First Paint Job Checklist

First room? Measure, buy gallons, then kit: roller, brush, cloths, tape. The cards below are the aisle answers. The calculator above keeps you from running out mid-wall.

Rooms

ft
in
ft
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ft
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Project settings

Paint
Stain
Surface

Default 10% for touch-ups

$

Your estimate

Enter room dimensions to see paintable area and gallon counts.

New to DIY? Read this first

Gallons first, then tools. Short answers you can use in the aisle — tap a card for the full how-to.

How to choose a roller

9-inch frame + 3/8″ nap for smooth walls. Go 1/2–3/4″ nap on texture.

  • Buy a metal frame that locks the cover. Spend on covers, not a fancy handle.
  • One spare cover per colour — shed or matted nap leaves fuzz in the paint.
  • Ceilings: use a dedicated cover so wall lint does not transfer.
Roller nap guide →

How to choose a brush

One 2–2½″ angled sash brush for cutting in. Skip cheap foam for walls.

  • Angled bristles follow trim and ceilings. A square 3″ brush is harder to control.
  • Synthetic bristles for latex (almost all interior wall paint in Canada).
  • Buy one good brush, not three dollar-store ones that fan out and leave streaks.
Brush size guide →

Tape off or drop cloths?

Both. Canvas (or taped plastic) on floors. Painter’s tape on trim and glass.

  • Drop cloths catch roller spray and tray drips. Tape does not protect a floor.
  • Blue or green painter’s tape on baseboards, window sash, and light-switch plates if you leave them on.
  • Pull tape at 45° while the last coat is still slightly tacky for a clean line.
Tape vs drop cloths →

What order do I paint?

Ceiling first, then walls, then trim last.

  • Cut in a 2–3″ band, then roll while that band is still wet (wet edge).
  • Finish one wall before you take a lunch break — a dry line shows as a stripe.
  • Remove outlet covers before you start. Tape the openings, not the plastic plates.
Step-by-step room →

How many coats?

Two finish coats on walls for most colour changes. Primer first on new drywall or stains.

  • Same colour refresh on sound walls can be one coat — still buy enough for two.
  • Wait the recoat time on the can (often 2–4 hours latex). Overnight is safer for beginners.
  • Dark-to-light usually needs primer plus two finish coats.
Coats & dry time →

What else is in the cart?

Tray + liners, extension pole, stir stick, sandpaper, putty knife, TSP substitute.

  • Extension pole saves your shoulders on walls and ceilings.
  • Liners mean you are not washing a tray between colours.
  • Calculate gallons first so you are not mid-wall at Canadian Tire.
Full supplies list →

The order that saves beginners

1) Calculate gallons. 2) Patch and clean. 3) Prime if the wall needs it. 4) Ceiling, then walls, then trim. 5) Pull tape while the last coat is still a bit tacky.

Deep dives: how to choose a roller, how to choose a brush, tape vs drop cloths, step-by-step room.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for my first paint job?

Enough paint (use the calculator), a 9-inch roller and 3/8″ cover, one good angled brush, tray + liners, extension pole, drop cloths, painter’s tape, sandpaper, and a putty knife. Remove outlet covers before you start.

Do I tape off or just use drop cloths?

Both. Cloths protect floors. Tape protects trim and glass. Tape is not a floor covering.

What roller and brush should a beginner buy?

9-inch frame, 3/8″ nap for smooth walls; 2–2½″ angled synthetic sash brush for cutting in. Skip cheap foam kits for whole rooms.

Related calculators

Brand names appear only so you can match typical Canadian label coverage. Paint Calculator is an independent tool — not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Cloverdale Paint, Dulux, Sico, Beauti-Tone, CIL, Valspar, PPG, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, or their parent companies. Always use the Coverage figure printed on your can. Full disclaimer.

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