Painting

How to Paint Interiors

Painting Ceilings and Walls

Simple techniques for a great paint job on your ceilings and walls.

Essential Tools and Materials for Painting Interiors

Here's everything you'll need to get it right the first time.

Paint Trays and Liners Cans and Jars
Latex brushes for water, natural for oil (alkyd) 2-3" Brushes for Cutting In
4-5" Brushes for Walls 1" Brushes for Frames
Rollers and Roller Covers (various sizes) Edge Pads
Extension Poles Drop Cloths
Painter's Tape (narrow and wide) Painting Hats
Buckets Stir Sticks
Power Sprayer - optional  

Cutting In

Valspar How to Paint Ceilings and Walls

"Cutting In" is a simple painting technique for achieving clean lines at the corners and edges. Work in 3' sections so you keep a wet edge when you fill in. Use an angled 2" trim brush to make a series of short strokes away from the edges where the walls or ceiling and wall meet.

TIP

Consider using a paint pad for "cutting in" around door and window frames. It's fast and delivers a reliably uniform edge. Keep the wheels very clean to prevent marking the wall. Important: work in 3' sections to keep a wet edge

Painting Ceilings

After each section is cut in, fill in. Use a roller on an extension pole to paint in one direction. Move quickly so as not to lose your wet edge.

Using a Roller on Walls

Valspar How to Paint Ceilings and Walls

Load your roller (see above). Make certain your roller isn't overloaded.

Roll a 3' wide "W" on the wall.

Valspar How to Paint Ceilings and Walls

Then without lifting your roller off the wall, fill in the W.

Valspar How to Paint Ceilings and Walls

Work horizontally across the room moving from side to side.

Valspar Painting DIY

More information about proper surface preparation, and advanced techniques.