Step 1: Make a Plan
Save time by deciding on the following before starting your painting project:
- Choose your color. Previewing colors before painting will help ensure you love the hue on your walls. Choose the paint sampling option that works for you.
- Select your finish. If your walls have imperfections, a flat or matte finish will be more forgiving than a semi-gloss and gloss finish.
- Pick your products. Consult with your locally owned Benjamin Moore store to select the right paint products.
- Gather your materials. Will you need an extension pole or a ladder to reach the higher parts of your space? Do you have drop cloths, brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and all the painting supplies you need? Look at your job holistically before getting started.
Before starting your project, be sure to consult the safety data sheets for the Benjamin Moore products you are using to ensure proper precautions are followed.
Helpful Tip
Use the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio® app to visualize different paint colors in your space.Step 2: Prep a Room for Painting
A well-prepared room ensures a smoother painting process and will help protect surfaces from accidental spills.
- Get as much furniture as possible out of the room. If large pieces cannot be removed, push them to the center of the room and cover them with a drop cloth.
- Place a drop cloth on the floor to protect the surface.
- Take down all wall decor. Remove the plates from light switches and electrical outlets and set them aside for reinstallation later.
Step 3: Prep the Walls
- Thoroughly clean your walls with damp rags or a sponge and warm water, starting at the top and working downward. Allow them to dry completely.
- Inspect walls for imperfections. Repair any cracks or small holes with spackling compound.
- If needed, replace caulking between the baseboard and the wall.
- Sand down any repaired areas with 220-grit sandpaper and/or a sanding sponge.
- Vacuum any sanding dust, then wipe away residual dust with a damp rag, using an extension pole to reach the upper walls.
Step 4: Paint the Ceiling
- When painting a ceiling, using the right product will make this part of the project much easier. Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint has a forgiving ultra-flat finish that offers superior hide to cover any DIY mistakes.
- Cut in the edges of your ceiling with a paintbrush.
- Switch to a roller to roll an even coat of paint onto the remaining surface areas of the ceiling.
Helpful Tip
Make sure your brush and roller sleeve are high quality and that your roller sleeve is the appropriate nap for your ceiling texture. Ask the experts at your locally owned Benjamin Moore store for help determining the best tools.Step 5: Paint Trim, Moldings, and Baseboards
- If your trim, moldings, and baseboards have been previously painted, you don’t need to use primer. If not previously painted, apply an even coat of Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer with a paintbrush and let dry completely.
- Use a paintbrush to cut in your project edges and apply an even layer of Regal® Select Interior paint to your trim, moldings, and baseboards.
- Allow the trim, moldings, and baseboards to dry completely. (For dry times, refer to the label on the can or the Technical Data Sheet.)
Step 6: Paint the Walls
- Tape off trim, moldings, and baseboards.
- If your walls have been previously painted, you may not need to prime them.
- If you’re working with unfinished drywall, use a paintbrush to cut in your wall borders with Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer.
- Switch to a roller and roll the primer onto the remaining surface area.
- If you’ve used primer, allow it to dry completely before you paint your walls.
- To start painting, cut in the edges of your walls with Regal® Select Interior paint using a paintbrush.
- Switch to a roller and roll your paint onto the wall to evenly cover the rest of your project area.
Step 7: Let Dry and Apply a Second Coat
- Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before applying a second coat.
- If you’ve taped off your trim, remove the painter’s tape immediately after applying the final coat of paint.
- Let the paint dry completely before returning the area to everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the correct order to paint a room?
A. Follow these essential steps to painting a room:
- Make a Plan
- Prep a Room for Painting
- Prep the Walls
- Paint the Ceiling
- Paint Trim, Moldings, and Baseboards
- Paint the Walls
- Let Dry and Apply a Second Coat
Q. How do I prepare a room for painting?
A. To prepare a room for painting, first clear out as much furniture as possible and cover any remaining pieces with a drop cloth. Next, protect the floor with a drop cloth. Finally, remove wall decor, switch plates, and outlet covers, and store them for later.
Q. How long does it take to paint a room?
A. Painting a standard room typically takes two to three days, depending on its size and the level of preparation needed. This includes time for prepping the walls, applying multiple coats of paint, and letting the paint dry between coats. Larger rooms or those requiring extensive repairs may take longer.
Q. How do I paint a room in one day?
A. Following our seven-step painting process can help you complete your project faster. Using premium-quality paints like Aura® Interior, Regal® Select Interior, and Ben® Interior will also speed up the job, but it’s essential to allow proper drying time between coats. Most projects take two to three days to complete.
Q. How many coats of paint do you put on a wall?
A. We recommend applying at least two coats of your top coat product for optimal hide and color development. Check the paint can for the recommended drying times and be sure to wait until the paint is completely dry before adding a second coat. Allow proper cure time before returning the space to everyday use.
Now that you know how to paint a room, are you ready for more?
Check out some ideas and inspiration for other interior projects that can transform your space.
As always, visit your locally owned Benjamin Moore store for help with all your painting needs.
