Ready to give your walls a fresh coat? From the right tools to the best techniques, we've got you covered.

In theory, we all know how to paint a room. Dip a brush or roller in a color and spread it over the wall. But painting neatly and efficiently using the foremost methods and tools? That's a skill most of us could brush up on. To that end, we've put together a guide detailing what you need to know to achieve a flawless finish in any space.

These how-tos and products are for use with latex paint. (Many states have laws restricting the sale of oil-based varieties because of environmental concerns.) First, consider the finish you want. Flat is most commonly used on walls; however, some people prefer satin or eggshell finishes. Semigloss is primarily used on trim. Shinier paints are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because they are easy to clean, but they're also more apt to show imperfections on the wall. With any finish, allow enough time to complete your project; the average room takes about four days, including drying time. So go ahead and paint a glorious mental picture: Do you see soothing blue walls or maybe creamy yellow? Then get to work -- a professional-quality job awaits.

True Colors
Test several paint shades on your wall before committing to one, as they will look different depending on the time of day. "Feather out" the swatches' edges to avoid creating a ridge that will have to be sanded later.

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