Painting an interior room: A step by step guide

Materials Needed:

  1. Paint (both primer and colour of your choice)
  2. Paint rollers
  3. Paint brushes (for edges and corners)
  4. Paint tray
  5. Painters tape
  6. Drop cloths or plastic sheets
  7. Ladder
  8. Sandpaper (if needed)
  9. Putty and putty knife (if needed)
  10. Screwdriver (for removing hardware)
  11. Rags for clean-up

Steps:

  1. Preparation: Remove all furniture from the room, or move it to the centre and cover it with a drop cloth. Remove any wall fixtures, outlet covers, and switch plates. Use a screwdriver for this task. Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect your floor.

  2. Cleaning: Clean the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust or grime. Let them dry completely before you start painting.

  3. Repairing: If there are any holes or cracks in the walls, use putty and a putty knife to fill them in. Sand the area after the putty has dried.

  4. Taping: Apply painters tape along all the edges of the room, such as where the walls meet the ceiling, around window frames, and around door frames. This will help create clean lines while painting.

  5. Priming: Apply a coat of primer to the walls using a paint roller. This will help the paint adhere better and can help cover any stains or darker colours. Wait for it to dry completely.

  6. Painting: Start by cutting in around the edges of the room with a brush. Then, using a roller, paint the rest of the wall. Start from the top and work your way down, applying paint in a "W" pattern for even coverage. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying a second coat.

  7. Clean Up: Once the paint is completely dry, remove the painters tape. Clean your brushes and rollers, and properly seal any leftover paint for future use.

  8. Reinstalling Hardware and Furniture: Once everything is dry, you can reinstall any hardware you removed and move your furniture back into place.

Remember, always ensure the room is well-ventilated when you're painting. Open windows and doors, or use fans to circulate the air.