15 Tips to Paint Any Room Like a Pro, Even For Beginners

Painting is a quick, affordable and fairly easy way to spruce up a room or just change it up. Sometimes you move into a new place, and find the walls are stained or maybe a previous homeowner painted it in colors you don’t like.

And yet, if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before, the idea of painting a whole room can be intimidating. But that’s okay – these super simple painting tips and tricks that will have you painting like a pro, even if you’ve never done it before.

Gather Your Supplies

What you’re going to need to paint a whole room will probably include all of the following. You can get a lot of these items in a painting kit to save money and keep things simple. Note that whenever possible, I’m linking to items I’ve bought and used before for painting projects.

• Quality latex paint (enough to cover your room plus extra)
• Paint tray with disposable liners
• Angled paintbrush (2-2.5 inches) for cutting in edges
• Medium-sized paint roller (9-inch) with 3/8-inch nap for smooth walls (these usually come in kits with paint trays and/or brushes)
• Paint roller extension pole (optional, for hard-to-reach areas). These are great if you don’t want to get up on a ladder.
• Painter’s tape (to protect trim and create clean lines)
• Drop cloths or protective floor coverings
• Ladder or step stool for reaching high spots
• Sponge or cloth for cleaning walls before painting. Magic Eraser is great if you have any marks on the walls.
• Putty knife and spackle for filling holes or cracks

Choosing the Right Paint

The first and most important step in any painting project is selecting the right paint for the job. There are a lot of different types of paint out there, and the options can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to DIY home projects. But it’s easier than you think.

The two main categories of interior paint are:

1. Latex paint: This is the most common and popular type of interior paint. Latex paints are water-based, which makes them easy to clean up and they dry relatively quickly. They also tend to be more affordable than other types of paint. Latex paints come in a range of finishes from flat to high-gloss.
2. Oil-based paint: Oil-based paints use oil as the base rather than water. They provide a harder, more durable finish that’s great for high-traffic areas like trim, doors, and cabinets. However, they take longer to dry, have a stronger odor, and are more difficult to clean up.

For most standard interior painting projects in your home, I recommend going with a high-quality latex paint. They’re easier to work with, have less odor, and provide a nice, even finish.

When you’re shopping for paint, look for ones labeled as “interior” and pay attention to the finish. Flat or eggshell finishes are good for walls, while semi-gloss or high-gloss work well for trim and woodwork.

You’ll also want to consider the paint’s coverage. Look for paints that are labeled as “one-coat coverage” – this means you may only need a single coat to get good, even color. This can save you a lot of time and effort.

Finally, make sure to get enough paint to complete your project. Measure the square footage of the walls you need to cover and use that to determine how many gallons of paint you’ll need. It’s better to have a little extra than run out halfway through!

NOTE: People at paint stores can be very helpful and knowledgeable. Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions!

Do You Need Primer?

You may also need primer. And the people who work at the paint store can help you with this, too. 

Primer is basically a really good white paint that covers dark colors and also preps the wall to hold the next coat of paint. Unfortunately it does add an extra step. Here’s when you need to use it.

• If you’re painting over a dark or bright color and want to switch to a lighter or more neutral shade, primer helps block the old color from showing through. It creates a blank canvas for your new paint.
• When you’re painting raw or bare surfaces – like new drywall, wood, or plaster – primer seals the surface so the paint adheres better and goes on evenly.
• If your walls have stains, water damage, or smoke marks, primer can help cover those up so they don’t bleed through the new paint.
• For surfaces with uneven textures or patchy repairs, primer helps create a smoother base.
• If you’re painting over glossy or slick surfaces, primer improves paint adhesion and prevents peeling.

There are plenty of good brands to choose from. Kilz is a popular brand known for its strong stain-blocking primers. Kilz Original is oil-based and great for tough stains, while Kilz Premium is water-based and low odor for general use.

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a versatile water-based primer that works well on many surfaces. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and sticks well even on glossy surfaces.

Benjamin Moore Fresh Start offers high-quality primers that are excellent for sealing drywall and covering stains. They have both oil- and water-based options depending on your needs.

Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain is an oil-based primer perfect for blocking stains and sealing wood surfaces. It’s durable and works well under both latex and oil paints.

Check the label to make sure it’s compatible with the type of paint you plan to use. Using the right primer will save you time and frustration by giving your paint the best possible base. It might add a little time upfront, but the improved finish and durability are worth it!

Preparing the Space

Okay, now that you’ve got your supplies, your paint and primer if you need it, it’s time to get the room ready for painting. Proper preparation is key to getting professional-looking results, so don’t skip this step!

First, clear the room of any furniture, artwork, rugs, and other decor. If you can’t remove everything, at least push it all to the center of the room and cover it with clear plastic drop cloths. This will protect your belongings from any drips or splatters.

Next, remove any outlet covers, switch plates, and light fixtures. Tape off any trim, baseboards, ceilings, hinges, or other areas you don’t want painted using painter’s tape. This will give you nice, clean lines (I’ll explain this in more detail in a minute).

Give the walls a good cleaning too. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a mild detergent to remove any dirt, grease, or scuffs. This will help the paint adhere better. If there are any holes or cracks, fill them in with spackle and let it dry completely before painting.

Finally, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Open up windows and turn on fans to circulate the air. This will help the paint dry faster and minimize any strong paint odors.

With the room prepped and ready, you’re now set up for painting success! Take your time with this step – it may seem tedious, but it will pay off in the end with a professional-looking finish.

Taping Off Baseboards and Ceiling

Painter’s tape is a wonderful invention. It sticks to the wall just enough to protect areas you don’t want to paint, but comes off without leaving adhesive behind.

The trick is to apply it to the areas you don’t want painted. For example, to protect the ceiling, apply it to the ceiling, all the way around the room, right up against the edge of the wall.

To protect a baseboard, you apply the tape to the edge of the baseboard, pressing it down so the tape goes right up to the edge of the wall.

It sounds tricky, but it’s really intuitive once you try it.

Painting Techniques for Beginners

Okay, now for the fun part – time to start painting! Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before, these simple painting techniques will have you looking like a seasoned pro.

Cutting In

The first step is to “cut in” around the edges of the room. This means painting along the trim, corners, and ceilings using a small angled paintbrush. This gives you nice, clean lines and helps you get paint into those hard-to-reach areas.

Start by dipping your angled brush into the paint, then wipe off any excess on the rim of the paint can. Slowly and carefully paint along the trim, making sure to keep a wet edge. Go slowly and don’t worry about getting paint on the walls – you’ll cover that with the roller later.

Rolling the Walls

Once you’ve cut in around the edges, it’s time to start rolling on the paint. Dip your roller into the paint tray, rolling it back and forth to get an even coat. Then, starting at the top of the wall, roll the paint on in 3-4 foot sections, working your way down.

Make sure to overlap each section slightly as you go to avoid any visible lines. Apply the paint in a “W” or “M” pattern, then fill in the blank spaces. This ensures you get full, even coverage.

If you need to do a second coat, let the first one dry completely first. Then just repeat the same rolling technique.

Painting Trim and Woodwork

For painting trim, doors, and other woodwork, you’ll want to use a high-quality angled brush. Dip just the tips of the bristles into the paint and wipe off any excess. Then, paint in long, smooth strokes following the direction of the wood grain.

Take your time and don’t overload the brush – this will help prevent drips and splatters. If you do get any paint on the walls, just use a damp cloth to wipe it off right away before it dries.

Avoid Visible Lap Marks

One common issue new painters face is getting those annoying “lap marks” – those visible lines where one coat of paint overlaps another. To avoid this, make sure to keep a “wet edge” as you’re painting. This means painting an entire section before letting it dry.

If you do start to see lap marks forming, you can try lightly misting the area with water before rolling over it again. The water will reactivate the paint and help it blend together seamlessly.

With a little practice, you’ll get the hang of maintaining that wet edge and your walls will have a nice, even finish.

Painting Hacks and Tips

Painting may seem like a simple task, but there are a few handy tricks and tips that can make the process even easier. Here are some of my favorites:

Use a Paint Grid

Instead of pouring paint directly into the roller tray, use a paint grid instead. This is a wire insert that fits right into the tray. Just dip your roller into the paint, then roll it back and forth on the grid to evenly distribute the paint. This helps you use every last drop and reduces drips and splatters.

Wrap Brushes and Rollers

When taking a break from painting, don’t just leave your brushes and rollers sitting in the paint. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a sealable plastic bag. This will keep the paint from drying out so you can pick up right where you left off.

Use a Paint Edger

For those hard-to-reach areas like corners and edges, a paint edger tool can be a real lifesaver. It has a small angled edge that allows you to paint right up to the trim without making a mess.

Protect Floors with Cardboard

Instead of using expensive painter’s tarps, you can protect your floors just as effectively with simple cardboard. Tape down overlapping pieces to create a barrier, then roll or paint right over it.

Clean Up Spills Quickly

Accidents happen, even for experienced painters. If you do spill or drip paint, act fast. Blot up any excess with a clean rag, then use a damp cloth to wipe away the rest before it has a chance to dry.