How to paint walls: the first coat yourself: step by step

First coat now, before floors and doors. The final coat comes in phase 8 after all install work.

Difficulty 2 of 5 · about half a day · you can do this

Photo of your room, the look you pick, then this guide with the materials counted for your room.

What you need

Step 1 of 4
Cut in the corners, ceiling line, and around windows and doors
Brush every edge before rolling.
Step 2 of 4
Roll in sections about 3×3 ft, W pattern, then even out top to bottom
No pressure on the final vertical strokes.
Step 3 of 4
Keep a wet edge
Start the next section before the edge of the previous one dries. One wall in one pass.
Step 4 of 4
Every 2–3 sections, step back 6 ft and look at an angle
You are looking for holidays (missed spots) and drips. Fix them now while the paint is wet.

Too much paint on the roller. Drips and orange-peel texture. Load the roller, then roll it off on the tray ramp before the wall.
Stopping in the middle of a wall. A visible lap mark. Keep a wet edge and finish the wall in one pass.