The key to achieving a professional-looking paint job is preparation. Clean the walls thoroughly, repair any damage, then apply a primer. Let the primer dry completely. For the best results, lightly sand the walls with fine-grit sandpaper to provide “tooth” for the new paint to adhere to. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

Select a high-quality paint in a finish suited to your needs: flat, eggshell, satin or glossy. For most rooms, an eggshell or satin paint works well. It provides a subtle sheen that stands up to washing. Apply at least two coats of paint, waiting 2-4 hours between coats. Use a brush to cut in edges and corners, then roll on the rest of the paint with a roller. Extend each stroke from ceiling to baseboard using a smooth, continuous motion.

Use a quality angled brush for cutting in and a roller with a thick, plush nap for large, open areas. Load the roller fully but not dripping, and roll it over a paint tray grid a few times to distribute the paint evenly before applying to the wall. Reload the roller as needed to keep an even coat of wet paint on the wall. Roll from the top of the wall down, using long, even strokes.

Blend in each new section with light, feathering strokes. Overlap each roller pass by several inches to avoid lap marks. Roll in different directions for the second coat. For trim, doors and cabinets, use a brush to paint edges and corners, then fill in the middle with a small roller or brush. Extend each brushstroke from natural stopping point to natural stopping point for the best results.

Take your time and don’t overbrush. Apply enough pressure to spread the paint evenly, but not so much that you create bubbles. two or three coats of paint, waiting for each to dry completely between applications, will provide better coverage than a single thick coat. Thicker paint is more prone to drips and brush marks.

Paint the trim first, then the walls. Use painter’s tape for clean, sharp lines along trim, ceilings and baseboards. Remove the tape as soon as you’re done painting while the paint is still wet to get the crispest edge. Touch up as needed where the tape edge meets the wall.

For the final coat, paint from ceiling to baseboard without stopping to avoid lap marks. Maintain a wet edge as you go. If you do have to stop, end in a corner or natural breaking point. When the entire wall or room is complete, inspect it from multiple angles to ensure an even coat and spot-check for any missed areas or drips before the paint dries.

Take your time with the final details. Use a small angled brush to paint areas around trim, windows, doors, and baseboards. Check that cabinet doors and drawers are fully covered. Once everything looks good, sit back and enjoy your flawless, professional-looking paint job! With some patience and the proper technique, you can achieve amazing results.