How to Paint a Room: Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide
Learning how to paint a room for the first time can feel daunting, but with the right planning and tools, you’ll achieve a smooth, professional finish. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to paint a room from preparation through the final coat.
For an overview of painting techniques, see this decorative painting overview.
Need to know exactly how much paint to buy? Try our free paint calculator.
Materials You’ll Need
- Interior wall paint (1–2 coats)
- Quality rollers, brushes, trays
- Painters’ tape & drop cloths
- Sandpaper, spackle, putty knife
Preparing Your Space
- Move furniture & cover floors.
- Fill holes, sand smooth, then wipe clean.
- Apply painter’s tape around edges.
Painting Techniques for Even Coverage
“Cut in” along edges with a brush, then roll in a “W” pattern to spread paint evenly. Let each coat dry 2–4 hours before the next.
Common Mistakes When You Paint a Room
- Skipping primer on bare drywall.
- Overloading the roller—leads to drips.
- Peeling fresh paint by removing tape too late.
Final Tips for a Flawless Finish
Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks, sand lightly between coats, and keep extra paint for touch-ups.
Follow these steps and you’ll master how to paint a room with confidence and enjoy a beautiful, durable result.
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