Tools, Materials, and Prep Checklist

The Prep Kit: Do not skip the prep tools; they dictate the quality of your final result. Purchase two heavy-duty canvas drop cloths (around $25 each) to absorb accidental spills and prevent slipping. Grab three rolls of premium painter’s tape ($24 total) designed specifically for sharp edges. You also need a 120-grit sanding sponge ($5), a lightweight spackle kit with a flexible steel putty knife ($12), and a concentrated degreaser like TSP ($10) to scrub away invisible wall grime.

Brushes and Rollers: Following guidelines set by the Painting Contractors Association, you must avoid bargain-bin applicators. Cheap rollers shed lint into your wet paint, ruining the finish. Invest $15 in a high-quality 2.5-inch angled synthetic brush for cutting in along your trim. Pair this with a sturdy 9-inch roller frame and three 3/8-inch nap microfiber roller covers ($20 total). This specific nap thickness delivers the smoothest possible finish on standard interior drywall.

Paint and Primer: Plan on purchasing one gallon of premium interior latex paint for every 400 square feet of wall space. Expect to pay between $50 and $75 per gallon for quality brands. Always buy a dedicated interior primer—costing around $25 per gallon—to ensure maximum adhesion, hide old stains, and provide true color representation for your new Pantone shades.