Prepare the Walls

• Taking time to repair blemishes in a wall surface will pay off in a fantastic paint job. Sand down the walls, whether they look like they need it or not. Remove bumps and old paint drips, patch nail holes and then sand smooth, and repair larger holes or dents in walls using drywall tape or mesh. Wash the walls using a bucket of warm water, then allow to dry thoroughly before you begin. If you're going from a darker color to a lighter one, (and even if you're not), consider applying a coat of primer to the walls to help seal the wall, which offers more universal spread of paint and coverage.
  
  

Choosing the Right Tools

• Choose the right tools for the job. You're going to need not only paint, but a roller, painter's tape (to tape off windows, molding and door hinges). Choose a roller designed for the texture of your wall. Smooth walls use shorter nap rollers, while rough walls will take a thicker nap roller. You'll also need painter's plastic or tarps to cover the floor or any furniture in the room to protect from paint drips and splatter. A good paintbrush comes in handy for corners or fine details, or you can choose a 2- to 3-inch foam brush for easier coverage of corners and narrow spaces.
  
  

Painting Techniques

• If you're using a roller, apply paint to the walls with long, even strokes. Start in a corner and move your way toward the opposite end of the wall, covering top to bottom. Go over your strokes twice, and then go back to make sure you covered all surfaces. If you're using a paintbrush, use long, even strokes, lifting the brush slightly at the top and bottom of each stroke to prevent obvious bristle marks in the paint.