How to Paint a Room for a Flawless Finish, According to Experts

A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into a space, whether you're turning your bedroom into a calm retreat or giving your home office a light refresh. And yes—anyone can do it. However, a great paint job takes more than just a brush and a bold idea. From picking the right color to nailing that final coat, here’s everything you'll need to paint a room like a pro.

Start With a Vision

Before you even open a paint can, take a moment to imagine how you want the space to feel. Do you want cozy and moody? Light and expansive?

“Start with purpose. Think about the function and the feeling of the room you're painting,” says Daniele Doerge, a color expert at California Paints. If it’s a calm space like a bedroom, soft tones might make more sense. A family room? Maybe something with more energy and warmth.

Doerge also recommends testing colors at different times. “Natural and artificial light dramatically affect paint color," she says. "We always recommend testing a few swatches during different times of day using different color chips to see if the color holds up." You can also use online visualizer tools to preview shades in your actual room.

Not sure what color to choose? You can always pull shades from your existing décor. “Once you’ve picked out your furniture and linens, it [becomes] much easier to pull a color from those elements and create a cohesive look,” says Jennifer Marmor, owner of CertaPro Painters of Phoenix.

Gather Your Supplies

Preparation is key when it comes to painting your walls, and that starts with having the right tools. Drew Michael Scott, home renovation expert and founder of Lone Fox, recommends starting with a basic paint kit.

“It’s so much [more affordable] than buying everything separately,” he says. “And don’t forget an extension handle—this is a must! It makes the job so much easier and saves your back.” 

 Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:

• High-quality painter’s tape for clean edges
  
• Reusable canvas drop cloths
  
• A putty knife and spackle for repairing dings
  
• A ladder and extension pole for hard-to-reach areas
  
• Your selected paint and primer

Prep the Room

Prep work is where many DIYers can go wrong. It’s what separates a quick job from a great result.

Start by moving or covering your furniture, removing outlet covers, and giving your walls a good clean to remove dust and oils. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle, then sand smooth once dry. Use painter’s tape to protect trim, ceilings, and areas you don’t want to paint. Make sure the walls are clean—this means better paint adhesion.

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To Prime Or Not to Prime?

The short answer: it depends. Some paints are advertised as self-priming, but the rule of thumb is that you should always prime your walls. Especially when:  

• You’re covering bare, uneven, or glossy surfaces
• You’re making a dramatic color change
• You’re using a bold accent color (like red, orange, or lime green)

“Primer does offer more coverage than paint, so if you're covering very dark walls with a much lighter color, using a primer might be a smart choice ... though it’s not necessary for adhesion,” says Scott.

If you're painting furniture, cabinets, or manufactured surfaces, then primer is almost always a must.

Start Painting

Once everything’s prepped and your tools are ready, it’s time to paint. Start by cutting in. Use a brush to outline corners, ceilings, and trim. Then grab your roller and tackle the big surfaces using a “W” pattern to avoid streaks and lap marks.

“Always stir your paint before starting,” says Marmor. “Start with the ceiling, then move to the floor, and finish with the walls.”

Apply a Second Coat

You'll need at least two coats for full, even coverage.

“Even if you buy the most expensive paint on the market, you still need two coats!” says Scott. “It's nearly impossible to get perfectly even coverage with just one coat."

Wait until the first coat is completely dry to the touch (usually about an hour) before applying the second.

Finishing Touches

After your final coat has dried, remove your painter’s tape slowly at a 45-degree angle to avoid peeling. Replace your outlet covers, clean up your tools, and store a small container of leftover paint for future touch-ups.