How to Paint Vacant Interiors

Apply painter's tape to the trim, and lay plastic sheets or canvas drop cloths on the floor. Although you don't need to worry about ruining furniture in a vacant interior, you still need to protect trim and floor spaces from accidental drips.

Apply latex primer to the wall if you are going to switch from a dark color to a lighter color. Use tinted latex primer if you're going from a light color to a darker tone. If you're painting over a similarly colored surface, you don't need primer. When applying primer, start at the edges with a paintbrush. Once you have primed the edges, prime the main surfaces using a roller. Let the primer dry for 24 hours.

Paint the vacant interior with latex paint in the color you want. A flat or eggshell finish is the most common for interior walls. Paint the edges first with a brush, then use a roller on main surfaces.

Paint a second coat if necessary after the first coat dries for at least two hours.

Remove the painter's tape and plastic sheets after 24 hours. Your vacant interior is now freshly painted and ready for furniture.