How to Repaint Foyers

Remove all furniture from the foyer as well as any art or window treatments.

Unscrew and remove the switch plates from outlets and light switches. Use painter's tape to secure the screws to the back of the corresponding switch plate, which will keep the screws and switch plates together for reattaching later.

Repair and fill any holes, dents or dings in the wall with paintable wall spackle. Allow the spackle to dry according to manufacturer’s instructions, and then lightly sand until smooth.

Clean the walls and ceiling using a mild detergent. Wipe the walls and ceiling with a damp, lint-free cloth, and clean the floor to remove soap residue.

Apply painter’s tape around all window and door frames and along the walls where they meet the baseboards and ceiling. If you will be painting the ceiling the same color as the walls, taping there is not necessary.

Run a credit card along the edge of the tape to firmly adhere the tape to the wall.

Place drop cloths over the flooring to protect it from dripping paint.

Cut in the first corner, beginning where the ceiling meets the wall, using the angled brush. Paint a three-inch-wide strip along the ceiling line and down the corner of the wall to the floor.

Roll on the first coat of paint, blending rolled-on paint with the section you just cut in. It is important that you maintain a wet edge and do not allow the cut-in sections to dry before rolling larger areas. Roll in a “W” pattern and, without lifting the roller, fill in the area.

Continue moving around the room this way, cutting and immediately rolling, section by section. Cut in around windows and doors with the brush just as you would for the corners. Extend the paint line approximately three inches from the frame.

Allow the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats. Follow manufacturer instructions for drying times.

Carefully remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly wet. Removing the tape once the paint is completely dry may cause the tape to pull up a bit of paint.

Replace all switch plates and light fixtures.