Easy Room Preparation Ideas for a Perfect Paint Finish

Before you start painting rooms, it is important to prepare the space. Good preparation makes your work easier and helps you get the best finish.

Step 1: Protect Your Room

Precious items: Take down photos, wall hangings, or paintings and keep them safe.

Flooring: Cover the floor with non-slip plastic. Tape it down to prevent drips or scratches.

Top tip: If you have skirting, tuck the plastic neatly under it using a wall scraper.

Furniture: Move big furniture pieces to the center of the room and cover them with plastic. Small items should be taken out for more space.

Fixtures: Use tape around handles, switches, windows, and doorframes to stop paint from spreading where you don’t want it.

Step 2: Prepare the Walls

Moisture check: Make sure bathrooms or kitchens are fully sealed and waterproof before painting.

Mold-free walls: Remove any mold with spray and a sponge. Repair the cause of dampness before starting.

Old paint or wallpaper: If the walls have a glossy surface, then lightly sand them before applying matt paint onto them. For wallpaper: either remove it or paint over it, depending upon how it is peeling.

First clean: Wash walls with warm water mixed with dish soap. Let them dry completely.

Repair: Fill small cracks or holes with filler, then sand to get a smooth surface.

Tools you may need: primer, brushes, filler, scrapers, roller, tray, sandpaper, sponge, trowel, and wall cleaner.

Final clean: Remove dust, cobwebs, or grease stains (especially in kitchens) with a cloth or wall cleaner.

Prime the walls: Apply one or two coats of primer so your top paint looks smooth and lasts longer.