How to Buy Paint

• A trip to buy paint can be intimating, thanks to thousands of different paint colors or dozens of different paints. The first step is to buy the right paint for your room.
  
  Finishes: If you are painting a kitchen, bathroom or any room that is exposed to moisture, choose a satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss paint in a mildew-resistant formula. A higher gloss paint can withstand the dampness and cleans up well. Choose a flat or matte paint for bedrooms or rooms without much traffic because it's more difficult to wash.
  
  Coverage Area: The paint container lists the amount per square footage you can expect per gallon. Determine the square footage you need by measuring the distance around the room. Then multiply the perimeter by the height of the room. To cover the ceiling, multiply the length times the width.
  
  

Prep is Key

• Take the time to prepare walls to ensure a much smoother and easier painting.
  
  Line floors and the path you'll use to and from room with tarp, and tape down the edges. Use blue painters tape or aluminum foil to cover window sills, door frames, knobs, faucets, fixtures, electric switches and outlets and anything else you don't want to paint. Foil may work better for oddly-shaped items because it can be crimped into shape.
  
  Once everything is taped off, remove nails and fill any holes or dents with spackle with a plastic spreader. While the spackle is drying (about one hour), lightly sand the walls with fine sandpaper. This step removes dirt and oils, and primes the surface for painting.
  
  If you have exposed woodwork, apply a coat of lemon oil. This makes it easier to wipe away paint speckles as you work. Wipe as you go, rather than waiting until the paint dries.
  
  

Room Painting Tips

• Many paints now come in formulations that include primer. If you don't use that, use a primer before you paint to produce a smoother, more professional finish.
  
  To prevent spills with a full can of paint, wrap the bottom and sides of the can with newspaper and a rubber band to absorb paint drips. Or you can buy a plastic drip collar.
  
  Paint the wall, starting with diagonal strokes, then use vertical strokes for the final coat. This makes it easier to remember what coat you're painting.
  
  One way to remember the paint you're using in the future is to write the color and brand on masking tape. Stick it to the back of a wall switch plate in the room.