Painting
How to Paint Interiors
Painting with Brushes and Rollers
First some basics on brushes, rollers, and choosing the right tools for the job.
Choose your tools
You'll most likely be using latex-based paint, so choose brushes with synthetic bristles.
| Use a 2" straight brush for interior trim and "cutting in." | Use a roller or power sprayer to larger areas. If you use a sprayer, mask carefully. |
| Consider an edge pad for "cutting in" around door and window frames. When used correctly, edge pads spread paint evenly and produce clean lines. |
Loading a Brush
Moisten the brush with water (for latex paint) then squeeze out any excess fluid.
Dip the brush in the paint carefully, placing no more than 2/3 of the bristles into the paint and move the brush around a bit the first time to saturate the brush with paint.
Pull the brush up and let the excess paint drip off—overloading leads to drips, runs, and spatter. You can also remove some excess paint by pulling the bristles against the edge of the paint can.
Loading a Roller
First get the roller a little damp. Use a thinner for alkyd-based paint and plain old water for latex.
Roll off any excess. Fill the roller well about half way and lower the roller into the middle.
Roll up and down the slope of the pan to saturate the roller and roll off any excess.
Painting
You've prepped with care. Now we'll show you how to paint with confidence.
Other Painting Links:
- Interior Painting Tips
- Using Brushes and Rollers
- Painting Ceilings and Walls
- Choosing a Paint Finish
- Using Interior Wall Epoxy
- How Much Paint Do I Need?
- Interior Decorative Painting Tips
- Brilliant Metals How-to Guide
- Brushed Pearl How-to Guide
- Brushed Suede How-to Guide
- Color Washing How-to Guide
- Crackle Effects How-to Guide
- Dragging, Linen Weave How-to Guide
- Granite How-to Guide
- Metals and Patinas How-to Guide
- Rag Rolling How-to Guide
- Sandstone How-to Guide
- Sponging How-to Guide
- Textured Stone How-to Guide
- Tuscan Accents How-to Guide
- Venetian Plaster How-to Guide
- Exterior Painting Tips
- Exterior Painting Basics
- Fixing Common Paint Problems
- How Much Paint Do I Need?
You've prepped with care. Now we'll show you how to paint with confidence.
Interior paints
Valspar paint products are designed to provide beauty and durability.
True romance
Bring a romantic feel to your home with these warm and rich paint colors.
Bedroom royalty
See how this Winter Amethyst color can bring stately elegance to your home.