DIY, painting and decorating - a beginner's guide
Helpful how-tos to get you started.
How to prep a room
Before you start anything, it’s a good idea to prepare your walls as any holes, bumps or uneven surfaces can affect your final finish. Take some time with these first steps…
Clean your walls
With a sponge and soapy water, remove any dust, dirt or marks. They can affect the quality of your paint and leave stains that could show through.
Remove old wallpaper
A steamer or scraper will make it easier to remove old wallpaper, or flaky paint that’s too thick or too bright to paint straight over.
Smooth your surfaces
An even surface is the perfect canvas for painting. Use enough filler to fill any holes or cracks until they’re level with the wall. Then sand down any rough areas.
Apply a damp seal
Clean up any damp or mould before you start. Then opt for specially created paint as a basecoat – this’ll help prevent the causes of damp and reduce visibility.
How to paint a room
Once you’ve prepped the walls, you’re ready to go. Not sure which order to paint a room? Our step-by-step guide will walk you through…
Step 1 - cover up
Start by moving or covering up any furniture with dust sheets, as well as the floor where you’re painting. Use masking tape around skirting boards, door frames, windows and light switches – any fixtures you don't want to be painted!
Step 2 - start with the ceiling
Grab a ladder (to reduce neck and arm ache), a paintbrush and roller. Paint a 2-inch border from where the wall meets the ceiling. Pick a corner and use a roller for larger areas. If you have artex ceiling, paint in different directions to ensure full coverage.
Step 3 - cutting in
This helps achieve those crisp lines where walls meet, and rollers can’t quite reach. An angled brush is best to paint a 2-inch border around the edges of your walls. Don’t have too much paint on your brush and move smoothly from top to bottom.
Step 4 - the walls
Ensure your walls are dry before you start. If you’re covering a strong colour, use a basecoat first. Use a roller for an even finish and work from ceiling to floor. Paint in squares, overlapping them slightly to keep track of where you’ve painted.
Step 5 - skirting boards
A white gloss or satin finish are popular choices for skirting boards as they hide imperfections, are easy to clean and give a shiny finish. With a narrow paint brush, apply small amounts of gloss and take smaller strokes for a cleaner look.
Step 6 - windows, doors & radiators
Again, use a smaller brush for these areas. For the main surface of the door, you can use a gloss roller. Paint from top to bottom, using minimal gloss and smaller strokes to avoid paint drops. Allow to dry fully before applying a second coat (if needed).
Decorating checklist..
How much paint do I need?
Don't waste a drop
On average, 6L of paint can cover 4 walls of a traditional living room or bedroom. However, this does depend on the colour of paint as you may require more than 1 coat.
Kitchen and bathroom paint
The right paint for every room
Kitchen and bathroom paint differ because they’re tough and durable - specially designed so moisture, grease and dirt won’t absorb into the surface. It’s easy to wipe clean and usually has a shiny finish.
Top tips for painting and decorating...
Paint like a pro...
- Mix the paint – before you start, give your paint a good stir for the best consistency.
- Don’t saturate your roller – too much paint and it’ll spray as you roll.
- Don’t press too hard or roll to fast – this'll create an uneven finish.
- Clean your tools – wash and dry them thoroughly so they’ll last longer.
- Reseal your paint – ensure leftover paint is sealed securely so it doesn’t dry out.
- Don’t leave masking tape on too long – it’ll be harder to remove.
- Have a damp cloth nearby – for any little spillages.
Different types of paint
Garden paint
Wood stain
It’s recommended to treat your wooden exteriors (sheds, fences, decking) at least once a year. This’ll strengthen and protect them from extreme weather and help retain the wood’s natural look.
Wood paint
A layer of paint can also help protect your wooden structures. This paint usually offers a matt finish and is weather resistant. It’s also an easy way to give your garden a refresh.
Masonry paint
Designed to tackle coarse and difficult surfaces, masonry paint provides durable decoration and protection to house walls, garages and garden walls. Or use it to revamp dated paving or patios.
Helpful tools
A paint sprayer is an easy and quick way to cover large surfaces. Just be careful about the tops of your fences and hitting your neighbours! Use a ladder too, for any taller walls and fences.
DIY projects...
Command hanging solutions
No holes needed...
Discover the easiest (and cleanest) way to decorate your walls. Command’s transparent hooks subtly disappear into your decor, whilst the super strong strips safely secure frames, pictures and posters to your walls.