The hardest part about painting a room is the prep work - patching holes, sanding and scraping, removing hardware, etc., etc. Before you get out your paintbrushes, spend some quality time prepping the room. It is the secret to achieving professional results.

Now you are ready to paint, right? OK, Let's go!

1. Start by selecting the colors you want to paint the room. Decide on whether you wish to use flat or gloss paint. Generally ceilings are painted flat white. Walls are usually painted eggshell or flat. Keep in mind that egg shell or semi-gloss will reflect many more defects on any surface, so your prep work needs to be very extensive for these paints. You might choose a semi-gloss for a kitchen or a child's room - it is usually easier to wipe off. Woodwork is usually painted with semi-gloss. Use the same paint for a primer that you are using for the final coat, unless you are choosing a very expensive paint; in that case, buy a cheap primer paint for the first coat and use the high grade paint for the final coat. You will need to prime any new construction or patched areas.

2. If you are painting a room with all new materials (drywall and woodwork) you need to start with a primer coat on everything. The same advice in the previous paragraph applies, use a cheap primer paint if your final coat is an expensive high grade paint. Make sure you prime all new wood when you prime the walls - that includes doors also.

3. Choice of roller naps will effect your finished product. When you wish for a smooth look, use a 1/4" roller; this only works on very smooth surfaces (like new drywall). Most painters use a 1/2" roller nap, this size gives great coverage with a fairly smooth finish. For rough surfaces use a longer nap roller to achieve maximum hide. Remember the longer the nap the more of a texture you will see on your finished walls and ceilings. For brushes, we recommend that you do not skimp here, go ahead and buy the top of the line 2"-4" brush. Many beginners find that an angled brush helps them cut in more accurately.

4. Use a 12" roller to cover your major surfaces, before or after (it really doesn't matter) you roll you will have to go around the edges with a brush and "cut in" the spaces missed by your roller. Be careful to "back roll" over freshly rolled areas. "Back rolling" is a technique whereby you go over the areas already rolled, and with a light touch remove all of the roller marks made by the edge of your roller on the first run.

Time Estimates for painting an average 12 by 15 room:
Beginner - 6 to 8 hours• Intermediate - 5 to 7 hours• Advanced - 4 to 6 hours

Painting Hints:

1. When taking a break, don't leave your brushes or rollers sitting in paint. Cover trays with a damp rag.
2. When you accidentally drip paint on an adjacent surface, wipe it off immediately. Otherwise it can start to dry and will be much more difficult to remove later.
3. Brushes and rollers can last through many projects if properly cared for. Clean then thoroughly.
4. When painting with dramatically different colors, apply the lighter color first and the darker color last.
5. For best results, prime all of your new surfaces and let it dry for a day before painting the final coat. Also when possible let the second dry before painting the woodwork with gloss.

Can't stand the mess and stress of doing your own painting - Call Liberty!