Paint Like a Pro: How to paint a room

With a little know-how, the right tools, and relatively little expense, you can transform any room in your home!

Step 1: Plan

Do your future self a favour by taking time at the outset to plan your project and gather all necessary materials.

This will save you from repeat store visits for something you could have sworn was in the shed. Measuring the room ensures you get the right amount of interior emulsion from the get-go.

Once you’re ready to select your paint, be sure to opt for premium quality paint. High-quality paint is an investment that offers superior durability and coverage – ultimately saving you time and money.

Step 2: Prep

Protect surfaces you don’t want to paint. Move furniture, lay dust sheets, and mask off any fittings, doors, window frames and skirting.

Cleaning is an essential step to ensuring a blemish-free finish. Use sugar soap solution to spot-clean any dirt, grime, and dust.

Make sure to leave the wall dry fully before painting.

Step 3: Fix

Scrape away any loose paint, then sand this area lightly in a circular motion with fine-grade sandpaper.

Apply a good quality filler to fix any imperfections (e.g., holes, cracks, scratches, dents).

Smooth the filler out with a filler knife, allow it to dry, sand it back, and wipe away any dust.

Step 4: Paint

Cutting-in with a 2" brush covers any tight corners and edges that your roller can’t reach.

Tip: To ensure there is no overlap when the cutting-in areas dry (aka “picture framing”), paint one wall at a time and roll before your cutting-in has had the chance to dry.

When loading your brush with paint, dip the first inch of the brush and gently tap against the rim of the paint tin to remove excess paint. Check for drips as you go as these are easier to remove when still wet.

Roll the remaining areas. For a smooth application, dampen the roller before you start and don’t overload it. Roll in a ‘W’ pattern at a moderate pace using light pressure. To fix drips or pressure lines as you go, lightly roll over the area while the paint is still wet.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how much drying time is needed before painting a second coat.

Remove masking tape. To prevent peeling, do this before the paint is fully dry.

Step 5: Clean-up

Seal and store any unused paint so you can use it again for touch-ups.

Wash your tools with warm, soapy water. If cared for properly, good-quality tools can be used again and again.

Tools for the Job:

• Measuring Tape
• Sugar Soap
• Microfibre Cloth
• Dust Sheets
• Deltec Gold Masking Tape
• Fine-Grade Sandpaper
• Prestonett Ready-Mix Interior Filler & Filling Knife
• Wooster Silver Tip 2” Angle Sash Brush
• 9” ALLPRO Roller Set (Includes Sleeve, Frame & Tray)
• Quality Emulsion paint from either the Ralston, Dulux Heritage, Farrow & Ball, or Colourtrend ranges

Get colour inspiration & expert advice from Pat McDonnell Paints

ONLINE | IN STORE | OVER THE PHONE (+353 21 432 0200)
FAST & FREE DELIVERY on all orders

*Sponsored Content