First-Timer Playbook

Painting the office blue.

Walls go dark blue; the flat ceiling and trim stay white. Prep through reveal, in order, with the shopping list up front. Tick things off as you go — it saves automatically.

Previewing color

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Option A · Slate

Hale Navy

Benjamin Moore · HC-154

Where: Benjamin Moore retailer / many Ace Hardware. Not at Home Depot or Lowe's.

Option B · Darker

Cyberspace

Sherwin-Williams · SW 7076

Where: Sherwin-Williams store, tinted on the spot. Watch for their 30–40% off sales.

Tip Hand the counter the code, ask for an interior latex (SW Cashmere/Duration or BM Regal Select) in eggshell or matte, and a gray-tinted primer — dark blue covers far better over gray. Give them your wall dimensions for an exact gallon count (~2 gal for two coats on this room).

Paint & primer

~2 gallons interior latex, eggshell/matte, in your chosen color 1 gallon gray-tinted primer

Application tools

2–2.5" angled sash brush cuts edges + gets into the plank grooves 9" roller frame 3–4 roller covers, 3/8" nap Paint tray + 3–4 tray liners liners = no tray scrubbing Extension pole for the roller essential for the sloped ceiling plane Step ladder Stir sticks + a paint can opener / key 5-in-1 painter's tool nice to have

Prep & repair

Spackle / lightweight filler + putty knife 220-grit sanding sponge(s) Paintable caulk + caulk gun optional, for crisp gaps Mild cleaner / sugar soap + sponge + bucket Tack cloth or microfiber dust after sanding

Protection & masking

Canvas drop cloths canvas, not plastic — that light carpet Painter's tape (FrogTape / ScotchBlue) Plastic sheeting cover the desk + anything left in Screwdriver pull outlet/switch covers

Safety & comfort

Nitrile gloves + safety glasses Work light or headlamp dark paint in a dim attic — you'll want to see coverage Box fan for ventilation + old clothes Rags / paper towels + trash bags

Progress and color choice save on this device automatically.