How to Paint Interiors

Exteriors Interiors Stains Wall Surface Preparation

Be Fresh

A simple way to change your décor and refresh a room is to add colour with a coat of paint. It will make the space look cleaner, fresher and brighter and it's an easy way to re-invigorate a tired space, or simply change the mood of your room.

Be Matched

The colours you choose will have a huge effect on the atmosphere the room creates. A neutral shade will create a subtle ambiance and be a blank canvas for your furniture or other features. A rich red will make the room feel warm and cosy, but can be claustrophobic if the space is small. And so it goes on.

Be Sure

We can help you to find the perfect colour scheme with MyColour. You start by experimenting with different combinations on a computer. Then you can take sample pots and colour cards to see just how they work in your own rooms.

Be Professional

Once you've found the colour scheme that's right for you, follow our step by step guidelines to creating a perfect finish.
Check the list to see that you've got all the tools you'll need to do the job right.

  • Sharp paint scrapers
  • Wire brush
  • Sugar soap
  • Drop sheets
  • Fillers
  • Filling knife
  • Rollers and tray
  • Sandpaper, all grades
  • Caulking gun
  • Paint stripper
  • Masking tape
  • Quality paint brushes
  • Ladder or trestles
  • Turpentine

Step One - Preparation

The key to a successful paint job is to prep, prep, prep. The better you prepare the surface, the more professional the finished job will look. So check your surface and deal with any problems before you even lift a paintbrush.

Peeling, cracking and flaking

There are no easy short-cuts here! Use your paint scraper and work it into loose or flaky areas. Scrape until you get down to paint that is well fixed to the underlying surface. Feather the edges of this old paint with 180 grit sandpaper. Bigger areas may need to be stripped totally with a heat gun or chemical stripper.

Mould and mildew

Painting over mould just puts off the problem for another day and will mean the mould will come back pretty quickly. Remove mould and mildew using a hot solution of Sugar Soap, then apply an anti-mould agent.

Wallpaper

Newer vinyl wallpaper can be peeled off dry by hand. Any backing paper residue can be removed with warm water and easy scraping. For vinyl and traditional wallpapers, first make knife cuts in the paper, score the surface (be careful not to damage the wall), then saturate it with a liquid peeler. But hiring a wallpaper steamer may be a quicker solution.

Filling and patching cracks and blemishes

Decide if the crack is in an area affected by movement, for example where two surfaces join. If there is no movement, use a spatula or putty knife to apply filler. For very deep crevices you may need to apply the filler again, in case there is any shrinkage when the filler sets. For joints around doors or architraves where there may be movement, always use a flexible filler, and apply it with a caulking gun for a smooth finish.

Dents and dings in gib board

Scrape away any loose paint and fill the indentations using a putty knife. For larger areas, a self adhesive patch underneath makes a tidy surface. Cut away the damaged area, apply the patch with contact adhesive, then apply the filler.

Sanding to a smooth finish

Gloss or semi-gloss surfaces must be sanded to roughen up the surface so the paint can grip it properly. With wood, always sand in the direction of the grain. On plaster, start with medium grade sandpaper then finish with a fine grade.

Step Two - Pre-paint coatings

You've spent valuable time preparing your surfaces, but you need to put your first layers of cover, before you put on your final colour. Pre-paint coatings are essential if you want to achieve the best finish, without it being sealed, primed or undercoated, your surfaces just will not look their best, or last as long.

Be Prepared

Not sure how much paint you'll need? As a quick guide, 1 litre covers approximately 15 square metres.

As a general rule, new gib must be sealed and bare timber primed. The type of undercoat varies, depending on the surface. If you're not sure which sealer, primer or undercoat to use, have a chat with the friendly staff at your local store, who'll be happy to help.

Step Three - Applying the paint


For the final coats, choose the finish that best suits the durability you need.

Be Savvy

Pre-moisten your brush with the right liquid - water for acrylics, turps for oil based paints. To stop paint running down the brush handle, don't dip your brush more that 30mm into the paint can. Tap it to remove excess paint.

Gloss: Shiny, durable - ideal in kitchens, bathrooms, house exteriors and high traffic areas. Withstands harsher cleaning.

Satin: Also called semi-gloss or low sheen. A hard working easy clean surface. Ideal for living room walls and woodwork.

Matt/Flat: Ideal for areas that require little ongoing cleaning. Perfect for ceilings and bedrooms.

Surface-by-surface

Ceilings: Use a flat acrylic finish. For rooms with an open fire, use satin for washability. Kitchens and bathrooms may need the durability of a semi-gloss.

Be Savvy

To paint ceilings, make a paint shield by punching a hole in a plastic ice-cream container lid.

Walls: Low sheen or matt finish.
Woodwork: Enhance the natural timbers with a satin or semi-gloss finish.

Painting in the right order

Work from the top down. Start with the ceiling and move down to walls, doors and windows. Completely finish a wall before stopping and use natural breakpoints like a window frame.

Be Savvy

Applicator paint pads are ideal for 'cutting in' around door edges.

Handling the paint

Thoroughly mixing your paint is vital. Make sure the temperature hasn't dropped below 10°C or the paint won't flow smoothly or set properly.
Check the guidelines on your cans for re-coating times. It's important to follow these suggestions, taking into account the temperature, humidity and the type of paint you're using. One heavier coat is not as good as two - it may not dry properly. Remember to never paint over an area that is partially dried. Leave runs and re-sand once dry.

Be Savvy

Store cleaned paint brushes by wrapping them in newspaper and storing them out of direct sunlight.

Using a roller

Choose a roller sleeve for the paint effect you require. Use zigzag strokes - rolling upwards on the first stroke, then even out with parallel strokes. Wrap the roller in cling wrap if you take a break.\

Be Savvy

To avoid paint splatter, don't overload the roller with paint.
Eliminate the 'orange peel' effect with rollers by using a short mohair 8mm pile over. Store roller covers upright, so you don't flatten the pile.