Before painting, prepare drywall by cleaning and priming. Use painter’s tape to cover areas you don’t want painted; butterfly, straight, radius, and corner taping techniques ensure a smooth finish. Spackle or caulk repairs imperfections, while putty knives, scissors, utility knives, measuring tapes, and levels assist with precise taping and cutting. Remove tape carefully to avoid damaging paint. Wear gloves, a dust mask, and dispose of tape properly for safety.