• Affix the roller to an extension pole to ease the application process.paint roller image by Ana de Sousa from Fotolia.com
  
  Many amateur painters have difficulty generating smooth, professional-looking finishes because they lack the proper know-how. The right application strategies help to promote attractive results. However, application is only half of the equation. Many do-it-yourselfers undervalue preparation--a critical part of the painting process. Proper prep helps to ensure that interior finishes remain durable. Proper application techniques work to promote smooth, even results.
  
  

Protection

• Lazy preparation inevitably leads to paint mishaps. Professionals know that meticulous prep work is vital to preventing expensive damage to flooring and furniture. Do-it-yourselfers should take their time and study the environment for exposed areas. Paint drips and splatters are par for any painting project. Painters should protect flooring and furniture with masking paper, plastic coverings, heavy-duty fabric drop cloths and professional painter's tape.
  
  

Surface Preparation

• Some surfaces within the home require special treatment prior to painting. Primer and paint will not adhere to bare plastic, vinyl and fiberglass surfaces unless they are abraded with sandpaper first. Do-it-yourselfers should scour these surfaces until they feel slightly rough. This will generate a tooth for the primer to adhere to.
  
  

Primer

• Bare wood, plastic, vinyl, fiberglass and metal interior surfaces will reject paint unless they are treated with a base primer first. Acrylic latex primer is suited for wood, plastic, vinyl and fiberglass. Galvanized metal etching primer is appropriate for metal.
  
  

Paint

• Different interior surfaces call for different types of paint. Flat latex paint is suited for ceilings, while satin latex paint is appropriate for walls. Doors and trim should be coated with a gloss or semi-gloss latex paint.
  
  

Application

• Do-it-yourselfers should paint larger areas like ceilings and walls with a roller, equipped with a nap cover. A roller extension pole can be used to ease the application process. A paintbrush, manufactured for use with water-based coatings, is appropriate for painting trim and any tight areas inaccessible to the roller. Painters should use a roller to apply paint to doors. Then, they should smooth the wet paint with a paintbrush to promote a professional-looking finish free from roller marks.