A fresh coat of paint is an easy and economical way to update any room. It’s also perfect for hiding imperfections and refreshing your home décor. Before you pick up a roller, here’s a checklist to help you get started.

• What room are you painting?

  • Bedroom

  • Kitchen

  • Bathroom

  • Other living spaces

• What types of surfaces will you be painting?

  • Drywall

  • Wood

  • Trim

  • Ceiling

• What type of paint do you want?

  • Latex. The higher the percentage of acrylic resin, the harder and more durable the finish.

  • Alkyd. Tough and durable for use in high-traffic areas such as kitchen and bath woodwork, but it requires paint thinner or turpentine for removal.

• Consider your finish, both for aesthetics and wear

  • High-gloss. It is often easier to clean and good for damp and high traffic areas.

  • Semi-gloss

  • Flat or matte

  • Mold and mildew resistant

• Other considerations

  • What brand or color of paint do you prefer?

  • Do you need ventilation?

  • Do you want low-emission (no VOC) paint?

  • Do you need to apply a primer before you paint?

• Prepare your room

  • Move furniture out of the way and cover floors and surfaces of things you can’t move.

  • Fill, patch and sandpaper walls.

  • Wipe dirt and grime with a damp cloth and clear cobwebs.

  • Use painter’s tape around window trim, baseboards, crown moulding, switches, outlets and where ceilings and walls meet.

  • Open your windows and use a portable fan to reduce drying time.

• Gather the necessary materials

  • Drop cloths and tarps to cover the floor and furniture.

  • Newspapers to cover windows.

  • Paint brushes, rollers and handle (with an extender if necessary) and paint tray.

  • Do you need a respirator mask to protect you from paint emissions?

  • Is your paint water-soluble or will you need turpentine or paint thinner to clean up?