For any DIY home improvement project to be successful, you need proper preparation. There's nothing worse than skipping a crucial step, taking multiple trips to the store, or making mistakes because you're in a hurry. The job will go faster if you simply take some time and make a thorough checklist. This is especially true for interior painting. Many people get in a rush because it's a boring job we want done quickly, so they end up slapping paint on before taking the correct paint preperation steps.

If you want to avoid the chore completely, hire a professional painter who comes with their own supplies and training. But whether you hire a pro or do it yourself, make sure you follow these paint suggestions.

Painting tool checklist:

To avoid trips to the store, buy everything at once. Here's a list of tools you'll need;

Applicators: Rollers are best for large areas of interior painting; however, you'll also need small brushes. Buy an angled trim brush (2") for baseboards and a smaller brush (1") for window and door trim. A trim edger comes in handy. It looks like a sponge with little wheels that you set on the trim and slide along the edge with no mess. However, you still may need to touch up with a small brush. And don't forget the paint pan and the screen to squeeze off excess paint. Too much paint on the applicator makes the job more difficult.

Paint: Always purchase top-quality products. A gallon covers 400 square feet and you'll want to apply two coats, so make sure you have enough. A primer coat is for covering dark colors with lighter ones but avoid expensive prices. Latex paint is usually used in interior painting because it's easy to clean. It's available in flat and low-gloss and also comes in a glossy finish. They also contrast well glossy trim. Oil-based paints are great for humid rooms since it has a hard enamel finish.

Miscellaneous items: Besides the essentials, here are a few other tools that you'll need to have on hand: a stirrer, pry bar or screwdriver, respirator or mask, sponges and household cleaner, spackle and sandpaper, old clothes to wear, and of course, a drop cloth.

Paint preparation:

Move everything away from the walls. Push the furniture to the middle of the room and cover it with drop cloths. Remove paintings, pictures, and light switch covers. You may even want to eliminate the hardware (hinges or doorknobs) to create less hassle. If you're painting the ceiling get rid of light fixtures or at least cover them as best you can. Vacuum the floors, clean the corners, and cover the floors with a large drop cloth to avoid drips. As you paint, keep a window cracked for ventilation.

Taping the room:

It's essential to mask off what can't be moved. When taping a room mask around radiators and trim. Put a piece of tape over electrical outlets for safety purposes. And mask off the corners between the walls and ceiling.

Cleaning:

Before you start painting walls, make sure to wash the walls so as to remove any dirt, dust, or film that could prevent proper application. You can use a simple household cleaner for this task, just make sure to rinse afterwards and let the surface dry. Paint will not cover cracks or holes. Therefore, with some spackle or drywall compound, try to cover up imperfections and let them dry. You may need to sand these areas afterwards in order to smooth out the surface.

If you follow these suggestions your paint job will go a lot easier.

See related paint articles:

Painting with Oil Based Paint

Painting with Latex Paint

Painting Your Garage Floor

Pealing Concrete Floor Paint