If you have a room that is appearing drab and lifeless, perhaps it is time to paint that room. This is a great DIY project that almost anyone can do if you have the right tools and work carefully.

Start the job by collecting all the tools that you will need. The following may be sufficient for the painting as a DIY job: roller, paint brushes, masking tape, old newspaper, paint roller tray and drop cloths.

The first step in painting a room it to remove everything possible from the room. This includes window treatments and even doors. If it is not possible to remove something from a room then it will need to be covered with a drop cloth. Your goal is to only get paint where you want it and to protect anything else from spills or drips of paint.

If your ceilings are already painted ceiling white and you do not mind leaving them that color, your job will be much easier.

Once you have removed everything from the room, use masking tape to mask off any trim that will not be painted. It can also mask off the ceiling. Exceptionally wide trim may need to be covered with newspaper to prevent slops.

It is easiest to remove cover plates from electrical outlets and switches before painting. The actual switch or outlet can be covered with masking tape.

The floor needs to be covered with a drop cloth to prevent splatters from reaching the carpet or other covering. While a canvas drop cloth will cost more than plastic, it is much easier to use and can be used again and again.

After everything is covered, you can use the brush to paint all corners and edges. A strip that is two to three inches wide should be painted in the corners and at the ceiling. Continue using the paint brush around the windows and doors.

The quickest change takes place when you start using the roller. You should start at one corner and then work around the room to that same corner. Complete all the painting in one session if possible to avoid start/stop lines. If you must stop wrap the roller tightly with a plastic bag and add a little layer of water over your paint can. You want to prevent the paint from drying so that you can begin again very quickly.

When the paint work is finished, be sure to clean all tools with soap and water. It is usually easiest to throw away the roller cover that you have wrapped in a plastic bag. The brush and roller pan are easily cleaned and can be used again.

Remove the drop cloths, all tape and newspaper and replace all cover plates. Give the paint time to dry and cure before returning furniture to the room. Replace the window covers.

This fresh painting of the room can quickly change the looks of a room from drab and dull to bright an cheerful. In addition this is a great job for DIY.