A bit of wire helps you get
an even coat; see #6.

During the Job

5. Where to Start To paint a wall, start with the edges, then fill in the center area. Because there could be variations between batches of paint, avoid starting with a new can of paint in the middle of a wall. Even a slight variation would be noticeable there.

6. Getting an Even Coat If you start brushing on the color and notice an uneven distribution of the paint, try this trick used by professional painters: Decant some paint into a new, smaller paint can (available at hardware stores and home centers). Clip a bit of a wire coat hanger and bend it across the top of the small paint can. Secure the wire by twisting the ends into the rim or wrapping them around the handle. Then, after you dip your brush into the paint, gently wipe the excess off along the wire instead of along the can's curved rim. Your brush will carry an even amount of color across the width of the brush, and you'll get more even results on the wall.

7. Handy Helpers Keep a clean rag handy to wipe up any drips or spills. Have a stash of inexpensive disposable foam brushes, too, for quick touch-ups. But don't be tempted to use them for the long haul; the foam will start to disintegrate and leave a mess on your wall along with the paint.

8. Be Patient When applying multiple coats of paint, allow the walls to dry to the touch between applications. Premature brushing of the second coat can ruin the job by pulling up the first coat of paint.