How To Paint A Wall: The Definitive Decorating Guide

Are you ready to give your home or business a facelift but feeling overwhelmed at the thought of painting your walls? Does the idea of achieving that flawless, professional finish seem out of reach? Well, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re looking to brighten up a tired-looking room or cover up an old paint job, learning how to paint a wall can be surprisingly easy when you know the right steps.

Professional decorators exist for a reason – they know what they’re doing. But you may fancy having a go yourself to save on money! With this guide, you’ll not only learn how to paint a wall like a pro but also uncover tips and tricks that make the process smoother and more efficient. From prepping your walls to applying the final coat, we’ll take you through each phase step by step, ensuring your paint job looks sleek and professional.

By the end, you’ll be armed with all the know-how you need to transform your walls and take pride in your work. So, let’s dive in and get started!

Looking for exterior wall masonry paints? Read: The Benefits of Masonry Paint

Shopping List: Your Essential Tools and Materials

Before you lift a paintbrush or roller, it’s best to have all your materials and tools ready. Like gathering ingredients, pans and utensils to cook a recipe, this saves time and ensures a smooth, uninterrupted workflow. Here’s what you’ll need for the project:

Materials:

Paint

Choose a high-quality paint to ensure the best results. Using a cheaper paint may be more convenient upfront, but they won’t last long and your room will need repainting much sooner than you would like. The type of paint you select – whether it’s matt, satin, or gloss – will depend on the finish you want and the specific room you’re painting.

• Matt Finish: Ideal for low-traffic areas, matt paint has a non-reflective, velvety texture that helps to hide imperfections on walls. It’s a popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms.
• Satin or Eggshell Finish: Offer a slight sheen, making them easy to clean and ideal for moderate-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens. It’s a perfect middle ground between matt and gloss.
• Gloss Finish: Gloss paints are highly reflective and extremely durable, which makes them ideal for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or children’s rooms. Gloss finishes are easy to clean but can highlight wall imperfections, so make sure your surface is well-prepped before application.

At Rawlins, wall and ceiling paints are available in 3,500+ colours from RAL, NCS, and British Standard –  there’s a shade for everyone! Take advantage of our colour sample sachets; read our blog post on the importance of using colour samples. We recommend ordering several shades lighter and darker to account for changes in light.

Primer

Primers are a vital part of the painting process, especially if you’re working with bare walls, old wallpaper, or switching from dark to light colours. Primers help the paint adhere better, ensure an even topcoat, and can address specific wall issues like stains or porous surfaces. Here’s a breakdown of different types of primers and when to use them:

• All-Purpose Primer: If you’re painting over dark colours or working on both new and previously painted surfaces, an all-purpose primer is a reliable choice. It helps to cover the existing colour, ensuring that the new paint will appear vibrant and even. This type of primer also works well when transitioning from one paint finish to another, such as from a semi-gloss to a matt finish.
• Stain-Blocking Primer: If your walls have water stains, smoke damage, or other marks, a stain-blocking primer like Zinsser Cover Stain is essential. It seals the stains, preventing them from bleeding through the topcoat. This type of primer is especially useful in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

If you require help, Rawlins’ specialists are on hand to advise on suitable products as well as proper preparation and application techniques.

Painter’s Tape

Painter’s tape (also known as masking tape) is crucial for creating clean, sharp lines along areas you don’t want to paint, such as baseboards and skirting boards, windows frames and door surrounds, ceilings, etc. It prevents paint from bleeding onto adjacent surfaces, ensuring a tidy, professional-looking result. Be sure to apply the tape securely and remove it while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid peeling.

Dust Sheets

Protecting your floors and furniture from paint splatters is essential. Cloths made from canvas are reusable and durable, providing excellent protection against spills. If you prefer a lightweight, disposable option, plastic sheeting also works well. Secure the drop cloths in place before starting to paint to avoid slips and paint drips.

Wall Filler/Spackle

Before you begin painting, it’s important to inspect your walls for any dents, holes, or cracks. These imperfections, if not properly filled, will show through the paint. Wall filler or spackle can be used to fill any gaps. After it dries, sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure an even surface for painting.

Cleaning Detergent

Cleaning the surface before painting is absolutely crucial to the success of a paint job – use a mild detergent or a general purpose cleaner and degreaser to make short work of dirt and grime, grease, dust, and more. If the wall has mould on it, use a mould killer and remover; leaving mould in place will just see it grow through the paint. Mould-resistant paints only stop mould from growing on the film as they contain a biocide. They will not stop existing mould infestations, which need to be treated before painting and the cause of the mould (typically poor ventilation, leading to condensation) sorting.

Tools:

Roller and Tray

A roller is the best tool for quickly covering large wall surfaces evenly. The roller’s nap (the thickness of the roller cover) should be selected based on the texture of your wall:

• For smooth surfaces like drywall, a short nap (6-8 mm) roller works best for a uniform application.
• For walls with slight texture or plaster, a medium nap (10-12 mm) roller is ideal.
• A thick nap (15-20 mm) roller should be used for heavily textured walls, such as brick or stucco, to ensure the paint reaches all the crevices.
  

Make sure to use a roller tray to hold the paint, and roll off excess paint to prevent drips. Using a tray with ridges helps to distribute paint more evenly on the roller.

Brush

A brush is essential for cutting in along the edges of walls and around tight corners where a roller can’t reach. A high-quality synthetic bristle brush is ideal for use with water-based paints, allowing for precise control and a smooth finish without leaving brush marks. Brushes are also great for painting along ceilings, skirting boards, and around window frames.

Ladder

A stable ladder is necessary for reaching high walls or ceilings. Ensure the ladder you use is sturdy, tall enough for the task, and has a wide platform for standing comfortably as you work. Step ladders are often the best option for wall painting, as they provide stability while allowing you to move around the room easily.

Cleaning Materials

A sponge and bucket for cleaning and degreasing.

 

Safety Gear

Dust Mask

Sanding and cleaning your walls before painting can release dust, debris, and other particles into the air. Wearing a dust mask will protect you from inhaling these particles, especially if you’re working in a poorly ventilated room or using chemical primers. It’s a simple but essential safety measure to ensure you’re not breathing in harmful particles during the prep process.

Gloves and Safety Goggles

It’s always a good idea to wear protective gloves while handling paint, primer, or cleaning products, as these substances can be harsh on the skin. Safety goggles are also important when sanding or using chemicals, protecting your eyes from dust and potential splashes. Consider coveralls, too; a one-piece cover that protects your clothes and head from paint.

 

Once you’ve gathered all your tools and materials, you’re ready for the most important part: preparation!

 

How To Prepare Your Walls for Painting

Preparing your walls is the essential foundation of any successful painting job. Proper preparation ensures the paint adheres well, covers evenly, and lasts longer. This guide assume that your wall is bare, is lined with lining paper, or has had a previous coat of paint. If your wall is covered in wallpaper or is tiled, you can paint over those!

Step 1: Clean the Walls

Before painting, your walls must be clean. Over time, dust, dirt, and even grease can accumulate on the surfaces, and this prevents paint from sticking to the surface properly. Painting directly onto dirty wall means the paint will soon peel off and require repainting.

Use a sponge and a mild detergent mixed with water to thoroughly clean the walls. For areas that are greasy, such as kitchens, you may need a stronger cleaner. Make sure the walls are fully dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Repair Any Damaged Areas

Look for any cracks, holes, or imperfections in the wall. Use wall filler or spackle to fill these areas. After the filler dries, sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth and even. Remember, even the smallest imperfections can stand out after painting, so take your time.

Step 3: Sand the Walls

Just like cleaning, sanding the entire surface is essential, especially if the walls were previously painted with a glossy or semi-gloss finish. A light sanding with medium-grit sandpaper (120 to 220 grit) will create a rougher surface, which allows the paint to adhere better. Wipe down the walls afterward with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

Step 4: Tape and Protect Surfaces

Before you start painting, use painter’s tape to cover any areas you don’t want painted, such as skirting boards, window frames, or door frames. Apply the tape carefully, making sure it’s pressed down firmly to prevent any paint from seeping underneath. Place drop cloths over the floor and any furniture that can’t be moved to protect them from splatters.

How To Paint A Wall: Priming

Priming isn’t always necessary, but it’s highly recommended for certain situations. If you’re painting over a dark colour, porous surfaces like bare drywall, or stains, a primer will give you a more consistent finish. Primer also ensures the paint will adhere properly and last longer.

How to Apply Primer:

• Use your brush to cut in around the edges of the wall, just as you would with regular paint.
• Roll the primer onto the walls in large, even strokes, working in small sections. Be sure to cover the entire surface with a thin, even layer of primer.
• Let the primer dry for the time specified in the manufacturer’s data sheet, before applying your paint.

 

“Cutting in” A painting method where a brush is used to paint along the edges of a room, such as around windows, doors, corners, and along the ceiling line – areas that a roller cannot reach.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: Painting Your Wall Like a Pro

Now that your walls are prepped and primed, it’s time to get down to painting. Here’s the step-by-step guide to achieving a professional finish.

Step 1: Cut in the Edges

Start by using your angled brush to “cut in” around the edges of the wall. This means painting a strip along the top, bottom, and corners of the wall where the roller won’t reach. Be precise and aim to blend the edges into the unpainted areas to prevent brush marks from showing through.

Step 2: How to Paint a Wall with a Roller

Once you’ve cut in the edges, it’s time to use your roller for the larger areas. Dip the roller into your paint tray and roll it back and forth until the roller is evenly coated. Start painting from the top of the wall and work your way down in long, even strokes. Use a “W” or “M” motion to ensure even coverage across the wall.

Pro Tip:

Avoid overloading your roller with too much paint, as this can cause drips and uneven patches. It’s better to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.

Step 3: Apply a Second Coat

After the first coat of paint dries (usually around 4-6 hours), it’s time to assess whether a second coat is necessary. Most walls will require at least two coats for complete coverage, especially if you’re switching from a dark colour to a light one. Apply the second coat using the same techniques as the first, but try to paint in the opposite direction to ensure even coverage.

Final Touches and Clean-Up

Once your second coat is dry, step back and admire your work! But don’t forget the finishing touches. Look for any missed spots or drips and touch them up with a small brush. Carefully remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid peeling off any fresh paint.

Clean Your Tools

Don’t leave your brushes and rollers to dry with paint on them. Clean them immediately with warm, soapy water (for water-based paints) or the appropriate solvent (for oil-based paints). Properly store any leftover paint in a cool, dry place for future touch-ups.

 

FAQs

How long does it take to paint a room?

The time it takes to paint a room depends on its size, the condition of the walls, and the number of coats needed. Generally, the process can be completed in a day which includes preparation, painting, and drying time between coats.

How to paint a wall with a roller?

To paint a wall with a roller, load the roller evenly with paint, and use a “W” or “M” pattern to apply the paint in long, even strokes. Work from the top of the wall down, and overlap each stroke slightly to avoid roller marks.

 

Ready To Start?

Follow these detailed steps to achieve a professional finish, whether in your home or your business premises. From proper wall preparation to mastering the roller technique, painting your walls like a pro is now within your reach. Remember, preparation is the key to success, so don’t rush the process!

If you still have questions or need expert advice, leave a comment below, and Rawlins’ Technical Experts will be happy to help. Happy painting!