How to Decorate a Living Room with Paint

• Step 1

  Take all furniture and accessories out of the room, leaving it entirely empty.

• Step 2

  Clean the walls and ceiling. Mix 1 part mild dish detergent to 3 parts hot tap water in a water bucket. Use a clean sponge to wash the dirt and dust. Rinse and let dry for 15 minutes.

• Step 3

  Apply TSP (Tri-sodium phosphate) to the walls and ceiling according to the instructions on the container. The TSP is used to remove grime and hard-to-clean dirt. Use rubber gloves and goggles when applying.

• Step 4

  Add Spackle or a similar product to any areas that contain holes or gouges. Smear the Spackle in an "X" motion over the area and allow it to dry as stated on the package.

• Step 5

  Lay a drop cloth down on the floor to protect the carpet or ground from sanding dust or paint spills and splashes. Place drop cloths around the top of the walls with masking tape before painting the ceiling.

• Step 6

  Sand the Spackle lightly with fine, 120-grit sandpaper until the area is smooth. Wipe a clean tack cloth across the sanded areas to remove the dust, leaving a clean and bondable surface.

• Step 7

  Open the paint can with the metal paint can opener and stir it evenly with the wooden paint stirrer. Add the paint to the paint tray, submerge a 1- or 2-inch paintbrush, and start painting the edges and hard-to-reach areas of the ceiling.

• Step 8

  Utilize a paint roller with an extender or ladder to reach the ceiling. Finish coating the ceiling and let it dry as stated by the instructions on the can of paint. Apply a second coat to the ceiling if areas missing paint are visible. Allow the second coat to dry thoroughly.

• Step 9

  Remove the drop cloths from the walls and start "cutting in" the edges and hard-to-reach areas with the various-sized brushes. Use smaller brushes for the trim and larger brushes for the hard-to-reach spots.

• Step 10

  Paint the walls with the roller using a "W" motion within a 2 to 3 foot space and work your roller up and down to cover the walls in a even coat. Let the walls dry according to the instructions on the can.

• Step 11

  Apply a second coat of paint to the walls if there are spots where paint is thin or missing. Add the second coat of paint the same way as the first coat and let it dry the same amount of time.

• Step 12

  Clean up the drop cloths and materials, and allow the room to dry overnight before returning the furniture and accessories.

• 3
• Mild dish detergent Sponge Water bucket TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) Rubber gloves Goggles Spackle Putty knife Drop cloth Masking tape Dust mask 120-grit sandpaper (optional) Tack cloth (optional) Ladder Indoor Paint Metal paint can opener Wooden stir stick Paint tray Paintbrushes (sizes 1-inch to 6-inch) Paint roller extender Paint rollers Cleaning rags (optional)
• Mild dish detergent
• Sponge
• Water bucket
• TSP (tri-sodium phosphate)
• Rubber gloves
• Goggles
• Spackle
• Putty knife
• Drop cloth
• Masking tape
• Dust mask
• 120-grit sandpaper (optional)
• Tack cloth (optional)
• Ladder
• Indoor Paint
• Metal paint can opener
• Wooden stir stick
• Paint tray
• Paintbrushes (sizes 1-inch to 6-inch)
• Paint roller extender
• Paint rollers
• Cleaning rags (optional)
• Wear your dust mask when sanding and painting to minimize dust and paint fumes.
• Wear your dust mask when sanding and painting to minimize dust and paint fumes.

References & Resources

• Lowes: Painting an Interior Room
• Lowes: Picking the right interior paint