Preparation

• 1). Clean each surface that will be painted, including the ceiling, walls and trim. To do this, wipe an all-purpose cleaner over the surfaces with a sponge. Rinse it off with clear water and the sponge. Allow the surfaces to dry.
  
  
• 2). Inspect the walls and trim for blemishes such as nail holes, cracks and gouges. Fill these holes with wall putty and scrape them smooth with the wall using a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry for 24 hours.
  
  
• 3). Sand the putty on patched areas with fine grit sandpaper to smooth it completely.
  
  
• 4). Apply painter's tape to any surface you do not want to paint that is adjacent to surfaces you do want to paint. Smooth the tape firmly along the surface to ensure a full bond.
  
  
• 5). Place a drop cloth over the floor under the surfaces you are painting to protect your flooring.
  
  

Painting

• 1). Apply primer to the edges of the surface you are painting with a paintbrush. The primer will help the paint to cover more evenly and thoroughly, allowing you to use less paint. A paintbrush will help you to be more precise along edges than a roller.
  
  
• 2). Apply latex primer to the larger parts of the surfaces with a paint roller. Apply it in a thin, even coat. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  
  
• 3). Choose the finish luster of your paint depending on the room you are painting. Flat paint is best for closets and ceilings. It is not wipeable and so it is not recommended for other uses. Eggshell or satin finish paints work best in bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms. Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are most wipeable and work well in kitchens and bathrooms.
  
  
• 4). Stir the paint in the can with a stir stick thoroughly. Even when paint has been shaken at the store, it still separates and settles some between the time you buy it and open it.
  
  
• 5). Apply paint to the edges of the surface with a paintbrush the same way you did the primer.
  
  
• 6). Apply the paint to the larger parts of the surfaces with a roller. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a second coat to ensure maximum coverage.
  
  
• 7). Remove the painter's tape once the final coat of paint has nearly dried and is still tacky. This will help to ensure that the tape doesn't pull the paint off.