You’ve prepped. You’ve primed. The light at the end of the project tunnel is right up ahead. It’s time to paint the topcoat. Start by checking out our tips on how to handle a brush and roller, then simply follow the application steps below.

Brush tips:

• Clear out any loose debris on the dry brush by striking the flat side of the brush against the palm of your hand.
• Dip the bottom 1/3 of the bristles into the paint and tap lightly on the side of the can. This should load your brush with just the right amount of paint.
• Always maintain a “wet edge”—in other words, paint from unpainted areas into wet, painted areas.
• If you’re using oil-based paint, drag your brush across the surface several times for a smooth finish; if you’re using latex, one or two strokes will do the job—anything more could leave brush marks.

Roller tips:

• Before using new roller covers, remove any excess lint by running a lint brush or masking tape over the cover.
• If you’re using latex paint, lightly dampen the roller cover with water before you begin to paint. This helps the new cover absorb the paint evenly.
• Pour a small amount of paint into a roller tray. Dip your roller into the paint and roll back and forth to remove excess paint.
• Roll your first stroke in the shape of a 2-foot “W.”
• Fill in the “W” with up and down strokes moving from left to right.
• Repeat the “W” shape until the surface is completely painted.

1. Paint the ceiling.

• TIP: If you’re painting the walls, don’t forget the ceiling. Seriously—it’s amazing the difference a clean coat of paint or a new color can make.
• Using a brush, paint a 2- to 3-inch wide border around the perimeter of the ceiling where it meets the wall.
• Next, use a roller with an extension handle to finish up.

2. Paint the walls.

• Once the ceiling has dried, move on to the walls.
• Paint with a brush a 2- to 3-inch strip around the entire edge of the walls. Make sure you get the edges at the floor and ceiling, where one wall meets another, and around windows, doors and trim.
• Use a roller to complete the rest of the wall. TIP: Use the “W” technique outlined above, working from the top of the wall down.
• Once you’ve finished a section of wall, lightly re-roll over the area in parallel strokes from ceiling to floor in a straight line moving from left to right. This ensures a uniform finish.

3. Paint windows, door and trim.
Before you start painting windows, doors or trim, allow the walls to dry completely.

To paint windows:

1. Use a quality, angled sash brush.
2. Slide the window open.
3. Paint the inside crossbars and frame (or sash).
4. Close the window (leave open about an inch or so).
5. Paint the outside crossbars and frame.
6. Finish with the entire window casing and sill.

WATCH OUT!: If any paint drips on the glass, remove it carefully with a razor blade.

To paint trim:

1. Tape off areas where the trim meets the wall and where the trim meets the floors.
2. Using a 1 ½- or 2- inch angled brush, paint trim at the top of the wall first, working around windows, then down to the baseboards.

To paint doors:

1. Work from the center of the door out. For flat doors, use a roller. For doors with detailing, paint any carved edges and panels first using an angled trim brush.

Cleanup

• If you used latex paint, clean brushes and other tools using soap and warm water. For oil, clean with an appropriate paint thinner following package directions. 
• If possible, hang brushes from the handles and allow to dry. 
• TIP: Ready to call it quits for the day? There’s no need to rinse brushes. Wrap the bristles with kitchen plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band.
• WATCH OUT: If you drip paint on carpeting, don’t try to wipe it up. This will only smear it into the pile. Allow it to dry, then snip out the drop of paint with scissors.