5 painting tips that our experts swear by

First off, make sure you have all the tools you’ll need at hand: a hole filler (aka putty or spackling), sandpaper, drop sheets, painter’s tape, brushes and rollers, a paint tray, rags to wipe up spills and, of course, paint. If you’re painting walls and/or ceilings, you’ll need a ladder, and it’s worth investing in a long handle so that you can roll on paint from the ground.

Remove any hooks and nails from the wall and fill the holes. While you have the putty out, fill in any other dings in the walls. Remove light switch and electrical outlet cover plates. (Place a piece of painter’s tape over the outlets to protect them from errant brush strokes.) Lay down painter’s tape to protect surfaces that aren’t to be painted, such as floors or window frames.

If you’re doing any exterior painting, you’ll want to watch the weather forecast. You don’t want to paint soon after a rain or if rain is imminent. Also, avoid painting on windy days. It can cause the paint to dry too quickly, or blow debris onto your finished work. Finally, check the paint can for the recommended temperature and humidity range to paint within.

Thoroughly stir your paint before you begin. Use a brush to get into the corners and any other tight spots. A roller will help you make fast work of large spaces and avoid leaving brush strokes behind. Overlap with each pass for an even coat. Depending on the colour you’re using and the shade beneath it, you’ll need two or three coats to complete the job. If you’re painting a light colour over dark, start off with a layer of primer.

Did you run out of time—or energy—to finish the job? If you’re using latex paint, seal your brush and your roller in a plastic bag and toss them in the fridge. (Oil paint will overpower the food in the fridge.) When you’re ready to get back at it, just pull them out an hour or so ahead of time.