Preparation

• Finished drywall may look smooth, but under certain lighting conditions, you will notice problems. The surfaces coated with joint compound may stand out next to the rough paper surface of the uncoated areas. To avoid this, use a good-quality drywall primer/sealer. It will even out the textures and compensate for the different porosities of the coated and uncoated surfaces.
  
  Before applying the primer, wipe down the walls and ceilings with a soft-bristled broom or a towel to knock off any dust. Dust can clump together and make your final painted surface bumpy.
  
  If possible, use "blue tape" (sometimes called painter's tape) for edges. It is more expensive than masking tape, but it will not damage painted surfaces or pull off wood finishes, such as the polyurethane on a wood floor. It is a good idea to put blue tape along the top edge of the walls before painting the ceiling. Then place it along the outer edges of the ceiling before painting the walls. Wait for the painted surfaces to dry before putting tape on them and be gentle when removing it.
  
  

Painting

• Apply the primer as evenly as possible. To avoid dripping onto your newly painted surfaces, work from the top down. Do the ceilings first, then the walls. After you finish, allow the primer to dry. Then use a bright light to highlight your work so you can look for imperfections. Fix any problems with a little joint compound and a small drywall knife. Let the compound dry, then sand it lightly.
  
  You can now apply your paint. Again, work from the top down. Any wood trim or cabinets in the room should be painted last. Also, keep a wet edge while you are working. If you don't, the dried edge of your work will show through. If you need to take a break, stop after you have reached a corner.
  
  How many coats your project needs will depend on the quality of the paint you are using and the quality of your work. If the first coat of paint looks uneven or mottled, apply a second coat. Light color paints usually look fine after one coat. But if the paint is dark, you may have to apply two or even three coats.