Person painting along painter's tape with an angled sash brush

Video | 4 minutes

How to paint a room

Walls are the most visible, and therefore perhaps the most important, element of your DIY interior paint project. With proper preparation, tools, and painting techniques, you can ensure a quality result. Watch the video above to see how we transform this space, and follow along with the simple step-by-steps below.

For Best Results:

If you need to stop or break during your paint job, stop at a natural break in the wall.

When you are nearing the end of one container of paint, find a natural break in your project. Open a second container and mix it into the paint from the first container. Stir well.

Clean spills and drips using a damp cloth while the paint is still wet.

Tools & supplies

Paint
Paint Can Opener
Stir Stick
Screwdriver
Spackle and Applicator
Sandpaper (150-220 Grit)
Painter's Tape
Angled Sash Brush (2"-2½")
Roller Cover and Frame
Extension Pole
Paint Tray
Paint Tray Liner
Rags
Drop Cloths

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Grab your tools.

Aerial shot of tools needed to paint a room

Step 2

Move your furniture and cover it and the floor with drop cloths.

Step 3

Using a screwdriver, remove all cover plates from light switches and outlets.

Person removing cover plates from light switches and outlets

Step 4

Fill any holes with spackle. Wait for it to dry and lightly sand. Wipe off any excess dust.

Person filling holes on a wall with spackle

Step 5

Tape off any areas using an arm's length of tape. Press down firmly to prevent any paint from seeping behind it.

Person taping a wall with painter's tape

Step 6

After stirring the paint, dip an angled sash brush in the paint and then paint along the tape to form a border that is double the width of the brush.

Step 7

Pour paint into the paint tray. Grab your roller and dip it in the paint making sure it is completely saturated. Roll it up and down on the tray to remove any excess paint.

Step 8

Roll a "W" on the wall with the roller, filling the empty spaces in a top to bottom motion. This will help place an even distribution of paint onto the wall. Repeat this until you have completely covered the entire wall.

Person painting a W on a wall with a paint roller

Tip:

The "W" should not be any wider than one arm-length, which is typically twenty-four to thirty-two inches.

Step 9

Wait 1–2 hours for interior paint to dry between coats before recoating using the same process as step 8.

Step 10

While the paint is still wet, peel off the tape.

Peeling painter's tape off of a freshly painted wall

Step 11

Clean up your tools using warm soapy water.

Person washing a paint brush with soapy water

Frequently asked questions

How much paint do I need per room?

A common question before starting any paint project is how much paint you'll need for your space. For example, many homeowners ask, how many gallons of paint do I need for a 12x12 bedroom? The answer can vary based on ceiling height, number of coats, and surface type.

To get the most accurate estimate for your room, use Behr's Paint & Stain Calculator to quickly determine how much paint to buy before you begin.

How many coats of paint are needed for full coverage?

Most paint projects require two coats of paint for full coverage, but the exact number can vary based on the color and surface. Darker shades like black paint often need two full coats, and sometimes a third, especially when covering a lighter color or porous surface, while lighter shades typically achieve even coverage in two coats when applied over a properly primed wall. However, painting over dark walls with a light beige may require an extra coat or a tinted primer to prevent the dark color from showing through. Using a quality primer and allowing proper drying time between coats helps ensure consistent color and long-lasting results.

Find step-by-step instructions in our how-to articles and videos.

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