A person kneeling while painting a white wall next to a roller trey and can of paint.

Painting Project Checklist

Starting a paint project can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. We've laid out a plan that simplifies each step. Follow these tips for a beautiful result.

Download Checklist

STEP 1

Prep

Start with a perfect canvas by patching holes and sanding texture. Don't forget to stock up on these top prep products.

Purdy Premium 10 in 1 Multitool Product Card.

Painters Tools

3M Pro Grade Precision Edge Detailing Dual Angle Sanding Sponge Product Card.

Sandpaper Sheets & Discs

Caulks & Sealants

STEP 2

Protect

A little taping and surface covering now can save a lot of clean up time and makes for a crisper finish.

A person kneeling on a cream drop cloth next to a can of Sherwin-Williams Emerald paint.

Trimaco Stay Put Canvas Plus Slip Resistant Drop Cloth Product Card.

Drop Cloths

ScotchBlue Multi Surface Painter's Tape Product Card.

Tape & Masking

STEP 3

Application

Using the right tools can make or break a paint job. Be sure to choose the proper brushes and rollers for the surface you’re working with.

Brushes

Contractor Series Soft Woven Roller Covers Product Card.

Roller Covers & Frames

American Trade Products 9 in Economy Roller Tray Pack of 3 Product Card.

Paint Trays, Buckets & Liners

STEP 4

Paint

Now for the main event. But before you pick up a brush, choose your colors, measure your space and use the paint calculator to figure out how much you’ll need.

Two people rolling out Sherwin-Williams Emerald white onto a wall.

Multi-purpose interior exterior latex primer sealer product card.

Interior Primers

Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint Product Card.

Interior Paint

Exterior Primers

Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex Product Card.

Exterior Paint

Shared From Real Homes

Upload your own or share it with us on social media by using #SWColorLove.

A dining room with a dark wooden table with greenish felt chairs with gold legs on top of a golden rug.

@blessedlittlebungalow

A bedroom with a bed with pillows and an orangish tan comforter. A wood nightstand with a vase and plant. An art piece hangs behind the bed on a white wall.

@theforestfarmhouse

An entrance to a house with white siding, a black mailbox and railing with a blue front door and yellow wreath.

@aprilewithane

A white ceramic toilet against a green wall with an image of flowers and shelf above.

@abby.mcnabby

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Sherwin-Williams Color to Go wet paint samples colors being compared and the final result.

Order Color Samples

Make sure you’ve found the perfect color for your next project. Order color chips, peel & stick or Color to Go® samples to see how your top color picks look and feel in your space.

Order Samples