· 2 min read · By White Buffalo Bespoke
A crisp, even finish is one of the biggest visual upgrades you can make to a home. It is also one of the easiest to get wrong. Here is how the professionals approach it.
Preparation is most of the job
Painting over poor surfaces shows every flaw. Before opening a tin:
- clear or cover the room, and protect floors and fittings with dust sheets
- fill holes and cracks, then sand smooth and wipe away the dust
- clean walls and woodwork, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, where grease and steam leave a film
- apply caulk to gaps between skirting boards, walls and frames for a clean line
- mask edges carefully where paint meets another surface
Prime and seal where needed
New plaster, bare wood and stained areas need the right primer or sealer. A thinned "mist" coat on fresh plaster stops it soaking up the topcoat unevenly. Stains such as water marks or smoke need a stain-blocking primer, otherwise they show through.
Choose the right paint
- Ceilings and walls: matt or a soft sheen gives a smooth look and hides small imperfections.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: use paint made for humid, splash-prone rooms.
- Woodwork and trim: satin or eggshell finishes are tougher and easier to wipe clean.
Test colours on the wall itself, and look at them in daylight and lamplight. The same colour can look very different in a north-facing room and a south-facing one.
Work in the right order
Work from top to bottom: ceilings first, then walls, then woodwork. Cutting in, which means painting the edges with a brush before rolling the main area, keeps lines sharp. Keep a wet edge as you go to avoid lap marks.
Two coats, properly dried
One coat is rarely enough. Allow each coat to dry fully before the next, and keep the room ventilated. Rushing between coats is a common cause of a patchy finish.
Exterior painting
Exterior work on render, brickwork and woodwork depends on weather. As a general guide, paint on dry days, avoid very cold conditions, and allow surfaces to dry thoroughly before starting. Good preparation, including washing, scraping and repairing, matters even more outside.
How long does it take?
It depends on the size of the property, but a typical three-bedroom home takes around one to two weeks for a full interior repaint. Furniture can usually be worked around with dust sheets and careful masking, though clearing smaller items helps.
When to hire a professional
- whole-house or multi-room projects
- stairwells, landings and high ceilings
- patterned or specialist wallpaper that needs matching
- colour matching to existing paintwork
- exterior work at height
We can supply and specify paint from trusted brands, or work with paint you have already chosen. See our painting and decorating service or ask for a quote.
