should cut in for every layer of paint you add to your walls – whether that is once, twice, or even four times. Cut in your walls first, and then roll out.
Should you paint up and down?
To maintain a wet edge, paint an entire wall all at once. Start at one end, running the roller up and down the full height of the wall, moving over slightly with each stroke. Move backward where necessary to even out thick spots or runs.
How do you paint without getting roller marks?
4:088:09How To Paint With a Roller to Avoid Roller Marks and Streaks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the wall. After you back roll back roll it as long as you back go very carefully.MoreOn the wall. After you back roll back roll it as long as you back go very carefully.
Do professional painters wash walls before painting?
If you've hired a professional to paint your walls, don't expect them to wash beforehand. Most professional painters don't — so you'll either want to hire a cleaner or do this step yourself before they start working (otherwise, you may have just paid for a paint job that will just need to be redone).
How do you avoid lap marks when painting?
For best paint results, paint an area that is not too large. A wet edge can be maintained by applying a paint a short distance away from where you began and continue rolling and brushing back into the wet area which prevents lap marks.
What is the fastest way to paint a house?
The quickest and easiest way to paint a house is by using a sprayer. A sprayer will allow you to quickly and evenly cover the surface with paint.
How to get started with painting?
Step 1. Consider Why You Want to Take up Painting and What You Want to Get out of It. Step 2. Pick Your Medium (Acrylics, Oils or Watercolors) Step 3. Get Your Supplies. Step 4. Get Familiar with the Fundamentals of Art. Step 5.
What to do once you have created your first painting?
Once you have created your first painting, it is time to take a step back and review what went right, what went wrong and where you can improve. Unless you are some kind of prodigy, your first painting probably won't be a masterpiece but that is ok. Everyone starts as amateurs, even the masters.
What type of painting did John Singer Sargent use?
For example, John Singer Sargent was famous for his meticulous portraits using oils, but he used watercolors to paint impressionist and loose landscapes and portraits. These watercolor paintings probably felt very refreshing for Sargent who would have been accustomed to the lengthy and tedious portrait painting sessions.
What kind of paint should I use for a beginner?
There is no right answer here, but if you are just starting out in painting then I recommend you start with acrylics or oils. But feel free to start with watercolors if you are up for the challenge.
What is the best paint for beginners?
Acrylics are widely favored by those just starting out with painting as they are easy to use and do not require any special supplies. The downside is they dry very fast.
What are the fundamentals of painting?
This is where the fundamentals of art come into play - color, value, composition, edges, brushwork and technique . These are what I consider to be the core pillars of painting.
Why are watercolors so hard to pick up?
Watercolors are generally considered to be the most difficult to pick up due to the untamed nature of water and the fact you are not able to do much re-working of errors (as the paper can only absorb so much water). However, if mastered, watercolors can produce stunningly elegant paintings.
How to paint walls without streaks?
Painting walls without streaks is one important technique to master; start by steering clear of painting too large a space at one time. Painting manageable-sized areas will help you maintain a “wet edge”—the application of paint toward the unpainted area and then back into the just-painted surface—which will ultimately produce a smooth, uniform appearance and help to prevent lap marks .
How to ensure your painting project is a success?
Two ways to ensure your painting project is a success: properly prepare the surface and take your time. Remember to read all labels and follow all instructions carefully. Painting walls does not need to be difficult. Our How To Paint Walls video not only shows you how to paint a room, but gives you the interior painting tips ...
How to make a paint roller?
Place a liner in your paint tray, and carefully pour paint into the tray. Begin loading your roller by rolling it along the raised roll-off area of the pan. Touch the paint, but do so without completely immersing the sleeve. Repeat this motion until the roller is fully saturated.
What does "cut in" mean when painting?
When you paint a room, you have to "cut in,” which means painting along the ceiling line, corners, windows, doors, molding, outlets and switches.
How thick should a roller sleeve be for painting?
a thicker, 1/2- or 3/4-inch sleeve for rougher, textured walls. Wash and dry roller sleeves to remove any loose fibers prior to painting.
Is it hard to paint walls?
Painting walls does not need to be difficult. Our How To Paint Walls video not only shows you how to paint a room, but gives you the interior painting tips that will help you achieve excellent results.
How to keep paint from getting on other parts of wall?
Look for tape in different sizes. This will give you more flexibility over how to apply it and provide more coverage to keep paint from accidentally getting on other parts of the wall.
How to fill gaps in a wall?
Use a handheld paintbrush to fill in the gaps. Work the primer into tight crevices and other hard-to-reach areas with the tip of the brush. Pay particular attention to corners, alcoves and the spaces around the trim and wall fixtures. Try to match the thickness of the rolled sections as best you can.
How long does it take for primer to dry?
Let the primer dry completely. Give the base coat about 4 hours to set. It should be dry to the touch before you begin applying subsequent coats of paint. It may be more convenient to apply the primer in the afternoon or evening, then wait until the following day to tackle the paint.
What is painter's tape used for?
Painter’s tape can be used to protect the trim at the top and bottom of the wall and around doorways. It will also come in handy for putting over accents that are a pain to remove, like dimmer switches. Make sure to line up the edges of the tape precisely, or you could end up with a lopsided paint job.
How to protect a wall from splatters?
Lay down a drop cloth. Stretch out a canvas drop cloth or plastic tarp that will help catch spills and splatters once you begin working. For maximum protection, the drop cloth should extend all the way to the base of the wall. Pass up flimsy floor coverings like newsprint or bedsheets.
What tape do you use to draw lines?
Remember to use your painter's tape for more precise lines and angles.
Do you need primer to paint interior walls?
Always use a primer when painting interior walls. Not only will it help the paint stick, it will also cut down on the number of coats you have to apply to achieve the same depth of color.
What colors can be used in conjunction with primer?
A small selection of deep paint colors can be created only in conjunction with specific primers. The paint deck will show which colors are in this category. (Pictured here are four by Sherwin-Williams, clockwise from top left: Lemon Twist, Hyper Blue, Daredevil, African Violet.)
What colors does Benjamin Moore paint?
The paint colors are Benjamin Moore’s Arctic Blue, Palladian Blue and Blue Bonnet. Tip: If you’re hiring a paint company, see if it will provide free sample cans of the colors you’re considering. Many companies do. Remember, once you’ve had the paint tinted (mixed), you can’t get your money back.
Can landscaping change the color of a window?
Also, landscaping outside a window can color the light streaming through it and change how a paint looks on the wall as well. In the previous photo, where the green trees can be seen through the window, they’ve tinted the gray on the right side of the room a greener hue. See it, in the corner?
Can you read in a room with paint colors?
‘You wouldn’t want to pick a lightbulb that looks good with your paint color, but you can’t read in the room,’ says Jennifer Ott, a San Francisco-based color consultant and interior designer.
Can you paint a sample side by side?
If you haven’t yet narrowed down your selection to just one color, Porter suggests painting your paint samples choices side by side on the wall to see the differences. For some, this can be overwhelming to the eye; if that’s you, make it easier by leaving some space between the paint samples.
Can you paint on a wall that doesn't get direct sunlight?
The colors you’re testing will read differently depending on the amount of light that hits them. ‘We recommend you paint on a wall that doesn’t get direct sunlight and one that does,” Trainor says.
What Kind of Paint Works on Plywood?
Everyone has a particular style of clothing or color that complements their build, complexion, personality, and culture. The clothing your parents wore typically won’t reflect the style of your time (although, in their defense, denim and flannel have come back in a big way), because culture and style have evolved, and likely won’t reflect your personality.
What to use to round sharp edges?
When rounding edges, you have three choices: you could use a screwdriver, fine-grit sandpaper, or (if you trust your ability) you could power sand.
How long does it take for primer to dry on plywood?
Overall, you are aiming to apply two really good coats of primer to your plywood board, allowing for four to six hours between coats for the layers to dry. Be sure to sand down the surface lightly between each coating to avoid the risk of your workpiece having dust and other such particles contaminating the surface before you apply your paint.
How to spread joint compound evenly?
The same principle applies in this instance: simply pop some joint compound on the face and edges of the plywood board and use the putty knife to ensure that the joint compound is spread evenly.
How long does painted plywood last?
You will find that painted plywood is a very long-lasting material when maintained correctly, and will last for years regardless of the application. Should something unfortunate happen to your plywood furnishings, they are easy to repair and/or replace if need be.
How to sand down joint compound?
There is a trick to sanding down joint compounds on plywood. Specifically, you want to use light-handed circular motions with your power sander and work out any of the spots where the joint compound has bunched up. This will allow you to create that uniformity before you go splattering paint all over it. Remember that sanding down joint compounds is going to create a lot of dust, so you should wear an appropriate face mask and eye gear. Also, working outdoors will save you some time sweeping up joint compound dust later.
Can you paint plywood with lead paint?
The same philosophy applies to woods – certain woods take better to certain paints, and since plywood has become so popular in recent years, water- and lead-based paints simply don’t agree too well with this wood. Painted plywood has a certain feel and consistency when finished, so let’s have a look at which types of paints are suitable for plywood in certain applications.
What to do if paint ends up on dry surface?
As you go along, wipe up any paint that ends up on adjacent dry surfaces to eliminate the chance of lap marks.
When painting a wood finish, what is the best course of action?
When the existing finish is a clear coat, the best course of action is to strip the finish down to the bare wood before painting. This eliminates a potential adhesion problem between the old finish and the new paint.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Renovating a kitchen is one of the most expensive remodeling projects that you can take on, and replacing the cabinets can account for nearly 40 percent of that cost.
How to protect the rest of the house from dust and fumes?
Tape rosin paper over the countertops and flooring, and, to protect the rest of the house from dust and fumes, tape plastic sheeting over the backsplash, windows, fixed appliances, and interior doorways. Mask off the wall around the cabinets. Set up a worktable for painting doors, drawers, and shelves.
Why do you paint cabinets on a table?
The strategy for prepping, priming, and painting doors, drawers, and shelves is the same as for the cabinets, except that all the work is done on a table to reduce the chance of drips, runs, and sags.
How long does it take for a glaze to dry?
The paint will start to form cracks as it dries, a process that takes about an hour.
What is the best way to shine up kitchen cabinets?
To shine up your cabinets, paint a high-gloss clear acrylic varnish over your final coat. This technique will add depth to the color and cover the surface of your kitchen with a glassy sheen.
How to clean mildew off of paint?
Where you encounter mildew, apply a solution of one part bleach to three parts water. After letting it soak for half an hour, proceed to scrub the area with a wire brush. Never use acid cleaning solutions, any of which might compromise your paint job.
Why paint brick?
There are a host of reasons that homeowners choose to paint brick: • If a brick fireplace is out of sync with the decor of a room, it’s less expensive to paint it than it is to replace the brick with another material. • A coat of light-color paint can alleviate the feeling of heaviness that a brick wall can impart.
Can you use elastodynamic paint on brick?
If you cannot find or don’t wish to use elastodynamic paint, don’t hesitate to opt instead for regular acrylic latex exterior paint. In fact, for exterior brickwork, acrylic latex may be the superior choice, because it’s designed to stand up against mildew and to quickly evaporate any moisture that it absorbs.
Is it easier to stain brick or paint?
Quicker and easier than painting, brick staining highlights the material’s unique texture, whereas painting does much the opposite. Preparing brick for staining is no different from preparing it for painting. In either case, clean the surface thoroughly, allowing it to dry completely before moving forward.
What to do if paint is too thick?
If your paint seems too thick and isn’t leveling out after it’s applied, try mixing in a paint conditioner like Floetrol. Read the instructions for the correct proportion of conditioner to paint. Conditioned paint is often easier to apply and dries to a smoother finish.
How to speed up paint recoating?
Want to speed up the project? Choose a fast-drying primer for the first coat. Read the label for information on recoating time and to make sure the primer is compatible with the paint you’re planning to use.
How big is a roll of paint for kitchen cabinets?
A common roll size is 35-in.-wide by 140-ft.-long.
What is the best primer for oil based paint?
Oil-based paint dries slowly and levels well. This gives you more working time and fewer brush marks. Also, when they’re dry, oil-based primers like Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Enamel Underbody sand easily providing a perfect base for your finish coat.
How big is a roll of paint?
A common roll size is 35-in.-wide by 140-ft.-long. When you’re done in the kitchen, you’ll have plenty of paper left for future painting projects after you find the best paint for kitchen cabinets.
Can you paint both sides of a door?
If you don’t mind a few barely visible dimples on the back of your doors, you can paint both sides of a door at once using standoffs. Here’s how to get started painting your kitchen cabinets. Paint the back first, leaving the edges unpainted so you’ll have a spot to put your fingers when you turn the door over.
Can you paint wood with pores?
Some types of wood have grain with many open pores. Oak is a good example. The pores show through finishes and are especially noticeable under paint. It’s OK to leave the grain showing, but if you want a smooth, grain-free look, you’ll have to fill the pores before painting.
How to store paint?
Perhaps one of the single most important methods for storing paint is keeping it out of places that can get extremely hot, extremely cold, extremely humid, and so on.
How to get rid of paint smell?
However, try mixing it with a stir stick and see if the paint mixes together smoothly. After that, brush a little bit of the paint onto a test surface and see how well it spreads. If it’s rough and bumpy, it’s time to get rid of it.
Can you store paint after painting?
Painting is one of those home improvement activities that we’ve all done at least once, and while it’s relatively easy to do, storing the leftover paint afterward can become somewhat of a fine art.
Can paint get rusty when it gets cold?
And when it gets cold, the paint can separate and create a curdled mess. Plus, the moisture from humidity can rust the paint cans, and when you go to open up the lid, flakes of that rust can get into the paint. Advertisement. With that in mind, store your paint in a cool, dry place. In my house, that’s the utility room closet—it’s air conditioned ...
Can paint be sealed?
Paint stores best when it’s sealed in an airtight container. Fortunately, paint cans are able to do this naturally, but many DIYers compromise this at the very start when they go to crack the lid.
Do you put plastic wrap over paint cans?
Some painters put a layer of plastic wrap over the paint can opening before putting the lid back on in order to aid in sealing up the can completely. This is totally fine and encouraged, but it’s not absolutely necessary if you follow the steps above.
Does organizing your paint make it last longer?
While keeping everything clean and organized won’t necessarily help with your paint lasting longer, it can help your sanity.
