Ted Stumpf
Ted Stumpf, Windermere Napa Valley PropertiesPhone: (707) 246-9825
Email: [email protected]

Rooms: Quick Tips for Painting Perfectly the First Time

by Ted Stumpf 03/30/2025

Painting is one of the best home improvement projects for beginners to take on, but that doesn't mean that you should begin without learning more about the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to walk you through everything you need to know about painting a room.

Step 1: Choose Your Color

Before you begin the painting process, you need to select the perfect color for your room. To select the perfect shade, you will want to get swatches from the store and bring them home to compare them in the room you will be painting. If you are stuck between two or three colors, head back to the store to get a small container of each color. Paint a small patch of the wall and let it dry to get an idea of which color will look best in the room.

Step 2: Purchase Your Paint and Your Materials

Once you finalize your color selection, purchase your paint and materials. Make sure you know whether you want high-gloss, semi-gloss, matte, satin or eggshell before you have your paint mixed. In addition to the paint, the other materials that you will need to finish the project may be:

  • Paint brushes
  • Paint rollers
  • Drop cloths
  • Painter's tape
  • Paint tray

Step 3: Prep the Space

Next, you are going to need to get the room ready. Move all furniture out of the room or into the center of the room so that you can easily access all walls. Then, line a drop cloth on the floor. Trim the windows and ceiling with painter's tape to ensure you have clean, smooth lines as you paint.

Step 4: Trim First, Then Roll

Now, you are ready to paint. Work along the wall to prevent you from smudging the paint or bumping into the wet wall. Trim the area you are painting first. Then use the paint roller to make an X pattern as you cover the entire wall.

Step 5: Let It Dry, Then Repeat

Let the first coat of paint dry completely. Repeat step four until the second coat of paint fully covers the wall. This will give you the deep, rich color you are looking for.

About the Author
Author

Ted Stumpf

Ted draws energy and joy from building synergetic relationships with his Clients. Ted's nature is graciously gregarious and persevering; he's honest; and he's been dedicated to a substantial list of clientele throughout his 25 years in the hospitality business and seven years as a REALTOR. His passion is creating a sincere, successful relationship with people.

Ted grew up in a family of Realtors in central Indiana, earned a degree in economics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and jumped into all aspects of the restaurant business. His ensuing hospitality career path eventually led him into the Event Management Sales & Service role in hotels and quickly guided him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and finally to a luxury resort in the Napa Valley, where he, his husband, and their dog have resided for 16 years now.  

The irony is not lost on Ted that his ‘growth’ journey has culminated in“living happily ever after” in an agricultural area with a small-town feel and sense of community strikingly reminiscent of his youth…and as a REALTOR nonetheless!