painting tips :: kitchens & baths Surface Prep Surface preparation is the most important part of any painting project. One critical step in preparing a kitchen or bathroom is washing the surface. Since bathrooms are notorious for mildew, make sure to kill it completely during the washing step—use bleach or a similar cleaner. Choose a mildew-resistant primer to help combat the problem in the future. The washing step is also very important in kitchens because greasy residue may effect the color or adhesion of your new paint. Cover any fixtures that can’t be moved, such as the sink or stove. For more information about what to do before painting, refer to Interior Surface Prep Tips. Painting When painting a room, begin with the ceiling. First, paint the edges with a 2-inch angle sash brush to make a "frame" about 5-inches wide. This is called "cutting-in." Now you can paint the rest of the ceiling with a roller, beginning in one corner and working across, then back. To paint the walls, follow the same procedure. Paint the edges, then start in an upper corner of the wall and fill in the area. Finish one wall completely before you start the next. Don’t stop painting in the middle of the wall, or you could end up with lap marks. Click here for guidelines on how to Choose a Brush or Choose a Roller. Try minirollers to make your job easier. You can use a special tool to paint behind radiators, cabinets, toilets, or other fixtures that can’t be moved. The Wooster Mini-Koter® has a 26-inch long handle that can reach behind just about anything—add an extension pole to the threaded grip and there are no limits! The Interior Walls & Ceilings page will provide even more helpful hints about painting your kitchen or bathroom. Cleanup Tray liners are a great way to save time during cleanup. Wooster has two different tray liners to fit either a 3-quart or a 1-quart metal paint tray. Don’t soak your paintbrushes or roller covers in water or solvent—instead clean them immediately after use. (For more help, refer to the detailed Cleanup section.) Congratulations on your "new" kitchen or bath!