Remove your coats from the closet, and remove any hanger rods or coat hooks. Most rods lift out of metal brackets, and hooks are often screwed into the wall. If the rods and hooks are not easily removable, cover them with painter's masking tape.
Cover the closet's trim with painter's masking tape.
Paint the edges of the coat closet using oil-base high-gloss paint and a natural-bristle paintbrush. Oil-base paints cost a little bit more than latex paints and they take longer to dry, but they are more durable. High-gloss finishes wipe down easy for quick cleaning if a dirty coat smudges the wall.
Paint the rest of the closet surfaces using oil-base high gloss-paint and a medium-bristle paintbrush. Roll the paint as close to the edges as possible to remove any visible brush marks left behind. Wait for the paint to dry. Some oil-base paint brands can take up to eight hours to dry. Consult the container for the most accurate drying estimates.
Apply a second coat of paint after the first coat dries.
Remove the painter's tape and return the rods, hooks and coats to the closer after the final coat dries for 48 hours.