How to Prep and Paint an Interior Room

Step by step

1. Remove or cover furniture, lay drop cloths and remove switch plates.

2. Fill holes and cracks, let them dry, then sand smooth and wipe off dust.

3. Caulk gaps at trim and spot-prime patches.

4. Cut in the ceiling line, corners and trim with a brush.

5. Roll walls in sections using a W pattern, keeping a wet edge.

6. Apply a second coat after the first dries, then paint trim last.

Safety reminders for painters

• Use ladders and scaffolds correctly and inspect them before use
• Ventilate spaces and wear the right respirator for coatings and dust
• Follow lead-safe practices in pre-1978 buildings
• Store flammable paints and solvents safely

Key terms

Cutting in · Wet edge · Primer · Sheen · Back-rolling · Airless sprayer: see the full painter glossary.

More painter how-to guides

• How to use an airless paint sprayer
• How to work lead-safe in an older home