When painting a house, the general rule of thumb is to start from the top and work your way down. Here’s the recommended order for painting different areas of a house:
- Ceilings: Begin by painting the ceilings first. Use a roller with an extension pole for easy reach, and work in small sections, overlapping each pass slightly to ensure even coverage. Allow the ceiling paint to dry completely before moving on to the walls.
- Walls: Once the ceiling paint is dry, paint the walls. Start by cutting in around the edges with a brush, painting along the trim, corners, and edges of the ceiling and baseboards. Then, use a roller to fill in the rest of the wall, working in small sections and maintaining a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Apply a second coat if necessary, following the same process.
- Trim and Woodwork: After the walls are dry, paint the trim, baseboards, doors, and window frames. Use a smaller brush for precision, and take your time to ensure clean, straight lines. Apply a second coat if needed for full coverage.
- Doors and Windows: Once the trim is dry, paint the doors and windows. Start by painting any recessed panels or details with a brush, then use a roller or brush to paint the rest of the surface. Allow the paint to dry completely before closing doors or windows.
- Exterior: If you’re also painting the exterior of your house, start by painting any trim or accents first, followed by the siding. Work from top to bottom and use a ladder or scaffolding to reach higher areas safely. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats, and be sure to check the weather forecast to avoid painting in extreme temperatures or inclement weather.
By following this order, you’ll ensure that each area of your house is painted in a logical sequence, minimizing the risk of drips, splatters, and other painting mishaps. Additionally, painting from the top down allows you to catch any drips or spills on lower surfaces as you work, making cleanup easier and preventing damage to freshly painted areas.