Painting a room is a relatively straightforward job, if you are prepared. The first step to painting a room is to plan your process and make sure that you have all of the right equipment. We talk you through painting a room in five simple steps:
- Choose the right colours and products
- Gather your tools
- Clear the area
- Prepare and repair surfaces
- Get painting!
How to paint a room: choose colours and products
The first step to painting a room is choosing your colour scheme. Do you go bright and bold or keep it simple? If you are undecided, get a few samples and experiment with colours; remember, you are going to have to live with your choice for a long time! Many people opt for magnolia because it is cheap and goes with most colours. If you do choose neutral colours, you can create accents of colour with accessories.
Once you have chosen your colour scheme, you need to get the right sort of paint. There are a broad range of paints, depending on the room and the finish you want; if in doubt, ask for advice.
How to paint a room: kit list
If you want to do a good job, make sure you have the following: dust sheets, masking tape, sugar soap or similar, primer (if using) paint tray(s) – one for each colour, appropriate brushes and rollers for the paint you have selected (at least one sash brush for cutting in, one trim brush for doors and ledges, one wall brush and one roller), soft, clean, fluff-free cloths (at least two).
How to paint a room: clear the area
As tempting as it may be to get stuck in straight away, clearing your area will save a lot of time later on. Move any bulky furniture so that it is away from the surfaces you plan to paint, and cover all surfaces with dust sheets. Paint can splatter a surprising distance, so if in doubt – cover it up! Remove light shades, chandeliers, door handles and fittings to help to get a high-standard finish.
How to paint a room: prepare (and repair) surfaces
Nothing spoils a new paint job like a painted-in fly, bit of dust, or nail holes. First, give any uneven surfaces a rub-down with a bit of sandpaper – fill and sand any holes, giving a smooth surface. Then give everything a wipe-down with sugar soap or warm water (using a clean, soft cloth). Use masking tape to tape off skirting boards, door frames, etc. to help ensure you get smooth, clean lines. Depending on the surface you are painting onto, you may need to use a primer before applying your first coat of colour.
How to paint a room: get painting!
With your tools gathered, materials chosen, surfaces prepared, washed and dried, you are ready to go! Always work from top to bottom, starting with the ceiling first, followed by walls, and painting the trims last (skirting boards, dado rails, picture rails and door frames). Start with the cutting in, then use a roller for the larger areas. Make sure that between each coat and each phase, you allow time for your surfaces to dry completely. If you accidentally splash paint in the wrong place either rub it off using your soft, clean cloth, or wait for it to dry, sand it gently and paint over with the correct colour.
If the job takes a couple of days, you can preserve your paint trays, brushes and rollers by wrapping them in cling film. Once you have finished the project, make sure that you clean your equipment thoroughly, using the right cleaner, to make sure that they are ready to be used next time.