Introduction:

Before beginning any interior paint project it is important to prep the area that you intend to paint. Preparing the area is necessary to insure that the paint will adhere to the surface and give you a professional finish. Painting a wall surface is really an easy DIY project but there are some painting techniques for walls you should know that will make the task easier and give you a professional looking paint job.

Walls and ceilings should be washed with warm water and a mild detergent to remove all dust, dirt and other soiled spots. Let the area dry before beginning to paint.

If you intend to paint the ceiling it should be painted before the walls to avoid any dripping ceiling paint and roller spray from getting on the walls. This will save you a lot of time cleaning ceiling paint off freshly painted walls.

After you have prepared the paint begin by cutting the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling using a two or three inch good quality tapered brush. Paint a strip all around the room approximately two inches wide. Then paint the corners and a strip above the baseboards.

Use a roller pole attached to the roller handle to reach high areas. The roller pole enables you to use both arms, both shoulders and your back to spread the paint. Without a rolling pole the arm, shoulder and back muscles will tire easily. The pole will reduce overall fatigue and enable you to do a better job.

Using a good quality roller, apply paint to the walls staring at the top and working your way down the wall applying the paint in small sections approximately three feet by three feet. Apply the paint in an “N” or “W” pattern. Apply the paint evenly. If the section is not covered completely apply more paint. If excess paint is applied lengthen the section to spread out the paint.

 Avoid exerting excessive force on the roller. A light rolling motion is the best approach. When a major section of wall is fully covered with paint do a finish stroke. A finish stroke is a long light passing of the roller over one or more sections to blend in the paint and insure there are no dark or light paint lines.

In the event you are interrupted and have to stop painting for several minutes, cover the paint roller and paint pan with plastic to keep the paint and roller from drying out to quickly. Saran wrap is a good choice. If the roller does dry out simply wash it in water and remove any excess water from the roller using paper towels.

After an interruption, pick up where you left off and finish the project. Let dry for a couple of hours and review your work looking for skipped or light painted areas. Apply a second coat of paint as may be necessary.  

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