Homestyling - Painting tips

For all decorating projects, plan your job properly and have all the equipment needed at the start.
Where possible remove furniture, fixtures & fittings before starting.

Preparation equipment

General items needed for preparation prior to painting

If removing wallpaper, use either a scraper and soak the paper thoroughly or invest in a steam stripper which will give a quicker result.
Make sure surfaces are clean, wash with sugar soap to remove all rough surfaces.
Allow to dry completely before repainting.
Remove all flaking paint with a scraper or sand paper.
Fill in any cracks in the surfaces.
Wipe over with household bleach if signs of mildew.
Apply a coat of primer to stripped wood before painting.

Ready to paint!

General items need for painting

Choose the correct paint for the surface to be worked on.
Prepare the paint and pour a small amount into a container for easy use.
Choose a suitable brush for the work if doors and woodwork.
Get rid of any loose bristles by flicking the brush through a few times.
Wash any brushes that have been used previously or stored away.
Tie a length of string across the paint container to brush off excess paint from the brush to save dripping.
Apply the paint in long even strokes along the grain, blending areas together.
If painting walls, choose a suitable roller or sponge if preferred.
If using rollers, internal corners and edges must be painted first by brush, as the roller will not fit into these areas.
Always paint ceilings first, then walls and finally finishing off doors and skirting. This will minimise the risk of splashing paint and leaving marks from one area to another.
Edges can be done with either a hand held skirting mask or by using masking tape on the floor and walls to give an even finish.
Textured paints are good for covering surfaces in poor conditions.
Allow good ventilation when painting
Ensure that walls are completely dry before adding the finishing touches like pictures and curtains.