now you can paint
Believe it or not, the hard part is already done. Preparation prior to painting is usually very slow. But before you start painting, check the room one more time. Are the drop cloths in place? Do wall patches look good? Open the window slightly for ventilation, but not so much that dust enters. Stir the paint well. One can at a time is fine now that you have dispensed all of your paint. Roll the roller cover over the door tape one more time. Put a layer of bread on the tray and pour some paint.
Apply the paint. There are different methods in how a room is painted. Whether you’re using different colors for the ceiling and walls or the same color for both, it’s best to paint the ceiling first. That way, you won’t have to worry about paint dripping and splattering on the walls, since the walls will be painted last. However, be sure to wipe off large drops before they dry to avoid bumps. Many painters like to cut, that is, brush paint angles, corners, window returns, door frames and baseboards after rolling the walls and ceilings. I think it’s best to do all the cutting before you roll except the baseboard because protective clothing is in the way. Using a paintbrush, paint a line about 2-3 inches wide on all cut areas before you start rolling.
If you use different colors, complete the ceiling first, then continue with the walls. Roll into a big W shape making sure to overlap all of your strokes. Lightly roll on your cut lines. Keep plenty of paint on your roller. Not so much that it drips but enough that you don’t see the roller marks. Check the quality of your paint job on the go. Don’t wait until you’re done to decide you’ve made mistakes. Even though you’re having fun, you don’t want to do it twice. When you’re done with the ceilings and walls, remove the drop cloths. Tape the edge of the rug to the baseboard or use a pad. Now paint the baseboard. If you use a shield, wipe it down every time you move it so wet paint doesn’t touch the carpet.
After completing your painting project, wait 24 hours before replacing wallcoverings, outlet and switch plates, heat registers, and smoke detectors. The paint is still soft and you’d hate to ruin a beautiful piece of work.