How to Paint Like a Pro

If you’re ready to tackle that next home painting project, the tips presented in this Pottery Barn video will help you get professional looking results, even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush:

The tools you use are every bit as important as the paint itself. Not all brushes are created equal. Natural bristle brushes are recommened for oil-based paints, stains, shellacs and varnishes. For latex paints, use a polyester or nylon-polyester blend brush. Brushes also come in one- to four-inch widths. With the proper care, good quality brushes can last for years.

A narrow-angle brush is best for painting trim, while a wider brush is better for large flat surfaces. Sash brushes have bristles that are cut on a slant. Their thin edge makes it easy to paint a straight line against trim, corners and baseboards.

Depending on the type of paint you’re applying and whether your wall is smooth or textured, the best roller covers can be made from various synthetic and natural fibers. Roller covers have a nap or pile that varies in thickness to accommodate different surfaces. A stucco wall or popcorn ceiling takes a roller cover with a thick pile, while a short nap is preferred for a smooth wall. Use an extension handle for convenience when painting hard-to-reach places.

Paint one wall at a time, starting at the base. Dip the brush in the paint, but don’t wipe it on the side of the can where it’s likely to create drips. A few light taps will shed excess paint. If you’re painting large surfaces, a roller will will let you move much faster than a brush. Working in two-foot squares, roll a wide “N” pattern, then cross-roll to fill it. Finish with a few strokes in one direction to smooth the suface.

For best results, try not to stop in the middle of the wall. Wait until you reach a corner before taking a break. If your project will take more than a gallon of paint, mix the last third of the paint from one can with the next to maintain a consistent color. Record your paint color and sheen so you can match your paint color if you need to repaint in the future.