How to Paint a Room From Top to Bottom

When you’re painting an entire room, completing the surfaces in the right order can make it much easier to achieve clean, professional-looking results. Here’s how to do it:

Start with the ceiling. This will allow you to address any drips or splatter on the walls without worrying about damaging a finished surface. Once the ceiling has fully dried, you can create a clean line where it meets the walls.

Paint the trim next. It’s generally easier to paint the trim before the walls because you don’t have to be as precise if some trim paint gets onto a surrounding wall. After the trim has dried, you can carefully cut in or apply painter’s tape before painting the walls.

Finish with the walls. Saving the walls for last makes it easier to create crisp, straight lines along both the ceiling and trim. Take your time around the edges and carefully remove the painter’s tape to prevent peeling.