Load your brush: Dip one-third of the bristles into the paint. Lift the bristles out of the paint and gently tap them (don't wipe) against the rim of the paint can. The point is to load the brush with paint just short of dripping on the way to the wall.

Beginning at a corner, cut in paint with a 2- or 3-inch trim brush. Use long strokes, smoothly blending each stroke into the next. Cut in only as much area as you will be able to roll on while still maintaining a wet edge.

NEXT: Step 3