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
How to Easily Create Gorgeous Mosaic Walls
Super Simple (and Cheap) DIY Accent Sponge Wall
Simple Boxed Out DIY Window Trim!
"Closet Desk" Makeover
Vertical "Shiplap" Accent Wall
How to Stencil a Powder Room Wall With Stencil Revolution
How To Stencil a Tropical Wall Mural
Making a Faux Brick Wall With Sheetrock Plaster
DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall
How to Make a Faux Brick Wall
How to Stencil a Trendy Dark Floral Wall
Modern Painted Arch
DIY Herringbone Accent Wall
Another Faux Brick Wall ... With Real Grout!!
Bohemian Rainbow Wall Mural
How to Paint a Mountain Mural
How to Paint a Strie Faux Finish
Faux Brick Wall With German Schmear
Straightforward Guide to Stenciling a Wall Without Bleeding
Watercolor Painted Wall
DIY Whitewash Plank Wall
DIY Roman Clay
How to Paint a Decorative Ceiling Border
How to Build a Wood Accent Wall for Under $100!
Glam Room Glitter Wall
Good Bye 1960. Shiplap Meets Art Deco -Update Wood Paneled Family Room
DIY Dalmatian Accent Wall + Entryway Makeover
Geometric Accent Wall
Hexagon Wall Treatment
Fake Wood Look for Trims
DIY Faux Brick
Brilliant Idea!
Coastal Inspired Wallpapers Hack Using Nautical Stencils
Board and Batten Accent Wall
How I Painted Wallpaper to Create an Accent Wall
How to Create a Budget Friendly Lemon Wallpaper Look With Stencils
How to Do the German Schmear...It's Easier Than You Think!
Color Block Wall Arch
How to Paint Brushed Faux Suede Walls
A DIY Stenciled Brick Hallway Accent Wall
Easy DIY Painted Arch
Accent Wall
Vintage-Looking Farmhouse Wallpaper Made With Wall Stencils
Making a Faux Copper Feature Wall
25 Minute Accent Wall Master Bedroom Makeover