Once the prep work is out of the way, it’s time to begin the fun part: the painting!

For Best Results:

Paint interiors in this order: ceiling, walls, windows, doors, and finally, the trim.

Always paint on a dry surface.

Start with Griplac paint that has been stirred so any color that may have settled is completely incorporated.

A properly loaded roller should not drip when moved and does not require you to apply force against a surface when painting.

Load A Brush

Step 1

Use a brush that has water-dampened bristles. Dip the brush into the paint to about one-third of the total length of the bristles.

Step 2

Dab the brush against the inside of the paint can or the paint tray to remove excess paint. Don’t wipe the brush against the rim of the can as the rim will fill with paint, making the opening and closing of the lid messy and difficult.

Step 3

Repeat this at least twice to make certain the bristles have taken up the proper amount of paint.  If the brush is properly loaded, you should be able to move the brush without too many drips.

Step 4

To apply the paint, position the brush to the painted surface vertically, using the narrow edge of the brush as a guide. Ideally, you want to use the narrow edge as you would a pencil. A brush with an angled sash works best for cut-ins.

Step 5

Apply paint in a straight line, and move at a pace that would prevent the paint from dripping below the brush. Use enough pressure on the surface to ensure control of your painted line, but don’t press hard. The bristles should flex slightly as you paint.

TIP: Work in strokes twelve inches or longer. Avoid stopping and starting in the middle of stroke lengths.

Step 6

When painting vertically, work from top to bottom. Once the brush starts to stick or skip, which is called “chatter,” stop and reload your brush.

TIP: Do not brush back into any painted surface more than a couple of minutes after applying it.

Step 7

To avoid hard edges from paint lines, gently smooth out, or “feather,” edges with the brush. Maintain a wet edge when painting a surface.

Load A Roller

Step 1

When painting with a roller, first remove any lint by lightly pressing painter’s tape on the roller cover.

Step 2

Lightly dampen the roller and remove any excess moisture with a paper towel.

Step 3

Roll the roller cover into the deep end of the paint tray.  Do this several times to cover the entire surface of the roller cover with paint.

Step 4

Keep in mind that a properly loaded roller should not drip when moved and does not require you to apply force against a surface when painting

Starting a project with a clean, prepped workspace will help ensure that the painting process runs smoothly from beginning to end.

For Best Results:

When removing items such as picture frames and light fixtures, tape the screws to the back of each object to avoid losing them during the project.

Don’t underestimate the importance of eliminating dust, cobwebs and mildew before beginning your painting project.

Don’t underestimate the importance of eliminating dust, cobwebs and mildew before beginning your painting project.

Step 1

Create a workspace by removing items such as rugs and furniture.

Step 2

Create a central area for all your tools and supplies; make sure it is easily accessible to your workspace.

Step 3

Remove what you can such as doors, light fixtures, pictures, doorknobs and nails.

Step 4

Protect what you can’t remove with coverings such as plastic sheeting or masking paper.

Step 5

If you have cracks or small holes, remove any dust or debris from the area, then apply patching material and allow it to dry completely. Sand the finished area so it blends evenly with the surface.

Step 6

If you need to remove peeling paint, scrape the area with a wire brush or scraper to remove all the loose paint, then sand the finished area to blend it evenly with the surface.

Step 7

For gaps and seams, remove excess debris, apply caulking to the area and allow it to dry completely before painting.

Step 8

On glossy surfaces, such as metals and when painting over higher sheen paints, scuff sand or etch the area to provide proper paint adhesion.

Step 9

If you need to remove any oil, grease or wax stains, apply a mild detergent with a sponge onto a lightly water-dampened surface, rinse with clean water and allow it to dry.

Suggested Tools & Supplies

• Drop Cloths
• Plastic Sheeting
• Wire Brush
• Scraper
• Sponge
• Sandpaper
• Putty Knife
• Rags
• Caulking Gun
• Caulking (Painter’s Grade)
• Bucket
• Ceiling/Wall P

It is often best to remove old wallpaper, rather than trying to paint over it, to ensure your newly applied wall color looks its best.

For Best Results:

Make sure you allow time for your stripper solution to soak into the wallpaper.

Step 1

Using a scoring tool, create perforations in the wallpaper. This will allow the wallpaper remover to penetrate through to the wall.

TIP: Try lifting a corner of the wallpaper before scoring the surface. Many wallpaper companies now make strippable paper that is much easier to remove.

Step 2

Following the manufacturer’s directions, mix the appropriate ratio of wallpaper stripper and water in an empty plastic 5-gallon container.

TIP: A wallpaper steamer can be used in place of liquid remover.

Step 3

Using a sponge, apply the remover mixture to a 4′ x 4′ section. Allow the mixture to soak on the surface for a minimum of 5 minutes. Do not allow it to dry.

Step 4

Starting in a corner of the wall, peel back the wallpaper in a 4′ x 4′ section. Repeat the process until all the wallpaper has been removed.

Step 5

Loosen the stubborn wallpaper sections using a scraper. If some paper backing remains, continue wetting and scraping the area until all the backing has been removed.

Step 6

Using a scrub brush, scrub the surface to loosen the remaining glue.

Step 7

To remove the solution and glue residue, wipe the area with a water-dampened sponge or rag.

TIP: Failing to completely remove the glue and paper will cause cracking or flaking of the surface when the paint is applied.

Now is the time to repair any wall damage before you paint. Ensure the beauty of your freshly painted walls by repairing any cracks.

For Best Results:

Refer to the how-to for step-by-step instructions on repairing cracks.

Step 1

Using 100-grit sandpaper, remove any loose debris from the cracked area.

TIP: Use a 5-in-1 painter’s tool to widen cracks that are less than ¼” wide. This will remove old caulking, paint, and other debris from the cracks and will allow the patching material to bond tightly to the damaged area.

Step 2

Again using 100-grit sandpaper, lightly sand any raised or rough areas. Remove any dust or debris from the area with a water-dampened rag.

Step 3

Using a putty knife, spread a thin layer of patching material into the cracked area. Allow it to dry.

TIP: To create an even surface, always smooth out (feather) the patching material 1″-2″ beyond the repaired area.

Step 4

Use 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the patched area and make it even with the surface.

TIP: If shrinking of the patching material occurs, lightly sand and clean the area and apply additional layers of patching material as needed.

Step 5

Remove any final dust or debris from the finished repair.

TIP: If retexturing of the surface is necessary, choose a finish that will match the existing surface. Textured ceiling/wall patch kits are available in aerosol and powder forms. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application.

Suggested Tools & Supplies

• 5-in-1 Tool
• Vinyl Gloves
• Ladder
• Patching Material
• Protective Apparel
• Putty Knife
• Rags
• Sandpaper (100, 220 Grit)
• Scraper

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.

Step 1

Grab your tools.

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.

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

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.

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 until paint is completely dry and recoat using the same process as step 8.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Clean up your tools using warm soapy water.