Proper tools can make a big difference.
Always use a tapered brush. Use a good quality paint. Load up your brush, don't be skimpy with it!
If your walls are dirty, they should be cleaned. Paint sticks better to a clean surface.
It's not always necessary to paint a primer coat. But it's just as easy to use 2 coats of paint as it is to use a base coat plus the paint color!
Cut in at the baseboard and trim.
Load up your brush and make one pass about 1/2" from the trip, then with your second pass, get right next to the trim.
Cut in at the ceiling edges.
You
can use a wide scaper at the edge of the wall and ceiling to "protect"
the ceiling as you are painting. It is especially important to protect
the ceiling when you have a textured ceiling that you will not be
repainting.
Cut in around windows and doors.Paint around edge of windows or doors about 1/2" from glass and door frame. At the second pass, put your brush right next to the window.
Let the brush bristles touch the glass just slightly so the
paint seals between the wood and the
glass.
After you cut in, you can roll the paint on the walls.
Try to complete the painting while all the paint is still wet. When it stays wet, it blends better and you won't be able to see brush strokes or overlapping roller strokes.
Paul loves to paint. Most people dread it.
If you need help with your next paint project, he's your man!