I'm going to paint my little brothers bedroom within the next week and I really don't know where to start. There is a coat of really light blue paint on there and I plan to paint it a darker shade of blue so I'm not sure exactly what I will need to do in terms of prepping. I've done some research tonight on the subject but figured I'd aske you all because everyone here is pretty knowledgable. I went to the local hardware store and they only carry California brand paint. I've never heard of them before so I'm already skeptical there. There is also a section on the ceiling by the chimney area that has suffered some water damage. I haven't fully inspected that but it doesnt seem too serious. I figure I will need to do this. Prep the wall by cleaning first with some cleaning solution, repair any cracks in it with some filler and sand them down so there inline the rest of the wall, remove things like the light switch and power outlet covers from the walls, put down a drop cloth purchase the paint and apply it with rollers and brushes for the trim. I've helped people pain before but I've never really done it myself and I want this to come out professionally so I'm just checking every where I can for ideas. Any help with this will be extremely appreicated. Thanks

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W126 1983 300SD 286,000 miles and ticking
Baby blue exterior Grey MB tex
Recent work:
Replaced air cleaner mounting brackets and heat shields
Replaced alternator, fan and power steering belts
Replaced positive battery terminal
Replaced negative battery terminal and cord
New Duralast Battery

My car needs work.

Good prepping is the key to a good result as you know already - it's about 60% of the whole job.
Your ceiling water stains can not be concealed by water based paints only, and will need at least one coat of an alkyd pigmented primer - after you have stripped back any peeling crud.
With paint - as with anything - name brands are your best investment for fewer coats will cover a lot better. And don't be shy about applying the stuff. With paint, more is best, and only morons dilute beyond factory spec's.
DO use a sealer over any surface fillers, or you will regret it!. Topcoats are just that - topcoats, and will not evenly cover unless the whole surface beneath is uniform (except maybe after 3 or four coats - ie: more expensive paint cost and more work).
Just my 2cents from half the world away - hope something here is helpful.
Cheers,
Dennis S.

Being it's your little brother's bedroom you could do like I would do to my little sister if I was in your shoes. Paint it plaid.

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1983 300-D turbo
1985 300-D turbo
1959 Harley Panhead chopper
1929 Ford coupe restored
I hang out with Boneheaddoctor at Schuman Automotive OBK#5
All liberals are mattoids but not all mattoids are liberal.

For some odd reason Narwhal your reply put me in a kinder, better mood this afternoon. I'll try to be nicer to my little sister.

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1983 300-D turbo
1985 300-D turbo
1959 Harley Panhead chopper
1929 Ford coupe restored
I hang out with Boneheaddoctor at Schuman Automotive OBK#5
All liberals are mattoids but not all mattoids are liberal.

Thanks a lot for all of the replies. has anoyone had any experience with this California brand of paint though becuase if not I need to go somewhere else for my supplies. You all have been really reassuring though because when I sat down to think about it i really didn't have much confidence. thanks again for the help I'll do some before and afters of the whole room.

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W126 1983 300SD 286,000 miles and ticking
Baby blue exterior Grey MB tex
Recent work:
Replaced air cleaner mounting brackets and heat shields
Replaced alternator, fan and power steering belts
Replaced positive battery terminal
Replaced negative battery terminal and cord
New Duralast Battery

My car needs work.

I would go with Benjamin Moore Regal paints if you can get them where you live. I've have a vague recollection of California paints being considered just average from my stint working at a hardware store. B. Moore paints are the by far the best IMHO. Make sure it's the regal line, and not the cheaper Super Hide. The regal is expensive, but it goes on like silk, and the super hide requires more coats (which means more time). Get an eggshell or pearl finish, because flat finishes are much less durable when confronted with dirt and scraping (which is not good for a little brother's room). Get a medium pile roller, a 1 1/2 inch brush, and you should be good to go (sorry, hardware store instincts kicking in). Good Luck.

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headrivenoise... listen.

I'm not a painter but unfortunately have more experience than I care to admit. If you need to cover a water stain and you are going with a darker color there is a one step solution. Kilz makes a interior paint that I have found does a good job of covering with one coat. Walmart sells it. Go with the paint chip colors, don't try to have them use the computer to match a color that is not theirs.

Yeah there are three windows in the room so I'm guessin a keg and some masking tape should be enough.

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W126 1983 300SD 286,000 miles and ticking
Baby blue exterior Grey MB tex
Recent work:
Replaced air cleaner mounting brackets and heat shields
Replaced alternator, fan and power steering belts
Replaced positive battery terminal
Replaced negative battery terminal and cord
New Duralast Battery

My car needs work.