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Two Parts:PreparationPainting

Painting a wall requires a bit of planning, but when done right, can give a room a completely different feel. If you want to paint a wall correctly, you won't skimp on preparation and dive right into it. With a little bit of forethought and execution, however, painting your walls can be just as satisfying as it is uplifting.

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EditPart 1 of 2: Preparation

  1. Paint a Wall Step 1 Version 2.jpg
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    Schedule a full day for preparation. Hastily painted walls are easy to spot. There's running, uneven lines, and the color doesn't look as brilliant as it should. If you want a professional look for your walls, be sure to schedule one full day for prep before you get into the actual painting.
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  2. Paint a Wall Step 2 Version 2.jpg
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    Choose a color. The choices are literally endless, leaving you a bit overwhelmed perhaps. When choosing a color for your new walls, consider these tips:
    • Choose a color based on the dominant pattern in the room. This could be a rug, a painting, or even the upholstery. Let these patterns guide your choices.
    • Go from light to dark, ceiling to floor. If you want a rule of thumb, follow this one: lighter colors go up top (ceiling, for instance), colors in the middle go on walls, and the darkest colors go on the carpets/flooring.
    • Use the color wheel. Colors that are close to one another on the color wheel generally work well together. Colors that are far away from one another on the color wheel need a little more help to fit a workable color scheme.
  3. Paint a Wall Step 3 Version 2.jpg
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    Prep the floor and hardware for painting. The first thing you should do is lay a canvas sheet down on the floor, covering it completely. Secure the canvas with painters tape and make sure it doesn't move around. In addition to this:
    • Remove any switch plates and electrical outlet covers, putting painter's tape over them
    • Tape over any other hardware that can't be removed
  4. Paint a Wall Step 4 preview Version 2.jpg
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    Sand the wall(s). Sanding is helpful because it creates small pores or pockets into which the paint can get, making for a more even layer of paint. While sanding, wear a dust mask.
    • Use a pole-sander with 120-grit sandpaper. Move the pole-sander side to side, starting from the top and working your way down to the bottom.
      Paint a Wall Step 4Bullet1 Version 2.jpg
    • Try to find a good balance with pressure on the pole-sander. Don't press too hard or too softly. Even, medium pressure is best.
      Paint a Wall Step 4Bullet2 Version 2.jpg
    • Replace the sandpaper whenever it is completely caked with dust and starts losing most of its sanding ability.
    • Hit the molding first with a coarse, damp sanding sponge. Keep a bucket of warm water nearby and dip the sponge into it often. After that's done, finish off with a fine, damp sanding sponge, which you lubricate often.
      Paint a Wall Step 4Bullet4 preview Version 2.jpg
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    Clean the wall(s). With a vacuum, clear the wall off all the dust and debris dislodged by the sanding process. A clean wall will be much easier to paint and will deliver a better final product.
    • With warm water and a bit of detergent, wash the walls lightly using a sponge. Hit any greasy or especially dirty spots with extra vigor. Go over the entire wall with clean water and a sponge once this is completed.
  6. Paint a Wall Step 6.jpg
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    Patch up any holes or breaks with compound or caulk. Look at the condition of your wall next. Are there are holes or breaks in the molding that need attention? If so, you might need a little compound of caulk.
    • Caulk any breaks in the molding. Using a wet finger, push the caulk into the breaks and smooth out for a nice even finish.
    • Using a putty knife, patch up any holes in the wall, depending on the wall. Use joint compound for drywall, and patching compound for plaster. Smooth out the patches with 120-grit sandpaper once the compound has dried.
  7. Paint a Wall Step 7.jpg
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    Decide if you are going to use painter's tape or angled brushes. You don't want your paint running over onto the ceiling or a different coat of paint, do you? For this reason, decide whether you are going to use painter's tape or angled brushes. Both come with advantages and disadvantages.
    • Painter's tape takes a lot of setup but doesn't require a steady hand. You'll have to apply the tape very evenly to avoid bleeding, but once it's on the wall, you won't have to worry much about messing up.
    • Angled brushes don't require much setup, if at all, but can cause mistakes if you don't have an even hand. Still, they may save you hours of prep time if you feel comfortable using them.
  8. Paint a Wall Step 8 Version 2.jpg
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    Cover the wall with a coat of primer. A primer is a lighter coat of paint that absorbs colors well. You should probably prime your wall if:
    • You're dealing with a new wall that hasn't yet been painted
    • You patched any holes, scuffs, etc. on the wall
    • Your wall is glossy
    • The color your painting over is darker

EditPart 2 of 2: Painting

  1. Paint a Wall Step 9 Version 2.jpg
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    Hit the edges first with paint. Dip a 2 ½-inch angled brush into the desired color; dip only 1/3 of the way down the brush, tapping the color from the brush instead of brushing it off. Hit the corners and edges of your room with the angled brush, leaving about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of color around the edges.
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    Dip the roller into the paint. In order to fill the area in the center of the wall, as well as those areas not yet painted, your best bet is to use a roller. Here are some tips for getting the paint onto your roller.
    • Wet the roller before dipping it into the paint. Wet with water for latex-based paints.
      Paint a Wall Step 10Bullet1 Version 2.jpg
    • Wet with paint thinner for oil-based paints.
      Paint a Wall Step 10Bullet2 Version 2.jpg
    • Fill the tray with enough paint to nearly get up to the grate. More isn't necessarily better.
    • Dip the roller into the back reservoir and bring it back up against the grate, squeezing out the excess paint while evenly coating the roller
      Paint a Wall Step 10Bullet4 preview Version 2.jpg
  3. Paint a Wall Step 11.jpg
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    Roll the paint onto the wall using a "W" or "M" shape. After dipping the paint into the tray, use continuous "W" or "M" motions to coat the wall with paint. Continue using these motions until the wall is covered with paint. When applying the paint in this way, it's important to remember:
    • While doing the "W" or "M" motions, don't move the roller off the wall. Keep the roller on the wall until it needs another application of paint.
    • When the roller starts to make a peeling, sticky sound on the wall, it's time for another application of paint. Move back to your tray and repeat Step 2.
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    Allow paint to dry several hours.
  5. Paint a Wall Step 13.jpg
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    Finish off any trim with a coat of paint. You may or may not have trim to paint. Again, you have the choice of covering the wall with electrical tape (wait until it's dry before applying tape) or going freehand.
    • If applying paint to broader areas of trim, use a wide, straight-edged brush.
    • If applying paint to thinner areas of trim, use an angled brush (1- to 2-inch).
  6. Paint a Wall Step 14 Version 2.jpg
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    Touch up with a second coat of paint, if necessary. Repeat the original process used to apply the paint for best results.
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EditTips

  • Tint the primer with a little bit of the color you'll use to paint your walls. This will give the top coat of paint a better chance of completely covering the primer.


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Article Info

Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Painting

Recent edits by: Maluniu, Krystle, Colecrane

In other languages:

Deutsch: Wie man eine Wand streicht, Português: Como Pintar uma Parede, Italiano: Come Tinteggiare una Parete, Español: Cómo pintar una pared, Русский: покрасить стену

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