Painting can be one of the hardest and dullest of all household projects, which is why many people put it off. When done wrong, painting is time-consuming, frustrating, back-straining, messy work. When done right, it’s still all of those things, but to a lesser degree. As with any chore or project, careful preparation and patient execution are your friends. Take the time to do it right and you’ll avoid ending up with a splotchy mess of a room.
- Clear the room of pictures, furniture, and other items that can get in your way. Move heavy furniture to the center.
- Use painter’s tape to protect the ceiling and trim pieces along the floor, and around doors and windows. Lay a drop cloth to protect floor and furniture.
- Use a roller to paint the walls, working from top to bottom so you can fix drips as you go along.
- Use a brush to get corners, edges, and areas close to outlets and light switches.
- Apply a second coat, and immediately remove the tape. Waiting for the paint to dry can result in peeling.
- Clean up by rinsing your brushes and rollers with warm water, then leave them out to dry.
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