I want to paint my bedroom/bathroom: help!

Joyce Cauley
by Joyce Cauley
How does a beginner get started? What kind of paint should I use?
  11 answers
  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 14, 2017

    From personal experience- I got the most help by going to the store and explaining my space to the people who worked there. they set me up with all the tools and supplies and paint that I needed to get started.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 14, 2017

    I would advise breaking up your timeline in 2: prep and paint because they can often take the same amount of time- setting up painter's tape, covering and moving furniture ect. You're going to be great!!! Good luck! Share how it goes!!

  • Gail Gail on Feb 14, 2017

    For an inexperienced painter I definitely recommend taking the time to do your prep work--remove all switch and outlet covers and use painters tape. It's time consuming but worth it. Also, get a good brush for trim. It doesn't have to be the most expensive, but dollar store supplies give poor results. Use the right roller cover. Ask at the store if you are confused. Good quality paint (Valspar Reserve or similar). It costs more but unless you are trying to cover a really dark color with a light color, a good paint can cover in one coat, so overall it can cost about the same and you save the labor of an extra coat. Finally, keep a damp cloth near you. You are more likely to remove dripped or misplaced paint if you do.

  • Patty Patty on Feb 15, 2017

    Like they said prep; remove all outlet plates, take a damp cloth of vinegar water and wash walls and let dry over night. If your walls have a dark color already on them then use a white paint for a primer. I always use a Satin Latex indoor paint it is washable. I hate white walls so use a color that makes you happy. You also might want to paint 3 walls 1 color and 1 wall a darker color as an accent wall. Happy painting.! Oh yeah they have a great short handled paint brush at Home Depot that is excellent for trim work which you should do first before rolling. Also roll in angles not straight up and down to get rid of the lines.

  • I also recommend a thorough cleaning of the walls and good prep before starting any paint work but I recommend a primer first just in case for good adhesion of new paint since you have no Idea the quality of original paint... We only use Sherwin Williams Semi Gloss paint... especially in a bathroom due to moisture... and it is easy to wipe clean. Hope this helps ... Happy painting

  • Patricia Patricia on Feb 17, 2017

    Valspar was used in my bathroom remodel by my handiman and it water spots. I always use a high gloss enamel in the bathroom and laundry area and at least a semi gloss enamel in the kitchen because it can be washed. I just don't like flat paint at all. If I'm papering anywhere, I cover the outlet and light switch cover with the paper. I'm all about the bling! As often as I redo rooms, Wal Mart paint works for me and it's cheaper. I've even gone to Big Lot's for some and it works just as well as any other.

  • Patricia Patricia on Feb 17, 2017

    Question: tape trim first and do walls or tape walls and do trim first? Seems like it would be easier to do walls first and then tape them to do the trim.


  • Patty Patty on Feb 18, 2017

    I always do the trim first.

  • Diane Diane on Mar 09, 2021

    www.hometalk.com

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Apr 08, 2021

    Yes, semi gloss latex enamel and check out “kitchen & bath” paint. Need to be able to wipe down the high humidity “sweat” on walls.

    See if you can someone to teach you how to “draw a bead” of paint with your cut-in brush so that you don’t have to tape off your trim.

    Probably a YT video on that.