Need a checklist for painting a room? You’re in the right spot. Our comprehensive interior painting prep checklist walks you through each crucial step—from selecting your colour palette to applying those final finishing touches.
Interior painting can completely transform your home, giving every room a fresh, updated look—all without the hefty price tag of a full renovation. But achieving that crisp, professional finish starts with proper preparation and careful planning.
Decide on the paint colours and finishes for each room. Consider lighting, room size and functionality. Always test sample colours on your walls before committing.
Measure wall height and width, subtract doors and windows, and factor in multiple coats. Always allow extra paint for touch-ups later.
Gather rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, drop sheets, trays and ladders. High-quality tools provide a smoother and more professional finish.
Many DIY painting jobs go wrong. Hiring a professional ensures a high-quality finish and proper preparation.
For larger projects like multi-room or whole-house painting, professionals can complete the work efficiently and reduce stress.
Remove all furniture and wall hangings. If you can't completely get rid of large pieces of furniture yourself, move them to the centre of the room and cover them with drop cloths. Protect the floors by laying down drop cloths or plastic sheets to catch any drips.
Dirt and grime can build up on your walls over time, which stops the new paint from adhering properly to the surface. Wipe down your walls with a damp cloth or sponge. For kitchens and bathrooms, use a mild detergent to remove grease and stains. Then let the walls dry completely before moving to the next step.
See if there are any cracks, holes or dents in the walls and fix them up. Use spackle or a filler to patch the areas and sand them down once dry. If you're painting over glossy surfaces, lightly sand them to help the paint stick better. Don't forget to vacuum the dust afterwards.
Priming is necessary, especially if you're painting over dark colours, glossy surfaces or new drywall. Primer helps the paint adhere better, evening out the surface and giving it a longer-lasting finish. It's best to use a roller to apply primer for larger areas, and a brush for corners and edges.
Use painter’s tape to protect trims, skirting boards, window/door frames and edges you don’t want painted. Press the tape down firmly to prevent paint bleed and get cleaner lines.
Sometimes paint can separate when it's been sitting in the can for a long time, so make sure to stir it well before you start to ensure the most even application. For best results, use a paint stick and stir in a circular motion.
Start by 'cutting in' the edges of the walls with a brush. In other words, paint around the corners, ceiling, baseboards and architraves where a roller won't reach. Work in small sections at a time and try to blend the edges with the roller strokes for a cleaner look.
Once you've cut in the edges of your walls, it's time to roll. Load the roller evenly with paint and start painting in a 'W' or 'M' motion, then fill in the gaps. This technique helps distribute the paint evenly and avoids unsightly roller marks.
For the best results, apply at least two coats of paint on your walls. Let the first coat dry completely (check the paint can for drying times) before doing the second coat, which will give you a much richer colour and a more durable finish. If your paint is on the sheer side, you can even opt for 3 coats of paint to get your desired finish. While 1 coat of paint isn't the end of the world, you may end up with an uneven finish.
Once the paint is dry to the touch, gently remove the painter's tape from your walls. A tip to ensure a clean finish is to pull it at a 45-degree angle so it doesn't peel off any of the fresh paint. If the tape is stuck, use a utility knife to score along the edge before pulling it off.
After the paint has fully dried, look over your handiwork for any missed spots, drips or uneven sections. Use a small brush for touch-ups, if required. It's always helpful to keep a bit of leftover paint in case you need to do more work in the future.
Fully clean your brushes, rollers and trays straight after using them. If you wait until the paint dries, your tools will be much harder to clean. If you have used a water-based paint, clean everything with soap and water. For oil-based paints, use a paint thinner or mineral spirits.
Once the paint is fully dry and cured, usually after a few days, you can re-hang your artwork, curtains and framed photos. Be careful when handling the walls in case you scratch the fresh paint.
Congratulations—you’ve crossed the finish line on your painting project! With each step completed, your space has been transformed into something that’ll bring a smile to your face every time you enter the room.
Keep in mind that even seasoned professional painters occasionally need to make small touch-ups, so there’s no need to stress if you notice a minor spot that needs attention over the next few days. Make sure to properly store any leftover paint and supplies—your future self will appreciate it when touch-up time rolls around.
Now take a moment to step back, admire the results of your hard work, and enjoy your beautifully refreshed space. If you’d rather leave the painting to the professionals, you can easily post your job on hipages to connect with qualified painters in your area.
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