10 Easy Steps to Paint Your Walls at Home Like a DIY Pro

Learning how to paint a room properly is essential for beginning DIY’ers, new homeowners, and veteran home improvement experts alike. After all, it’s pretty painless, relatively inexpensive, and, should something go horribly wrong, easy to fix. But before you grab your roller and get started with your first coat, it’s essential to have a plan of attack.

So we asked our team of experts for their best painting tips and tricks to get you started. Keep reading to learn how to paint a room and follow these 10 easy steps to make sure your project is a success.

1. Plan your approach

Start by thinking about how you want the finished project to look. Remember: you’re not limited to four walls in the same color. Consider painting an accent wall, or highlighting moldings with a contrasting finish. And don’t forget the ceiling—it might need some love too.

2. Choose your color

Fan decks and color chips can be overwhelming. Start by narrowing down your preferences: warm vs. cool, neutral vs. bold. Consider existing furniture and lighting. Use adhesive samples or online preview tools—but test in real lighting at different times of day before committing.

3. Pick out your tools and materials

Every project is unique, but here are some essentials:

• Paint
• Paint roller + extension pole
• Drop cloths
• Paint tray
• Brushes
• Painter’s tape
• Sandpaper
• Rags
• Putty knife

Visit our shop for personalized advice on what you'll need.

4. Determine how much paint you’ll need

As a rule of thumb: 3 liters per 100 square meters. Adjust for textured surfaces, dark-to-light transitions, or detailed millwork. Use a paint calculator or ask in-store for an accurate estimate. Consider a tinted primer for bold colors, and always buy 10% extra—just in case.

5. Prep the walls and the room

Clear the space or move furniture to the center and cover everything with drop cloths. Apply painter’s tape to moldings, casings, and outlets. Seal tape edges well for clean lines. Remove switch plates and repair any wall damage before starting.

6. Mix your paint

Use a wooden stick to stir paint thoroughly—and stir often during use. If you’re using multiple cans, mix them in one large bucket to ensure color consistency across the room.

7. Pick your painting techniques

Plan your route: top to bottom, ceiling first, walls second, trim last. Tackle one wall at a time—cut in edges with a brush, then roll the center with a “W” motion. Allow walls to dry between coats. Use painter’s tape again before doing trim.

8. Don’t forget ventilation

Keep windows open and fans running. Good airflow speeds up drying and keeps fumes manageable—especially important for oil-based paints or large projects.

9. Clean up

Remove tape carefully. Let splatters dry before lifting drop cloths. Wash latex paint tools with soapy water; use mineral spirits for oil-based paint. Use a 5-in-1 tool to clean rollers and maintain brushes for future use.

10. Give yourself enough time

Painting might seem quick, but real-life conditions—like drying time, detail work, or extra coats—often stretch the timeline. Block off more time than you think, and include cleanup in your schedule.

Now you're ready to call yourself a DIY painting master! For more tips, tools, or guidance, visit our shop or reach out—we’re happy to help.