Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays

    This Is Why We Send Paper Valentines on February 14

    The tradition began more than 1,500 years ago.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating

    Pantone Predicts the Bold, Happy Colors You'll See Everywhere in Spring 2021

    If these trendy hues are any indication, brighter days are coming. Here's how to use these stunning shades around your home.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Interior Painting
  4. Painting Tips
  5. How to Paint Anything

How to Paint Anything

By Renee Freemon Mulvihill
February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Credit: John Bessler Photography
This is your go-to guide for painting absolutely anything. Start looking around for ways to amp up your home with color! Using a variety of applications, you can add new color to almost any surface—and give yourself new furnishings for just the cost of the paint and elbow grease. We'll walk you through how to paint anything in your house, from ceiling to floor.
Start Slideshow

1 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Metal

Clean the surface with a stiff wire brush to remove flaking paint or rust. Wipe with a damp cloth and let it dry. Prime with metal primer and let dry, or use a paint specially formulated with rust inhibitors. Apply several thin coats of paint. If using spray paint, hold the can about 10-12 inches from the surface as you spray. Shake the can during the application to keep the color mixed. Spray lightly to avoid paint runs.

  • Dress up an old patio set with spray paint.

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ceilings

It's best to paint a room's ceilings before you paint its walls. Use a roller with a telescoping handle and paint two coats: the first coat in the same direction as the major light source (such as a window) and a second coat perpendicular to the light. To make painting a white ceiling easier, several manufacturers offer paints that are pink or blue when applied but dry to a white finish. If you have a textured ceiling, expect to use 10-15 percent more paint. A foam roller will conform to the textured surface and provide even coverage with less energy and effort on your part.

2 of 16

3 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Glass

Start with a clean, dry surface. If you use a pattern, tape it to the inside of clear glass. With an artist's brush, apply a thin layer of glass paint for a stained-glass look. For an opaque finish, apply an additional coat after the first is dry. Paint slowly and gently to avoid bubbles. Using an artist's brush, seal the design with glass-paint varnish. If you want the look of frosted glass, use a varnish with a matte finish.

  • Give an old glass vase the look of antique mercury glass.

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Doors

Although common practice is to remove a door before painting, you might as well paint it in place—that way, you can paint all sides at once and won't have to rehang it. Before painting a door, remove the knobs and hardware, and mask hinges. Use an oil-base sealer and primer to lock in the original finish, then use at least two coats of semigloss or gloss paint.

  • Learn how to paint your front door for instant curb appeal!

4 of 16

5 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cabinetry

When painting cabinetry, prep work is everything. First, remove the doors and drawers (as well as any hardware) and clean the surfaces. The type of primer you should use depends on whether the cabinets are wood or laminate.

If your cabinets have been painted before, you'll want to determine what type of paint was used. This is important because an oil-base finish requires an oil-base sealer and primer. To test a painted surface, soak a cotton ball in ammonia and stick it to the surface with an adhesive bandage or tape. Take it off after about an hour; if the paint has wrinkles, it's water-base. If it doesn't, it's oil-base.

After you apply the correct primer, apply two or three coats of paint to ensure the cabinets will stand up to daily use. One layer of paint is not enough. For best results, apply the paint with a foam roller, then use a brush to spread the paint and create an even finish.

  • How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

5 of 16

6 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ceramic

Sand the surface lightly to ensure paint adhesion. Clean the surface with trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner to remove grease and dirt. When dry, apply a bonding or ceramic primer. Let the primer dry. Brush on latex paint in a gloss or semigloss finish. You also can use a paint formulated for ceramic or porcelain surfaces. Allow the paint to dry for several days and take care not to scratch the paint while it's curing.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wood Furniture

If the surface is already painted or varnished, remove dirt or wax buildup with a household cleaner and rinse. Sand rough areas and wipe away dust with a tack cloth. Apply two coats of stain-blocking primer and allow it to dry between coats. Try using a clear primer if you want the wood's grain to be seen through the paint. Roll or brush on two coats of latex paint in the direction of the wood grain. Use a brush to finish the surface with smooth strokes. For furniture or cabinetry that will receive heavy use (like kitchen cabinets that are opened on a daily basis), it's a good idea to seal the finish with two coats of polyurethane. If you want a quick fix, especially for a textured item such as a wicker chair, spray paint it.

7 of 16

8 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Brick Fireplace Surround

First, you'll need to clean the brick thoroughly. Use a wire brush and nonsudsy trisodium phosphate (TSP) to loosen grime. After the brick is clean, apply a primer. Use a stain-blocking primer to hide any soot stains. When choosing paint, consider that the higher the gloss, the more it will resist soot. High-temperature paints can be used on metal that's part of the surround, but don't paint the inside of a fireplace.

  • Get our step-by-step instructions for painting a brick fireplace.

8 of 16

9 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Molding

Credit: Laura Moss Photography Corp

Before painting trimwork, patch holes with surfacing compound and apply caulk to fill any gaps between the wall and the molding. Paint the trim before you paint the wall, or use painter's tape to mask off the wall. Use a primer-sealer combination to lock in the original finish and prevent bleed-through. A 3-inch angled sash brush is a good choice for painting around windows or cutting in edges. Use a 4-inch foam roller to apply paint to trim, then go over it with a brush to cover the edges and grooves. Paint horizontal sections of trim with horizontal strokes and vertical sections with vertical strokes. Work on each piece of molding from the bottom up.

  • Learn How to Paint Trim

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Paneling

Credit: John Bessler Photography

To determine whether paneling is wood or a photographic imitation, pry off the baseboard and try to bend the paneling. If it bends, it's plastic or photographic paneling and you'll need to paint rather than refinish it.

Before you paint, make sure the paneling is secured to the wall studs. Also decide whether you want a smooth surface or don't mind seeing grooves between the panels. Either way, you'll need to clean and sand the surface and then apply an oil-base sealer. Filling in the grooves involves multiple steps, which include applying several coats of exterior-grade surfacing compound and sealer, and sanding between coats.

  • Get step-by-step instructions for painting wood paneling.

10 of 16

11 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fabric

Tape preshrunk fabric to plastic-treated cardboard. (Place the cardboard inside a pillow cover in case paint soaks through.) Use fabric paint or an acrylic paint with textile medium added. Apply the paint in several thin coats to work it into the fibers. Heat set if required. Your piece can be laundered with mild detergent after 10-14 days.

11 of 16

12 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wood Floors

To paint a wood floor, clean and sand the surface (filling any cracks with wood filler), then apply an oil-base sealer. You can use either oil-base or latex paint. Alkyd or modified epoxy latex porch and floor paint is a good choice for high-traffic areas. A polyurethane coating will help protect painted floors. You might want to use a water-base varnish because oil-base varnishes yellow over time.

Use a roller with a long handle to cover large floor areas, although a brush is fine for small areas. Remember to plan your escape route: Start in a corner and work toward your exit to avoid stepping on wet paint.

  • Our Favorite Painted Floor Design Ideas

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Concrete Floors

To paint a concrete floor, you’ll need to thoroughly clean it first, then patch any holes or cracks with concrete compound. Since concrete is extremely porous, you’ll need to apply a special concrete sealing primer before painting to seal the surface and keep moisture away from the paint. You can then apply a special masonry paint designed for floors with a roller.

  • Learn more about painting concrete.

13 of 16

14 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rugs

Base-coat your rug material if desired. After the base coat dries, use a straightedge to guide your stencil placement. Apply your design in a contrasting color with a stencil brush and stencil, cleaning the stencil before moving it to a new section. Another option is to use painters tape to mask out a linear design. When the paint is dry, seal and protect the design with clear polyurethane.

  • Get the instructions for this rug project.

14 of 16

15 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Walls

Before painting walls, wash them with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and repair any cracks or holes. If possible, remove any old wallpaper before painting. If you don't take the wallpaper down, use an oil-base primer. Water-base latex primers will moisten the paper, creating air pockets and bubbles in the paint. Mask off trim and remove hardware, such as electrical covers. Use plastic wrap to cover doorknobs and light fixtures to protect them from paint splatter. If your house was just built and your walls have not been painted before, it's a good idea to apply a wallboard sealer before painting. For old drywall and plaster, a stain-blocking primer can help hide water stains or other marks. Aim for two or three coats of paint for best coverage. 

  • Watch a wall painting demo.

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What Not to Paint

Print Our Guide to Painting (Almost) Anything!

Don't waste your valuable time on these painting projects, our experts say:

Bathtubs and sinks: Some of the required chemicals for these labor-intensive jobs are toxic. Leave these to the professionals.

Kitchen countertops: Don't paint laminate countertops in your kitchen. Standard paint doesn't have a food-safe finish, and the paint won't hold up to heat, abrasions, or moisture.

Ceramic tile in wet areas: Water will break down the paint. Even if you use a sealer, the grout and mortar will wick moisture and ruin your paint job.

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 16 Metal
2 of 16 Ceilings
3 of 16 Glass
4 of 16 Doors
5 of 16 Cabinetry
6 of 16 Ceramic
7 of 16 Wood Furniture
8 of 16 Brick Fireplace Surround
9 of 16 Molding
10 of 16 Paneling
11 of 16 Fabric
12 of 16 Wood Floors
13 of 16 Concrete Floors
14 of 16 Rugs
15 of 16 Walls
16 of 16 What Not to Paint

Share options

Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Shop | Better Homes & Gardens

  • Interior Paint
  • Primer
  • Gray Paint
  • Paint Rollers
  • Paint Brushes
  • Paint Sprayers
  • Paint And Primer
  • Painting Supplies
  • Cream Paint
  • Beige Paint
  • Shop More Next

Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
Better Homes & Gardens

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
  • Help
  • Media Kit
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

View image

How to Paint Anything
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.