Clear the room and cover floors, furniture, and fixtures with drop cloths or plastic
Remove nails, hooks, outlet covers, and switch plates
Clean the wall with soap and water or a suitable cleaner
Repair holes, cracks, and dents with filler or spackle
Sand patched areas and rough spots smooth
Wipe away dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth
Tape off trim, ceilings, and edges if needed
Apply primer if the wall is stained, patched, or changing to a lighter color
Stir the paint thoroughly
Pour paint into a tray or bucket
Cut in along edges, corners, and trim with a brush
Roll paint onto the wall in overlapping sections
Keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks
Apply a second coat after the first coat dries if needed
Remove painter’s tape before the paint fully hardens
Reinstall outlet covers and fixtures
Clean brushes, rollers, and tools immediately after use
Let the wall cure fully before moving furniture back or hanging items