How to Paint a Room -
The First Steps

This section will show you how to paint a room from beginning to end. You have probably put a lot of thought into how you want your new room (or rooms) to look, but now comes the hard part - actually getting started.

If you have never painted before, lack of knowledge about how to paint a room may make the whole process seem intimidating. Not to worry. The information we have for you here and on the following pages, will have you painting like a pro in no time.

How to Paint a Room: Selecting the Paint

Selecting the color and type of paint you will use is number one on your list.

The first thing to ask yourself is whether you should use oil based or latex paint on your project. Generally, oil paint is preferred for use on any outside applications because it lasts longer in a variety of weather conditions.

Latex is often chosen for indoor rooms because it is easier to use and clean. There is no iron clad rule though. Oil based paints are often better for kitchen cupboards that will get a lot of wear, or for an interior room that gets a lot of sunshine.

Choose your color next. It may seem like a daunting task when you see the thousands of paint chips in the store, but you can narrow it down quite easily. Here are a few tips for making that final color selection:

• Take several paint chip samples home with you. That is what they are there for and the store is happy to provide them for you. Don't just select one that you think is best in the store. They often look quite different on the walls in your home because the lighting can can vary.
• I suggest looking at the paint color in a variety of lighting situations and at all times of the day. A paint that looks good in full sunlight may not work in your room in the evening, with lamps as the only lighting.
• Try your paint chips in all locations of the room, again to see if lighting variations make the color work everywhere.

How to Paint a Room: Painting Supplies and Materials

It's time to gather together your painting materials and supplies.

The right tools are essential to a good job - at least the basic tools. The difference between a sloppy job and one that looks professional can simply be making sure you have the right tools.

Prep work may require sanding blocks and sandpaper, wood putty, spatulas and more.

Paint and paint brushes or rollers are two of the most obvious things you'll need. Ask someone in your paint store or department for help with choosing which ones are best for your job. You will also need pans for the rollers.

Don't forget to get a few stir sticks for the paint. You should stir it from time to time to keep it mixed properly, especially if you finish the painting on second day.

If you are using oil based paints, thinner is a must to remove 'accidents' and to thin older paint to the desired consistency. If you are using latex paint, cleanup is easy using plain water.

None of these materials is very expensive and some of the supplies, like brushes, if well cleaned, can be used over again for your next home painting project.

How to Paint a Room: Doing the Prep Work

All rooms need to be "prepped" before they are painted. That may involve a lot of work or a little depending on the condition of your room.

Make sure you take the time to actually do the prep work. Painting, whether exterior or interior, is 80% preparation.

Interior walls can crack or get banged around over time and may require patching of dents or holes, scrapes and similar defects. If you want your final result to look great, it is well worth it to take the time to fill holes left over from moving curtain rods, repair cracks with putty and smooth out any rough spots on walls or trim.

It is important too to separate the parts of the room you want painted from those that will not be. If your trim will be a different color than the walls for example, carefully place masking tape along the edge of the trim to keep your painted edges looking clean and straight. It is much easier than trying to eyeball it and nothing looks worse after all your effort and expense than a room with unwanted paint on the trim, ceilings and floor.

Using a tarp, plastic or other large cloth to cover the floors while you paint helps too. I always get paint spatters and drips around me as I work with the paint. Covering the floor while you work will save you lots of grief and cleanup later.

Once you've got your painting equipment ready to go - and the initial prep work out of the way - your home painting job can go quickly and smoothly.

Not only do you save money by doing it yourself, but you get the satisfaction of seeing it done well, and knowing that you did it!