1. Supplies you will need include paint trays and rollers, a bucket and paint screen (optional), hand-held paint containers and brushes, drop cloths, painters tape (NOT masking tape), edge painting pads for easy straight lines, extension poles for rollers, a plastic bag to cover wet rollers during an extended painting project, a ladder, caulk, sandpaper and a putty knife for patching holes, clean up cloths and paint remover, and a work light to see corners and details. For testing sample colors pick up Small Wallsample boards.
2. The right preparation is key to a good paint application. That includes removing dust from your floors - so it doesn't blow back up onto your wet paint - and soil or grease from the wall. TSP - tri-sodium phosphate is sold in most home improvement stores - and is an easy to use wall cleaner. Follow all directions. Prepping includes protecting furniture, flooring, and taping off doors, windows and moldings; be sure to remove switch and outlet plates and cover them with tape to protect. Repair holes with spackle, drywall mud or Painters Nail Hole Filler.
3. Priming the walls before the color coat will cover old colors, marks, stains, and you will need fewer coats of paint. Some paints are two-in-one but you still need additional color coats for best coverage - especially with deeper color tones.
4. Choose the right paint sheen for appearance, clean up and reflecting light. For ceilings, use a FLAT sheen since it hides imperfections. Use a MATTE (low sheen) for bedrooms and other lower use rooms since it is made for cleaning, but doesn't have an undesireable shine. For high traffic rooms like kitchens, baths and hallways, SATIN or EGGSHELL are best so the surface wipes easily and the walls reflect a bit of light back into the room. Reserve the gloss sheens for moldings, doorways and window trim.
5. Your paint color and the type of paint you use are next. There is a huge variety of paint on the market. I highly recommend a low-odor, no VOC (volatile organic compound) paint like those made by Sherwin Williams. It's healthier for you and good for the environment. As for color, with easy-to-use color chips, sample sizes, and Small Wall boards, you can select and test colors in your rooms without having to mess up your walls. A good rule of thumb is to look at the colors you like on several paint swatches and take the range of swatches home with you. Why? The lighting in the store differs from your home, and you will see subtle undertone differences that will affect the final outcome. After selecting the color (I often recommend the shade lighter on the chip if you are covering white walls), purchase small samples and sample boards and paint those instead of the walls. Place your sample boards in various locations in the room to see how the color will change in the lighter and darker areas.
6. When you have the final color...start painting! Paint ceilings before walls. Whether you should "cut-in" first or last is up to you. That simply means use your brushes to paint wall-ceiling junctions, corners, and around molding, doors and windows...areas where a roller cannot be used. For cutting in, mix paint thoroughly and pour a small amount into a hand-held container. Dip the brush in and completely and evenly, cover the areas for cut-in. Flat pad applicators are often good for this task. Keep your paint stirred during the process. When you are ready for the walls, pour your paint into a painter's tray and evenly distribute the paint on the roller. For large areas, it's handy to pour your paint into a five gallon bucket and hang a paint screen over the edge. It is easier than paint trays and rollers are more evenly covered with paint. Be sure to cover the roller thoroughly but do not leave it dripping with paint. Roll paint on walls in a "W" or "M" pattern and evenly fill that area in. Begin each new "W" beside the previous and then blend the paint edges together while still wet. Painting often goes fast. Be sure to check coverage with your light, before finishing for the day. You can place wet rollers, trays and brushes in plastic bags if you need to stop overnight.
Be sure to wait until the paint is dry before removing the drop cloths. Painters tape can be removed sooner, but be sure you do so carefully. Good quality paint brushes and rollers will make your job easier and need to be washed thoroughly. Add back your furniture, carefully re-position art and wall hangings, and enjoy your new colors!