Ever looked at a boring wall and thought, “This room needs a makeover”? Maybe you’ve saved tons of Pinterest ideas and picked the perfect color, but you have no idea how to paint a wall.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
It’s not really as difficult as you might think to learn how to paint a wall. Using just a few simple materials, a little patience and a little music, you can transform that plain wall into something that you can feel good about.
Ready? Let’s get painting!
Step 1: How to Paint a Wall Starts With the Right Supplies
Check that you have all the items you need before you begin. No one wants to be half way through painting and forget the roller!
Here’s a shopping checklist for the beginner who doesn’t know what to look for:
- Interior paint: Select a paint that you want to use indoors in one of your favorite colors.
- Great friends of yours are the paint roller and the paint tray—for covering more area.
- Angled paintbrush: Ideal for corners and hard-to-reach edges.
- Painter’s tape: Helps to mark areas that you don’t want to paint.
- Drop cloth: Paint is more attractive on walls than floors.
- Sandpaper, wall filler: To repair small holes and bumps.
- Cleaning cloth: To wipe away dust and dirt.
- Primer: Helps prepare certain surfaces before painting.
BrightNest Tip: Not certain which roller/paint finish do you need? Check out our Beginner’s Tool Guide to learn more about essential tools and how to choose them. Having the proper materials the first time will save you money and frustration.
Step 2: Prep Your Wall (Yes, This Part Matters!)
You may be looking forward to painting, but don’t skip this step!
Consider the wall preparation as skincare before applying makeup. Everything looks better when it has a nice and clean base.
First, remove the furniture from the wall and cover your floor with a rug or drop cloth. Remove pictures and decorations and outlet covers (as long as this can be done safely).
Then clean your wall to get rid of dust and dirt. If small nail holes or cracks are discovered, patch them with wall filler and sand after drying.
Use painter’s tape around trim and other areas to be protected.
And that’s it! Your wall is ready for its makeover once it’s clean and dry.
Step 3: Start With the Tricky Edges
Now the fun begins!
Paint your wall with an angled brush before picking up your roller, especially around corners, near ceiling and around edges.
This is referred to as “cutting in” by painters, but it is merely the part of the job that cannot be easily completed with the roller.
If you use a brush to edge, here is a little trick: Work on one section at a time and roll over each section while the brushed edges are still wet
If you don’t get brushstrokes right, don’t worry. You’re not a contestant on a home improvement show!
Step 4: How to Paint a wall with a Roller
It’s time for the fun part!
Fill the paint tray and lightly roll the paint roller in the paint. Make sure it’s covered evenly but not dripping.
Begin from the top of your wall and work in layers downwards. One of the easiest ways to learn how to paint a wall is to work in small sections instead of trying to cover everything at once
There are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t press too hard on the roller.
- Don’t overload the roller with paint.
- Use smaller sections to achieve even finish.
- Make sure to have a wet edge as it is hard to make any lines.
The initial application may be a little messy. That’s normal! Some paints require more than one coat to get the desired finish.
Want some extra painting tips? Check out Benjamin Moore’s guide to painting interior walls for more helpful advice. https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/interior-exterior-paints-stains/how-to-advice/painting-101/painting-walls
Step 5: Let It Dry, Then Admire Your Work!
You have just finished painting your wall! Wait to move anything back, however, until the paint is dry.
Refer to the paint can for recommended drying and recoating times. Apply a second coat of paint after the paint has dried.
Carefully pull off the painter’s tape, as directed, and repaint any small areas not covered.
Wash down tools as per the paint manufacturer’s instructions to be able to reuse them in the next DIY project.
Then comes the best part, which is taking a step back and enjoying what you’ve accomplished!
Oops! Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid
When you do something new, you are bound to make mistakes. Here are some you can easily steer clear of:
- Failure to prepare: If a wall is not clean and smooth, it can impact your finish.
- Too much paint: Can result in paint drips.
- Rushing the second coat too quickly: Allow the first coat to dry so you can apply the second coat.
- Purchasing the wrong supplies: Each wall and finish may require certain supplies.
- Attempting to rush through the process: Take time to complete the task!
Keep in mind that it is not a perfect painting project, it is your first. With practice it becomes easy.
Your Wall Makeover Starts Here!
See? Learning how to paint a wall doesn’t have to be intimidating!
The beginning is the most difficult part of any design is starting it, whether it’s a bedroom remodel, a fun accent wall or finally putting your long before-it’s-ready-for-prime-time Pinterest idea into practice, the challenge is simply getting started.
We at BrightNest Home & Hardware know that everyone should feel confident to take on small home projects. You provide ideas, we’ll help you determine your needs.
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