How to Paint Walls

Want to paint the walls in your house for the first time? Trust Hometalk to guide you in everything you need to know about painting walls. All the tips, ideas, and step-by-step guides from our unique DIY community that you will need to make your painting project a success. Read the top projects, ask a question, and watch the videos.

Paint a Wall Step by Step

Prep the walls first

Fill any holes, remove outlet covers and tape over the outlets before you begin painting.

Sand the walls and scrape if needed

If you spot any bumps in the wall, scrape them off. Otherwise, sand the wall to create a surface for the paint to grip onto.

Use a primer before you paint

Primer creates an even base onto which to apply your paint. For optimal results, sand the wall after priming it.

Mastering the technique

When painting, use a brush to paint the edge where the wall meets the trim, then use a roller for the space in between.

Finish by painting the trim

Once the wall is dry, tape off the trim using painters’ tape. This will allow you to paint the trim without ruining your newly painted wall.

Top Projects for Painting Walls

All the DIY wall painting top projects are right here. Check them out.

Wall Painting Videos

Looking for videos on how to paint walls in your house? We've got you covered.

How to Apply German Schmear to Give Your Brick Fireplace a New Look

Create a classy fireplace look with this aged brick-and-mortar effect!

How to Correctly Apply Painter’s Tape for Perfect Straight Lines

Setting out to do some painting but don’t know how professionals get those perfectly straight lines or avoid getting splatter on the baseboards? The secret is painter’s tape!In this article, I’ll tell you exactly how to make the most of painter’s tape, including how to apply the tape on walls, on tricky areas like baseboard corners, and how to remove painter’s tape. It may sound simple, but speaking from past experience as a painter, incorrectly applied painter’s tape can be just as useless as not using it at all, while making use of it makes life so much easier. Once you understand the steps detailed below, painting perfect straight lines and keeping your baseboards pristine will be a cinch.

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

My parents just moved into a beautiful new home! However, it was built in the 70's & needed some updating. They've worked so hard painting, laying floor, & updating the rest of the house & the last big project was the kitchen! First things first, we decided to tackle the cabinets.

Shortcuts and Tips for Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Tired of the oak cabinets, but can't afford a kitchen remodel? Chalk-tique them! Simple, no prep needed.

New Painting Walls Projects

What's trending in the world of DIY wall painting? We have compiled it all here.

Browse Wall Painting Projects

How to Paint an Accent Wall and Change the Entire Look of a Room
How to Paint Trim Perfectly Every Time
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paint a Room
Glam Room Glitter Wall
Paint A Room In 30 Minutes
Stenciled Accent Wall With Stencil Revolution
A Mudroom Wall Makeover!
Two Tone Walls in Bedroom: How To Paint Straight Lines
Priming sheetrock.
Episode 6: Home Office Goes From Totally Dull to Magazine-worthy
Bedroom Board And Batten Wall
Modern Farmhouse Accent Wall & Shelves
How To Paint An Arch Like A Pro
Transform a Space With White Paint: The Days of White Walls Are Back
How to Do the German Schmear...It's Easier Than You Think!
A Floral Watercolor Wallpaper Hack Using Reusable Stencils
Vintage-Looking Farmhouse Wallpaper Made With Wall Stencils
Making a Faux Copper Feature Wall
Take Your Room to the Next Level With This DIY Sponge Accent Wall
Fireplace Shiplap Facelift
A Wall Mural Will Cheer You Right Up
Making A Cozy Farmhouse Bedroom Wall With The Buffalo Check Stencil
A Simple Trick to Get a Pro Paint Finish on a Feature Wall
No Longer Afraid To Give Stencils A Try!
An Accent Wall-High End Style; Low End Budget; DIY Friendly!
How to Paint New Walls to Look Old
Easy DIY Faux Wallpaper
Painted Brick Room Makeover In Our Flip House
Guest Bedroom Makeover
Mountain Wall Mural
PAINTING A ROOM LIKE A PRO
How to Create a Budget Friendly Lemon Wallpaper Look With Stencils
Vertical "Shiplap" Accent Wall
Give Your Room Some Life!
A Floor to Ceiling DIY Office Makeover
$12 Living Room Refresh
Making a Faux Brick Wall With Sheetrock Plaster
DIY Hand-Stamped Herringbone Accent Wall
How to Stencil a Powder Room Wall With Stencil Revolution
Colorful Fun Accent Wall
Hallway Gallery Wall Makeover Using a Pineapple Stencil
How to Easily Create Gorgeous Mosaic Walls
Bathroom Redo for Only $27!
Mountain Mural Tutorial
Simple Boxed Out DIY Window Trim!
How to Create a Symmetric Pattern on the Wall
How to Use Metallic Plaster
The Beginner's Guide to Painting
DIY Handpainted Wallpaper
DIY Hallway Makeover - the REVEAL
DIY Faux Brick Wall in Laundry Room
Bedroom Makeover DIY Wall Art
Modern Painted Arch
How To Cut In Paint Without Painter’s Tape
DIY Faux Tile Feature Wall
Cozy Colorblock Corner
DIY Coastal Planked Wall
Painted Herringbone Design
Straightforward Guide to Stenciling a Wall Without Bleeding
Adding Wainscoting and New Paint to Our Home