How to paint a room: steps, tricks & expert ideas

Your room just isn’t what it used to be. Admit it—you can feel how the walls, even if they don’t speak, are telling stories from over a decade ago. Feels outdated, doesn’t it? Don’t worry—it’s totally normal. That’s why you’re here: you need a change, and that change starts with a fresh coat of the right interior paint.

Painting a room sounds like one of those things that should be easy... until you actually start doing it. That’s when the roller-related doubts and splatters begin, and you start questioning everything: “Am I doing this right?” “Is the color going on evenly?”—classic painter anxiety.

But don’t stress—we’re here to show you how to paint a room step by step, without losing your mind, and more importantly: how to do it right. We’ll also talk about the best paints to buy, how much it costs to paint a room, trending color ideas, and pro tips that’ll make your life easier.

So grab a notebook (or open your phone’s notes app) and get ready to take it all in—this practical guide will be your best friend. Trust us, you’ll thank us once you see your brand-new room.

How to apint a room: a practical (and easy) guide

Let’s get to it. Because yes, painting a room with your own hands can be a challenge. But here’s the good news: with this guide, it’ll be a piece of cake. By the end, your room will look like something Da Vinci or Banksy might’ve done (okay, maybe not quite). Still, the result will be worth it. Grab your roller, throw on some comfy clothes, and get ready to transform your room in just a few hours. Let’s roll!

Step 1: clean and prep the surface

We’re not exaggerating when we say: success lies in preparation. Laying the groundwork is key to achieving an impressive result. Start by cleaning the walls—remove dust, grease or stains using a damp cloth and some mild soap. Think of it like cooking: the best dishes are made on clean surfaces!

If your walls have cracks or holes, make sure to fill them with filler or putty. Once dry, sand everything down until super smooth. Okay, it’s not the most fun step—but it’s totally worth it. Turn on your favorite music or podcast and get into the zone; your paint will go on evenly and look professionally done.

And of course, protect anything you don’t want to paint: corners, sockets, window frames. Ideally, remove baseboards and switch plates—it’ll save time and effort. Trust us: good prep will make the rest of the job feel like a breeze.

Step 2: Apply primer for a flawless finish

This is the secret trick most people skip. Primer acts like glue between the wall and the paint: it ensures proper adhesion and reduces the amount of paint you’ll need.

Use a roller to apply one coat of primer, making sure to cover the surface evenly. We recommend Smart Primer ABS—one coat is enough for a solid grip. Let it dry for 30 minutes and you’re ready for the next step!

Step 3: Painting the room - the fun part

Now for the best part: time to paint! First, stir the paint thoroughly to ensure a consistent color. Pour some into a tray and lightly dampen your roller before starting.

Apply the paint using “W” or zigzag motions to avoid marks and cover evenly. Work in small sections to prevent the paint from drying too fast before spreading it well. Let the first coat dry for 3–4 hours.

Still feel like you need more coverage? No worries — just apply a second coat, and if needed, a third one. The great thing about using a fast-drying paint is how much it speeds things up. At this stage, we recommend Smartcover Indoor, Smartcret’s fast-drying, high coverage, easy to maintain, and super convenient paint for walls and ceilings. Go on, you’re almost there!

Step 4: Let it dry and admire the results

The final step in painting a room? Patience. Let the paint dry completely to get that flawless finish. It might feel dry to the touch after a few hours, but give it more time before cleaning or decorating the walls.
It’s the perfect moment to catch up on that show you’ve been postponing.

Now—be proud of yourself! Your room doesn’t just look new, it reflects your effort and creativity.
One last tip: before you move the furniture back in, take a moment to admire the transformation from every angle. Your room has a brand new soul now.

How to much does it cost to paint a room? (2025 price update)

You’ve got the roller in your hand, paint cans lined up, and you’re picturing your beautiful new room. But suddenly, a thought crosses your mind: How much does it actually cost to paint a room? Is it worth the investment?

You’re about to find out. Let’s start by breaking down the factors that influence the final cost of painting a room.

First of all, relax—there’s no need to smash your piggy bank, take out a loan, or find a second job. Painting your room isn’t some massive financial burden. Second, the basics: the total cost depends on a few things—like the size of the room in square meters, the type of paint you choose, how many rooms you're updating, and how many colors you plan to use.

Here are some average price ranges: Hiring a professional can get pricey: Expect anywhere from €200 to €400 per room, depending on the room size, the condition of the walls, and local rates.

Doing it yourself? Now that’s a whole different story: You’ll only need to buy the paint—usually between €40 and €80, assuming you already have the basic tools.
Need supplies? No big deal. A good roller and a couple rolls of painter’s tape are very affordable. It’s really no sweat.

As you’ve seen, going the DIY route (which is why you’re here) has lots of advantages. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also way more rewarding. So if price was your last hesitation, it’s officially gone. With a solid playlist, a bit of time, and the right mindset, you’ll transform your space—without draining your wallet."

Colors to paint a room: How to choose and fall in love again

They say you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. That’s why choosing the color for your room is no small task. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you surf this challenge like a Hawaiian riding the waves. We’ve got some recommendations that are sure to give you butterflies again and make your heart race—for your walls and ceilings.

• Whites: the perfect wild car. Choose a white with a warm undertone and you simply can’t go wrong. It brightens up the space, gives a clean look, and works with any style.
• Neutrals that bring elegance Beiges, greys, wood tones… understated but full of personality. They give your room presence without trying too hard.
• Pastel tones: sweet but full of character. Eucalyptus green or sky blue are great picks if you want freshness without going overboard. They’re perfect to match with that cute lamp you bought and still don’t know where to place.

If you liked these ideas, here’s one more: Our Smartcover Indoor paint comes in over 20 different shades, so your new room can truly become the love of your life.

Now Let’s Talk About the Finish—That’s Where the Room’s Personality Really Comes In.

If you’re after something bold, go for a glossy finish. It’s great for highlighting details like moldings or baseboards. Just use it carefully—too much shine can feel overwhelming.

Looking for something more versatile? A satin finish is ideal. It reflects light gently, adds a touch of elegance, and breathes life into small or darker rooms.

Then there’s the matte finish—a favorite among minimalists and lovers of quiet sophistication. It doesn’t reflect light, making it perfect for creating a calm, cozy vibe. In fact, at Smartcret, even though none of us became professional basketball players, we all agree on one thing: We go all in on matte.

What you need to paint a room without making a mess

Having the right tools is the key to making painting a room a success. You don’t need an arsenal, but you do need these basics that will make everything run smoothly:

The roller is the king of large surfaces. Choose well: foam rollers are perfect for smooth finishes, short-nap rollers for flat walls, and long-nap rollers for textures or reliefs. For corners and edges, brushes are irreplaceable. An angled or small one will be your best friend for finer details.

The tray with a grid is that detail that doesn’t seem important until you use it. It controls how much paint the roller loads and prevents unnecessary drips. Less paint on the floor, more on the walls—and less stress for you. And speaking of avoiding disasters, painter’s tape is your salvation. It protects frames, sockets, and baseboards so the lines come out perfect and clean.

The floor? The furniture? Protect them with plastic, cardboard, or paper. And believe me, you’ll save cleaning time and a lot of “oh no” moments. Don’t forget a stir stick or mixing paddle to stir the paint before starting and ensure the color is even.

And remember, if you have high ceilings or hard-to-reach areas, a stable ladder will be your ally to reach them safely. With these tools, painting a room won’t just be easy—it will also be fun.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them when painting a room

Did you know that small mistakes can ruin the final result of your paint job? Yes, painting a room is a process that, as you’ve seen so far, requires following certain steps to achieve a flawless finish. Here we explain how to avoid those mistakes that sometimes slip by without us noticing.

One of the most common is not mixing the paint well before starting. If you don’t do this, the color may come out uneven. So make sure to stir it well before you begin, achieving a perfect tone in every corner.

Another common problem is the dreaded roller marks. They appear when you use low-quality tools or apply too little paint. The solution is simple: invest in a good roller and use the W technique. Make a big W on the wall and then fill in the space with vertical strokes. This trick ensures an even application and avoids those lines that can ruin the finish.

And what about drips? They’re every amateur painter’s enemy—but easy to avoid. The key is not to overload the roller or brush. Remove excess paint in the tray before applying it, so you don’t end up with drips that mess up your work (and the floor).

Lastly, another common mistake is not waiting for the paint to dry between coats. We know it’s tempting to finish quickly, but don’t rush. Let the paint dry completely before applying the second coat—it’s essential for a perfect finish.

How to paint a room that’s already been painted: what you need to know

Let’s address the elephant in the room: you already painted yours with that “cool” color and now you're not sure if you can undo that more than questionable decision. Don’t panic: we’ll show you how to paint a room that’s already painted. Not only is it possible—it might even turn out better than that first time (we’ll stop teasing you now).

Let’s start where we should: the beginning. If the previous paint is in good condition, it’s enough to clean it with water and neutral soap. And if you want a top result, give it a light sanding so that the new paint adheres better.

Now the other scenario. Are there damaged areas? Be patient and repair them with filler. And be careful with the spatula—we don’t want any disasters. Take your time and work precisely to achieve optimal results.

Once the surface is clean and dry, choose your new paint wisely. We recommend the one that starts with “Smart” and ends with “Cover Indoor”, as it’s specially designed for DIY renovations. You don’t need experience or knowledge—just the desire to bring out the artist inside you.

How long does it take to paint a room?

As with everything in life, time is a very important factor. How long does it take to paint a room? The answer is clear: it depends.

Depending on different factors like the size of the walls, the paint you’ve chosen, and your previous experience, it will take more or less time. Generally, for rooms between 10 and 15 m² that are in good condition and where two coats of paint are applied, it can take between 4 and 8 hours.

And if you’re a beginner, don’t worry: set aside a whole weekend and take your time. Prepare the surfaces properly, protect all the furniture and outlets perfectly, follow the steps we recommended earlier, and respect the drying times—that’s all you’ll need.

The reward? A completely renovated room with double emotional value: not only will you have changed the color of the walls, but also the energy of the space.

How much paint do you need to paint a room: we simplify it for you

Pay attention, this is important. Calculating the right amount of paint is essential so you don’t end up with any surprises. We know painting a room is already tedious enough without also having to make blind calculations and ending up with not enough paint.

Don’t worry—we’ll give you a small trick to know how much paint is needed to paint a room: as a general rule, one liter of paint covers 10 to 12 m² per coat. So, for a room of about 12 m² with standard wall height (around 2.6 m) and two coats of paint, you’ll need approximately between 6 and 8 liters in total. And if you want to paint larger rooms, just do a simple rule of three. Very simple.

Of course, don’t forget to include the ceilings, columns, corners, and the different absorption levels your walls may have. Oh, and don’t cut it too close. It’s always better to have some paint left over for touch-ups than to run out halfway through.

How to paint a room to make it look bigger: foolproof tips

If earlier we talked about the elephant in the room, now we’re going to talk about how to make it seem like an elephant could fit in your room. Not every space has the luxury of belonging to a mansion.

No worries—here are some foolproof tips to paint your room so it looks bigger. Let’s not kid ourselves: size does matter.

The first is obvious, but it never fails: choose light colors. Creams, whites, and beiges are the kings of spaciousness. Natural light will reflect better and give the sensation that the walls are farther away. It’s like magic.

If you want something more original, go for cool pastel tones. Blues, greens, and lavender bring calm, make your room feel larger, and add a stylish touch.

Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. Less contrast, more continuity, and a greater sense of space.

If you paint just one wall in a dark tone (ideally the one at the back), it can also help add depth.

Moldings, doors, baseboards—all the same color as the walls. This helps erase boundaries and allows the room to breathe.

In short: brightness, uniformity, and a few optical tricks. Because it’s not about knocking down walls or rearranging furniture—it’s about painting smart. Now that you know how, get to it: your bigger (even if just visually) room is waiting for you.

Now you know everything you need to paint a room successfully

Now you have everything you needed: from how to start painting your room, to which mistakes to avoid, going through the materials you’ll need and the colors that will most benefit your makeover. And of course, you now know those little tricks that will make everything easier.

And if you’ve made it this far, you’ve already figured out the most important thing: choosing a paint that makes a difference, that’s easy to apply, and that comes in a range of colors you’ll fall in love with. In that sense, we’re clear—it’s a sure bet: Smartcover Indoor by Smartcret.

The best part is that it’s ready to use and dries quickly, which makes the process as smooth as it is enjoyable. And yes, it’s 100% DIY: you choose, you paint, you enjoy the result.

Are you ready to transform your walls? Take a look at our store and start creating unique spaces with your own hands.