Prepare the Surface

• 1). Determine if you're actually covering oil-based paint. Pour some nail polish remover containing acetone on a paper towel or cotton ball, then rub against the surface--if oil based paint, it will not rub off; latex will.
  
  
• 2). Remove dirt and debris from surface with a dust rag, broom or vacuum. Remember, the goal is to promote adhesion of the primer and paint to the surface, not the dirt.
  
  
• 3). Sand the surface to remove any peeling paint. Sanding (lightly) is recommended but can often be skipped if purchasing a "gripping" primer made for slick but otherwise intact surfaces.
  
  
• 4). Wipe down the surface with a cleaning solution of equal parts ammonia and water, or a household cleaner you prefer. Cleaning large areas can be done with a power washer, though this can be messy and should initially be done on a test area to prevent damage to the surface. Open windows and doors for ventilation if needed, allowing surface to dry thoroughly.
  
  

Prime the Surface

• 1). Choose a primer suited to the type of surface. Choosing a latex "gripping" primer promotes adhesion to typically any surface, including drywall, plaster and wood. Choose a primer with stain-blocking qualities if the surface is stained to make it less likely these "stains" will bleed through your final coat of paint.
  
  
• 2). Tint the primer with less than half the formula of your final coat of paint if using a somewhat darker color. Tinting the primer will mean using less of the final coat, which means less work and a more uniform-looking surface.
  
  
• 3). Shake or stir the primer before applying a thin coat to the surface with an applicable brush, roller or sprayer. Allow the primer to dry (typically 45 minutes is sufficient when using a latex primer) and then apply a second coat. Wait around four hours before applying the final coat of primer to avoid trapping moisture.
  
  

Paint the Surface

• 1). Choose a paint and sheen suitable for the surface. All latex paints typically cover wood, plaster, drywall and properly primed metal but come in a variety of sheens/finishes. Flat, eggshell and satin finishes tend to tone down surface imperfections while glossier finishes accentuate them but are often easier to clean.
  
  
• 2). Shake or stir the paint before applying a coat to the surface with an applicable brush, roller or sprayer. Allow the first coat of paint to dry by waiting four hours before recoating; wait another 24 hours before applying a third coat if needed.
  
  
• 3). Wait one month before using any household cleaners on the surface to prevent discoloration. Latex paint typically dries to touch in 45 minutes but takes 30 days for the surface to cure.