by Scott Allison

Created on: December 14, 2008

Before you decide to do some interior painting ask yourself one question. Do I really want to do this? Painting isn't a chore for those that might lack a little patience. Doing the job fast to just "get it done" will more than likely leave more paint on the floors, trim, yourself and sometimes the ceiling than on the walls. If you believe your up to the task, here's some helpful hints to make the job a little easier.

First, and foremost, you have to choose a color. Head to any do-it-yourself store and peruse the thousands of colors to choose from. Pick out four or five of the color sample cards and take them home. Standing in your own living room comparing the colors is better than picturing what it might look like from the store. Once you've made your decision, go back to the paint counter to have the associate mix your paint. He or she will explain the differences in finish to you, flat, semi-gloss or gloss, that you can choose from. You'll want to tell them how many rooms you'll be painting so they can mix the appropriate amount of paint for you. While you're there, get a rolling pan with disposable liners, a roller with a handle extension, some rolling pads, a three inch trim brush, some paint tape and plastic floor covering.

Now that you have all of your supplies, begin the job by prepping the room to be painted. Move everything in the room to the center and take any pictures and such down from the walls. Next, with a screwdriver, remove the covers from the electrical outlets and light switches being careful that the wrong hands don't get close enough to get an electrical shock. Now get your paint tape. Use the tape to cover areas you don't want painted the color of the walls. For instance, if you have crown molding that is a different color, using a ladder, run the tape down the molding all the way up to the wall. Same for shoe molding, door and window frames or any kind of woodwork. Taping can be a little tedious, but it will save aggrivation in the long run. Next you want to cover the floor with plastic sheeting. Be careful on this plastic as it will slide around on carpet and can be a little slippery. Once you've finished taping and have the floor covered, you're ready to paint.

You'll start with the roller first. Put one of the roller pads on the roller and attach the extension to the handle of the roller. Place a disposable liner in the roller pan. Remove the cover off the paint can carefully and mix the paint until it is blended well to a smooth

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