Mastering Interior Wall Painting: A Professional's Guide

1. Preparing the Walls: The Foundation of a Great Finish

Proper preparation is 80% of the job. Don't skip these critical steps, which ensure durability and a smooth final appearance.

1. **Clear and Protect:** Move all furniture at least three feet from the walls, then cover the floor and furniture completely with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
2. **Remove Flaking Paint:** Use a scraper or sandpaper to remove any loose or flaking paint. **Always wear a mask** when sanding or scraping old finishes.
3. **Patching and Repair:** Fill minor holes and cracks with **spackle or filler** and allow to dry. For larger holes (3/4" diameter or bigger), use **drywall mud and drywall tape** to patch, then retexture the area once dry to match the surrounding wall.
4. **Smooth Out Imperfections:** Lightly sand any patched areas or rough spots on the walls to ensure a smooth surface.
5. **Clean Dust:** Use a damp cloth or vacuum to remove all dust and debris generated from sanding. This is vital for paint adhesion.
6. **Masking:** Apply painter's tape carefully to protect all adjacent areas—trim, windows, ceiling lines, and outlets—that you do not want to paint.

2. Painting the Walls: Technique for a Line-Free Finish

1. **Prepare Paint:** Stir the paint thoroughly with a stir stick (not a drill attachment) to ensure pigments and solids are fully incorporated. Pour a manageable amount into a paint tray.
2. **Cut In:** Use a **3-inch angled paintbrush** to "cut in" along all edges, corners, and areas where the roller cannot reach. Do this for the entire wall or room before starting the main rolling.
3. **Load the Roller:** Use a **1/2" to 3/4" nap roller cover** (depending on your wall texture). Load the roller with paint and start rolling the main wall surface.
4. **Apply with Proper Direction:** Start about two-thirds of the way up the wall, roll up first, and then work your way down. Use a consistent 'M' or 'W' pattern to ensure even coverage across a small section.
5. **The Backroll Technique (Pro Tip):** This technique is crucial to avoid roller lines (lap marks). As you finish covering a section, put the **fairly dry roller** at the top of the section and pull it straight down to the bottom with **no pressure**. This final, light pass smooths out paint edges before they dry.
6. **Apply Second Coat:** Allow the first coat to dry completely (check the can for dry times). Apply a second coat using the same cut-in and backroll technique for a deeper color and more even finish.
7. **Remove Tape While Wet:** This is another critical step! Remove the painter's tape while the **final coat of paint is still wet**. This prevents the drying paint from forming a bond over the tape line, which can cause the paint to peel when the tape is pulled up.