Most disappointing paint jobs fail at the preparation stage, not the painting stage. Clean, patch, sand, and tape properly, then apply thin coats — and the finish will look professional.
Work top down: ceiling, then walls, then trim. Cut in the edges with a brush, then roll in a W pattern and finish with straight passes. Use two thin coats rather than one thick one. Matte or eggshell suits most walls; satin or semi-gloss suits trim.
What you need
- Paint for ceilings, walls, and trim
- Roller and frame (short pile for smooth walls, medium for texture)
- Angled sash brush for cutting in
- Painter’s tape
- Drop sheets
- Filler, a putty knife, and fine sandpaper
- A damp cloth and mild cleaner for prep
Prepare the room
- Clear and coverMove furniture out or to the centre and cover it. Protect the floor with drop sheets.
- Clean the wallsWash off grease and dust, especially in kitchens. Rinse and let dry.
- Patch and sandFill holes and cracks, let the filler dry, then sand smooth and wipe away dust.
- TapeTape trim, skirting, and window edges. Press the tape edge down firmly to stop paint bleeding.
Paint the ceiling
Cut in a band around the ceiling edges with a brush, then roll in sections about a metre wide. Keep a wet edge so joins do not show. Work away from the light source if you can, so you can see missed patches.
Paint the walls
- Cut in firstBrush a band along the ceiling line, corners, and trim.
- Roll in a WStart near the top and roll a large W to spread the paint before it dries.
- Fill and finishFill the W with straight, overlapping passes, then lay off lightly top to bottom for an even finish.
- Second coatLet the first coat dry fully, then apply a second thin coat.
Ventilate well and use the correct respirator for the paint you choose. In homes built before the 1980s, test for lead paint before sanding — do not dry-sand suspected lead paint.
| Surface | Recommended sheen |
|---|---|
| Ceilings | Flat / matte |
| Living and bedrooms | Matte or eggshell |
| Kitchens and bathrooms | Satin or semi-gloss |
| Trim and doors | Satin or semi-gloss |
Paint the trim
Paint trim last so any drips can be worked into the wall coat. Use a satin or semi-gloss for durability and wipe-ability. If you taped the trim to protect it, remove the tape while the wall paint is still slightly tacky so it pulls away cleanly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need two coats?
Usually yes. Two thin coats cover more evenly, wear better, and hide roller marks far more than one thick coat. Deep or bright colours often need three.
Should I paint the walls or the ceiling first?
Ceiling first, always. Any drips or splatter fall onto surfaces you have not painted yet, and you can touch them up with the wall coat.
How long before I can move furniture back?
Let the final coat dry for at least 24 hours before moving heavy furniture, and longer for hard-wearing trim. Follow the drying times on the tin.
Also read: How to fix a squeaky floor · How to remove hard water stains from shower glass
