How to Paint With Dark-Colored High Gloss

Preparing the Room

• 1

  Move furniture out of the room, if possible. Any furniture that can't be removed should be moved to the center of the room and covered with drop cloths or plastic sheets.

• 2

  Cover the floors with drop cloths or plastic sheets. Use a screwdriver to unscrew and remove any switchplates. Use painter's tape to tape off any trim that will not be painted, as well as the edges of the ceiling bordering the walls if the ceiling isn't being painted.

• 3

  Repair any imperfections in the walls. Apply joint compound with a utility knife to any holes. Use the paint scraper to scrape off any paint that's peeling until you reach paint that's firmly affixed to the wall. Use sandpaper to sand down the joint compound after the compound has dried. Sand any other rough patches on the wall.

• 4

  Wash the walls with soap and a sponge. Allow the walls to dry completely.

• 5

  Paint the walls with primer if the paint manufacturer for the paint you've purchased recommends it.

Painting the Room

• 6

  Shake the paint to make certain it's thoroughly mixed. Pour your paint into a paint tray. Affix your paint roller to the paint roller extension pole. Dip your roller into the paint, then roll over the textured part of the tray.

• 7

  Roll your paint onto the walls in a "W" pattern. Go over the pattern again with up-and-down strokes to fill in. Paint the ceiling first if the ceiling is being painted, otherwise work from the top of each wall down, completing one wall at a time.

• 8

  Use a paintbrush to paint along the top and bottom edges of the wall.

• 9

  Allow the paint to dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Apply additional coats until the desired color is achieved. Allow the paint to dry between each coat.