What's the best way to paint a room for a professional-looking finish?

To achieve a professional-looking finish when painting a room, focus on a methodical approach, understanding that the time invested in preparation will significantly impact the final result. Here's how:

• Preparation is Key: Professional painters often spend 75% of their time on preparation. Rushing this stage will guarantee a subpar result. Proper preparation ensures the paint adheres smoothly and looks crisp.
• Empty and Protect the Room: You need a clean slate.
• Clean the Walls: Cleaning is non-negotiable for paint adhesion.
• Patch and Sand:
  • Fill any holes and imperfections with spackle, slightly overfilling to account for shrinkage.
  • Once dry, sand the patched areas until they are flush with the wall, using medium-grit sandpaper (120-150). If painting over a high-gloss finish, lightly scuff the entire surface.
  • Remove all dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth.
• Taping:
  • Use high-quality painter's tape, applying it in short, overlapping strips for better control.
  • Seal the edge of the tape with a putty knife or credit card to prevent paint seepage.
• Priming: Primer blocks stains, ensures even color, improves paint adhesion, and can reduce the number of paint coats needed.
• Painting: Apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one or two thick ones. Thick coats are prone to dripping and bubbling.