When you get ready to sell your home, a professional-looking paint job will enhance prospective buyers’ perceived value of your home like nothing else.

Professional Paint Job - Getting Started
If you’ve never painted before, starting out can be somewhat intimidating. But consider that preparation can be almost as important as experience to complete a high-quality paint job. Take the time to do the minor things that will make a major impression.

	Before painting, tighten loose woodwork with finishing nails, fill holes with putty and patch cracks in plaster. Also remove hardware such as door stops, electrical outlet covers and door knobs, mask the windows and cover your floors and furnishings.
	Walls should be clean, smooth and dry. Wash off all dirt and grease with a powdered household cleaner and water. Rinse thoroughly. Remove loose paint and dull glossy surfaces by sanding. Spot paint patched areas before painting.

The Right Tools
Brushes, which come in various shapes, contours and bristles, have many purposes and are suited to almost any surface. Brushes with China bristles are designed for oil-based products, varnishes and stains; 100 percent nylon bristles and polyester/nylon brushes are ideal for latex paints and other water-based finishes.

	Designed for shakes and shingles, pads are also good on smooth surfaces. They apply paint faster than a brush and can be cleaned or replaced.
	Known for fast application and smooth finishes, rollers are best on flat surfaces. The surface texture dictates nap length: the smoother the surface, the shorter the nap.

Trimming The Tough Spots
When painting walls, use a trim brush to paint a 2-inch strip at the ceiling line where walls meet and around woodwork. Use a roller to paint walls. Roll into strips as much as possible because a roller leaves a different texture than a brush. Paint a room in top-to-bottom sequence: ceilings, walls, doors, woodwork and baseboards.

Finishing The Job
Cleanup is as important as preparation. Prospective buyers will notice splatters and messy drips. Mineral spirits or soapy water will help you remove splatters. To give your room a professional glow, scrape window panes with a razor.

Exterior Painting Sequence

	Paint the siding
	Paint the trim, railings, porches, steps and foundation
	Paint shutters, screens, storm windows and all other removable surfaces. Regardless of the surface, always start at the top and paint downward