How To Paint Interior Walls

The right tools make the job easier and help improve the finish.

• Use a high-quality roller sleeve and roller handle.
• Use a 3/8-inch sleeve for most wall finishes.
• Use a 1/4-inch sleeve for glossy finishes.
• Use a thicker 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch sleeve for rougher or textured walls.
• Wash and dry new roller sleeves before painting to remove loose fibres.
• Have a paint tray, tray liner, extension pole, angled sash brush, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and a stepladder ready.

Surface preparation is one of the most important parts of a successful paint job. Most walls can be cleaned with a sponge and warm water.

• Remove dust, dirt, grease, and surface marks.
• Repair holes, dents, and imperfections before painting.
• Remove mildew completely before applying paint.
• Prime where needed, especially on repairs, stains, bare drywall, or major colour changes.
• Ask Colour Land about deep base primer when painting darker colours.

Cutting in means painting the edges and details before rolling the main wall area. Use a 2.5-inch angled sash brush for better control.

• Cut in along the ceiling line.
• Paint corners before rolling.
• Brush around windows, doors, trim, moulding, outlets, and switches.
• Work carefully so the roller can blend into the brushed areas while the paint is still workable.

Place a liner in your paint tray and pour paint into the tray. Load your roller by rolling it along the raised roll-off area of the tray.

• Touch the paint without fully submerging the roller sleeve.
• Roll back and forth until the sleeve is evenly saturated.
• A properly loaded roller should hold paint without dripping heavily.
• Reload before the roller becomes too dry.

Start each wall section from the top and work downward. Overlap each row by about 7 to 12 centimetres.

• Use light, even pressure.
• Let the roller and paint do the work.
• Avoid pressing too hard, which can cause drips, runs, ridges, or uneven texture.
• Use an extension pole so you can comfortably reach the highest and lowest parts of the wall.

Each time you reload the roller, begin on an unpainted area and work back into the area you just painted.

• Paint manageable sections instead of stretching the paint too far.
• Maintain a wet edge to help prevent lap marks.
• Roll toward the unpainted area, then back into the freshly painted area.
• Do not overwork the paint once it starts to set up.

Tip: Painting too large an area at once is one of the most common reasons walls look streaky or uneven.

For best hide and colour development, most interior wall projects need at least two coats of topcoat.

• Check the paint can for recommended drying and recoat times.
• Wait until the paint is properly dry before applying the second coat.
• Allow proper cure time before replacing wall plates, frames, fixtures, or furniture against the wall.