How to Properly Paint Something
- 1). Purchase your paint and painting supplies. Use spray paint if painting an object that has nooks and crannies, such as furniture. A roller and brushes work best for painting a wall or room. You can accomplish large exterior jobs efficiently with a paint sprayer. Find drop cloths that can be improvised from old sheets, rags for cleanup and painter's tape to protect surrounding surfaces. Some surfaces, such as new plasterboard or raw wood, require primer.
- 2). Prepare your surface. Any surface you plan to paint needs to be clean, dry and smooth. Wash off any mildew and dirt with warm water and mild detergent. Repair any holes, cracks or gouges with putty or caulk, and sand until smooth. If the surface you are going to paint has previously been painted with oil-based paint or lacquer, then sand and apply primer before painting it with an acrylic or latex paint. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before you begin painting.
- 3). Isolate whatever surface you will be painting as much as possible, and mask or cover everything you don't want to paint with drop cloths, plastic tarps or painter's tape. If you are painting furniture, then place the item on top of a drop cloth or plastic tarp outdoors or in a well-lighted area. If you are painting a room, remove all small items, switch plates and outlet covers. Move all large furniture to the center of the room. Cover the furniture and the floor with drop cloths or tarps.
- 4). Apply paint evenly. Saturate your brush or roller thoroughly, yet not dripping, when you apply it to the surface.
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