Chapter 08 — Home & Car
How do I paint a room properly?
Clean the walls, fill holes with spackle, sand smooth, tape edges, prime any stains or bare patches. Cut in the corners and edges with a brush, then roll the walls in W-shaped strokes. Two thin coats beat one thick one. Plan a full day per average room.
Follow-up questions
How much paint do I need?
One gallon covers ~400 sq ft per coat. Measure wall area (length × height, subtract doors/windows), multiply by two coats, divide by 400.
Do I really need primer?
Yes on new drywall, stained spots, big colour changes, or glossy surfaces. 'Paint and primer in one' is fine for repainting similar colours over clean walls.
What sheen should I pick?
Flat/matte for ceilings, eggshell for living areas, satin for kids' rooms and hallways (wipeable), semi-gloss for trim, bathrooms, and kitchens (moisture-resistant).
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