Painting is one of the most common jobs my clients ask me about. And many people think: “I can handle that myself.” You can – but the result depends mostly on preparation, not on the painting itself.

Why Preparation Is Everything

Fresh paint doesn’t fix the problem – it only covers it temporarily. Cracks, damp stains or a poorly primed surface will show through again over time. Proper preparation takes 60–70% of the total time, but it’s time well spent.

Step 1: Prepare the Room

Before you open the first tin, do this:

  • Move or cover furniture – paint splatters further than you expect
  • Cover the floor – use a dust sheet or old tablecloth
  • Tape the skirting boards and frames with masking tape – a clean line saves hours of touch-ups
  • Ventilate the room – paint dries faster and more safely

Step 2: Repair the Surface

Go over the walls and mark every spot that needs attention:

  • Small cracks and holes – fill with filler (e.g. Uniflex), let dry, then sand smooth
  • Larger cracks – use reinforcing tape + filler
  • Damp stains – treat with a primer or special stain-blocking coat before painting
  • Greasy spots – degrease with spirit or a specialist cleaner

Sanding after filling is mandatory – otherwise every transition will be visible.

Step 3: Primer

Primer is the step people skip most often. Big mistake.

Primer provides:

  • Better adhesion of the paint to the surface
  • Even absorption (no blotches or streaks)
  • Lower consumption of the topcoat

Apply the primer with a brush or roller, allow to dry according to instructions (usually 2–4 hours), then paint.

Step 4: Choosing the Paint

There’s a huge range of paints on the market – how to choose?

  • Emulsion paint – most common, suitable for most interiors
  • Washable paint – for kitchens, children’s rooms, hallways (can be wiped with a damp cloth)
  • Antibacterial paint – for bathrooms or areas prone to mould
  • High-coverage paint – if painting over a dark colour with a lighter shade

White or light paint over a dark base = always at least 2 coats, ideally 3.

Step 5: Painting Technique

Order Matters

  1. First, use a brush to paint corners, skirting boards and the areas near frames (about 5–8 cm from edges)
  2. Then use a roller for the remaining surface

Correct Roller Technique

  • Always roll top to bottom, evenly, without stopping
  • Overlap adjacent runs by about one third
  • Don’t apply too thick a coat – two thin coats are better than one heavy one
  • Allow at least 4–6 hours drying time between coats (overnight is ideal)

Tips for a Clean Line

Masking tape must be pressed down firmly – otherwise paint will seep underneath. When you’re done, peel the tape while the paint is still wet, not after it has dried.

When to Call a Professional

Painting is physically demanding – ceilings, ladders, large areas. Call me if:

  • You have a large surface or high ceilings
  • You’re not sure how to handle surface repairs
  • You want the confidence of a professional finish
  • You simply don’t have the time

Painting an entire 3-bedroom flat typically takes me 1–2 days, and I always prepare the surface carefully.

Need to repaint your flat or a single room? Call or message me – I’ll come round with a quote.