How to Paint a Room: From Top to Bottom

Thinking of giving a tired room a fresh coat of paint but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone in searching how to paint a room. Whether you’re sprucing up your home or redecorating a business space, getting the painting order right can make all the difference between a smooth, professional look and a messy finish. 

You might wonder, “Do you paint the skirting boards before walls? What’s the best order to paint a room?”

These are questions that DIYers and business owners alike often ask. And here’s the good news: we’ve got the answers! Whether you’re revamping your living room or giving your restaurant business a fresh new look, following the correct painting order will save you time and headaches down the road.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear, step-by-step guide to painting any room with confidence – be it a cosy bedroom or a bustling café. From ceiling to skirting boards, we’ll walk you through the process so you can achieve that picture-perfect finish, every time. Ready to transform your space like a pro? Let’s get started!

What Order to Paint a Room

It may seem a little over-the-top to have an order for painting a room, but hear us out. Knowing the correct order ensures that you avoid smudges, drips, and unnecessary touch-ups. It’s why professionals stick to a tried-and-true sequence, whether working in homes or commercial settings like offices and shops

For a flawless finish, always follow this order: start with the ceiling, then move on to the walls, and finish with skirting boards and woodwork. This method works whether you’re repainting your bathroom at home or sprucing up a business premises like a retail shop or café.

1. Begin with the Ceiling

Painting the ceiling first avoids any accidental splashes or drips from ruining freshly painted walls. Use a roller with an extension pole for large areas, and don’t forget to cut in around the edges with a brush. A bright white ceiling can make a room feel taller and airier – perfect for both homes and commercial spaces like offices that need to feel spacious.

“Cutting in” Cutting in is a technique where a brush is used to paint the edges of a room, including areas like window frames, doorways, corners, and along the ceiling line – places that are difficult for a roller to access.

 

2. Move to the Walls

Once the ceiling is dry, tackle the walls next. Always start by cutting in around the edges and then use a roller to fill in the larger areas. For business owners, this is the perfect time to choose a colour scheme that reflects your brand – whether it’s a calming blue for a restaurant or a professional grey for an office space. Taking your time here ensures that your walls look sleek and smooth.

3. Finish with Skirting Boards, Doors, and Woodwork

Painting the skirting boards and other woodwork last ensures a cleaner, crisper finish. Be sure to use painter’s tape and coverings to protect your freshly painted walls and floors while painting these final details. First impressions are everything, especially for businesses.

Do You Paint Skirting Boards Before Walls?

One of the most common questions that arises when tackling a painting project is whether to paint the skirting boards before or after the walls. The short answer is no – you should always paint the walls first and save the skirting boards for last. But why is this order so important?

When you paint the walls first, you allow yourself more room for error. Any accidental drips or smudges on the skirting boards can be easily cleaned or covered up when you get to that step, without having to worry about touching up freshly painted walls. It’s much harder to protect your skirting boards if you paint them first, as there’s always the risk of brushing up against them while painting the larger, more expansive areas of the walls. 

Painting the walls first also makes it easier to get clean, straight lines where the two surfaces meet. By waiting until the walls are dry, you can carefully mask them off and then paint the skirting boards without worrying about overlapping paint or uneven edges. For those using contrasting colours between walls and woodwork, this approach will give your room a much sharper, more professional look.

In both homes and commercial buildings, the sequence in which you paint is crucial for maintaining efficiency and avoiding unnecessary touch-ups. For businesses like restaurants, retail spaces, or offices, where downtime can be costly, following the right order prevents mistakes and ensures the job gets done right the first time.

To dive deeper into how to paint skirting boards like a pro, check out our dedicated blog post on painting skirting boards. There, you’ll find step-by-step guidance, tool recommendations, and tips for achieving a perfect finish on skirting boards, whether you’re doing it in a cosy bedroom or a high-traffic commercial space. This blog post will cover everything from surface preparation to choosing the right paint and techniques to ensure long-lasting durability for your skirting boards.

Prepping the Room: A Key to Success

Proper preparation is the cornerstone of any painting project, whether you’re freshening up a room at home or redecorating a professional space like an office, restaurant, or shop. Rushing this step or skipping it altogether may seem like a shortcut, but the reality is that inadequate prep will lead to a poor-quality finish. You’ll end up with uneven surfaces, peeling paint, and likely need to repaint entire sections later on. For spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture is common, preparation helps the paint perform better under those conditions. 

Taking the time to prepare properly ensures the paint will adhere better, look smoother, and last longer. This is true whether you’re painting a bedroom, kitchen, or a high-traffic area in a business. Not only does this approach save time and money in the long run, but it also guarantees a professional result that leaves a lasting impression.

Essential Steps for Prepping a Room Before Painting

Follow these critical steps to ensure your room is ready for a smooth, professional paint finish, regardless of the space you’re working on:

1. Clear the Room of Furniture and Fixtures

Start by removing all furniture, décor, and fixtures out of the space. For smaller rooms, this could be as simple as moving out a bed or sofa. In larger spaces like offices or restaurants, you may need to move desks, chairs, or even shelving. Where space is at a premium, or for any bulky items that are difficult to relocate such as a large wardrobe or a heavy office desk, move everything into the centre of the room. Covering them with dust sheets will protect them from paint splatters.

Clearing the room gives you easier access to walls, ceilings, and corners. It reduces the risk of accidents or damage, whether you’re painting a personal living space or a professional environment. In a business, your stock is an investment. Ensuring that is out of the way or covered up sufficiently will reduce wastage.

2. Clean the Walls and Surfaces

Even if your walls look clean, invisible dust, dirt, or grease will prevent paint from adhering properly. Kitchens and bathrooms accumulate grease, soap residue, or moisture stains, while living rooms or office spaces collect dust. 

Use warm, soapy water or a mild detergent to clean the surfaces. For stubborn grease spots, especially in kitchens or food-prep areas in businesses, use a stronger degreaser to ensure the surface is completely clean. Skipping this step will result in bubbling paint or poor adhesion, so be thorough. A clean surface ensures that your paint applies smoothly and evenly, for a professional finish.

3. Repair Imperfections in the Walls

Even the best paint job won’t hide wall imperfections like cracks, dents, or nail holes. Before you paint, inspect the walls carefully and repair any flaws. Use a good-quality filler to patch up any cracks or holes. Once the filler is dry, sand it down until it’s flush with the wall. This is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth, even paint surface.

For older walls or those in high-use areas such as offices, shops, or cafés, repairing imperfections is particularly important. Sanding after applying filler is essential for preventing raised spots that could ruin the finished look. Taking the time to smooth out imperfections not only improves the overall appearance but also helps maintain the durability of the paint, especially in areas prone to wear and tear.

4. Sand the Walls and Woodwork

Sanding ensures that all surfaces are smooth and ready to receive paint. Even if your walls look fine, lightly sanding them can remove any invisible rough patches and helps paint adhere better. Sanding is especially crucial for areas with glossy finishes, like doors, window frames, or woodwork.

Whether you’re painting a bathroom at home or a bustling retail shop, sanding creates the perfect surface for paint to grip, reducing the risk of peeling or chipping later on. For woodwork such as skirting boards, door frames, or window sills, sanding is a must to remove any old gloss or imperfections. A smooth surface is key to achieving a professional-grade finish in both domestic and commercial settings.

5. Apply Painter’s Tape to Protect Edges

Painter’s tape (masking tape) is your best friend when it comes to keeping the edges of your paintwork crisp and clean. Use it to mask off areas where you don’t want paint, such as window frames, light switches, door handles, skirting boards, or coving. Carefully apply the tape and press it down to ensure that no paint seeps through.

For businesses, this step is especially important to avoid paint mishaps in areas that are often touched or handled, like door frames or around counters. Painter’s tape saves time by reducing the need for touch-ups and ensures that the finished paint job looks neat and precise.

6. Protect Floors and Large Surfaces

Floors are one of the most vulnerable areas when painting a room. Even the most careful painter is bound to have a few drips or spills, especially when painting ceilings or large walls. To avoid damage to your flooring, use durable drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover the entire floor area.

Protecting the floor is crucial in any setting, but particularly in businesses where time is of the essence and you can’t afford to spend hours cleaning up. Covering the floor also saves you from having to deal with paint splatters on carpets, hardwood, or tiles, preserving the appearance of the space, whether it’s a home dining room or a stylish café. 

7. Prime the Surfaces (When Necessary)

Priming isn’t always required, but for certain situations it is highly recommended. If you’re painting a previously unpainted surface, going from a dark colour to a light one, or covering stained areas (such as smoke, nicotine, mould, or water damage), applying a primer helps the paint adhere and provides a solid base for your colour. Priming is especially important in domestic and commercial kitchens and bathrooms where the walls may need extra protection from moisture, grease, or wear.

For businesses like restaurants or shops, where walls can take a beating from daily use, priming is an essential step in creating a durable finish that holds up over time. Using a primer helps you achieve more even coverage, should help minimise the number of coats needed, and ensures that your new paint job looks vibrant and lasts longer.

Choosing the Right Paint: Matching Your Needs

Selecting the right paint for your project is just as important as the order in which you paint a room. While it might be tempting to opt for a cheaper or standard emulsion, making the wrong choice can lead to unnecessary headaches down the road. In the worst-case scenario, you could find yourself repainting the same room again next year due to peeling, fading, or mould issues. By choosing high-quality or specialist paints, you ensure a longer-lasting, durable finish that can stand up to the specific demands of each room. This is especially true in high-traffic areas and spaces exposed to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Why Quality Paint Matters

When painting a room, especially one that sees a lot of use, investing in high-quality paint can save you time, money, and effort in the long run. Quality paints generally provide better coverage, meaning you’ll need fewer coats to achieve a uniform finish. They are also formulated to resist fading, cracking, and peeling, ensuring your paintwork continues to look fresh for years to come.

Moreover, premium paints are more durable, particularly in spaces where walls and surfaces are prone to scuffing or stains, such as hallways, living rooms, or busy retail environments. This is especially important for business owners, where the appearance of your premises is key to creating a welcoming environment for customers. A fresh, clean look not only enhances the customer experience but also reflects positively on your brand.

Choosing the right paint from the outset means you won’t need to worry about constant touch-ups or a full-scale repaint any time soon. This is a crucial consideration for both homeowners and businesses, as frequent redecorating can be disruptive and costly.

Specialist Paints for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms present unique challenges that standard emulsions simply aren’t designed to handle. These rooms are prone to higher levels of moisture, condensation, and temperature fluctuations, which regular paint isn’t designed for. In these environments, using a specialist paint is not just recommended; it’s essential.

1. Moisture Resistance:

Bathrooms and kitchens are notorious for their high humidity levels. In a bathroom, steam from showers can cause condensation to form on the walls and ceiling, leading to damp spots, mould growth, and paint peeling. Kitchens, on the other hand, often experience heat and moisture from cooking, along with grease and food splashes. Specialist bathroom and kitchen paints are formulated with moisture-resistant properties that prevent water from seeping into the paint film, reducing the risk of peeling and bubbling. This means your paint will hold up well, even in these challenging conditions.

2. Mould and Mildew Protection:

In rooms with high moisture, the risk of mould and mildew is a serious concern. Specialist paints designed for bathrooms and kitchens often contain fungicides that inhibit the growth of mould and mildew. This is particularly important in areas like shower enclosures, behind sinks, or near cooktops, where humidity levels are consistently high. Using mould-resistant paint can prevent unsightly black spots and help maintain a healthier environment, as mould growth can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues.

3. Durability and Washability:

Kitchens and bathrooms are high-use spaces, which means that walls, cabinets, and other surfaces are likely to get dirty quickly. Standard emulsion paints may not stand up well to frequent scrubbing, leading to discolouration or damage over time. In contrast, specialist paints for these areas are often formulated to be washable and scrubbable, making it easy to clean off grease, soap scum, and watermarks without damaging the finish. For business owners – especially in cafés, restaurants, or commercial kitchens – this is a critical factor, as cleanliness is paramount to maintaining a professional appearance.

4. Heat and Steam Resistance:

In kitchens, particularly those with heavy cooking activity, the paint on walls around stoves or ovens needs to withstand high temperatures. Similarly, in bathrooms, regular exposure to steam can cause the paint to deteriorate quickly if it’s not designed for these conditions. Specialist paints for these rooms are built to handle heat and steam, offering long-lasting protection where regular paints would fail.

How to Use Fireplace Paint

If your home or business building is older then it may still have a working fireplace – or have a stove installed under the mantlepiece. These can heat up the surrounding surfaces – hearths and walls – to temperatures that regular paints, like emulsions, are not designed to resist. Using a specialist fireplace paint, such as Tikkurila Muuri, ensures that the paint finish can withstand the high temperatures and not blister or flake off. It also ensures that the substrate underneath, be it brick, wood, stone, or more, is suitably protected from the heat. Need help with application? We’ve written a full blog post on how to use fireplace paint.

Long-Term Savings

While it may be tempting to cut costs upfront by choosing a standard, budget-friendly emulsion, the long-term savings of investing in high-quality or specialist paint are undeniable. Poor-quality paints are more likely to fade, crack, or stain easily, leading to costly touch-ups or repaints within a short period. On the other hand, specialist paints ensure that your walls stay fresh and clean for years, reducing the need for constant maintenance and frequent redecorating. Investing in the right paint from the start ensures that your home or business premises remain presentable and attractive, ultimately reducing the need for disruptive redecorating down the line.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint a Room Like a Pro

Achieving a professional, flawless finish when painting a room requires careful planning and the right technique. Following these steps ensures success every time: here’s the complete guide to painting a room from start to finish.

1. Start with the Ceiling

The ceiling is always the first surface to paint. This prevents any paint splashes or drips from falling onto your freshly painted walls or woodwork. Painting a ceiling can be challenging due to its height and the potential strain on your arms, but there are techniques and tools that make it more manageable.

Use the Right Tools: 

A roller with an extension pole is essential for reaching the ceiling without having to balance on a ladder. Choose a roller with a long nap to cover textured surfaces effectively, or a smooth roller for flat ceilings.

Cut in First: 

Before you start with the roller, cut in around the edges where the ceiling meets the walls. Use a small angled brush for precision, ensuring you create a clean line. If you plan to paint the walls a different colour, leave a small gap between the ceiling and walls to allow room for later touch-ups.

Roll in Sections: 

Begin rolling from the corner of the room, using a ‘W’ or ‘M’ pattern to evenly distribute the paint. Work in small sections, blending each stroke into the next for a seamless finish.

Multiple Coats: 

Don’t expect full coverage in a single coat – most ceilings will need at least two coats of paint. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second, following the manufacturer’s recommended drying time. Proper ventilation helps with faster drying.

For business owners, particularly those managing larger spaces like shops or offices, using a high-quality paint with good coverage can cut down on the number of coats needed, saving both time and money. Additionally, consider colours that make ceilings appear higher, such as white or pale shades, to create an open, airy feel in customer-facing retail spaces. Another trend for restaurants and cafes is for a darker ceiling, making the space feel smaller and cosier, as well as drawing less attention to wires and ventilation ducts.

2. Paint the Walls

Once your ceiling is dry, it’s time to move on to the walls. This is the stage where you’ll see the biggest transformation in your room. Start by cutting in around the edges with a brush, then move to larger sections with a roller.

See our blog post for a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to paint walls like a pro. We cover everything from the best rollers to use, to tips for achieving a smooth, even finish.

3. Skirting Boards and Woodwork

After the walls are dry, you can finish by painting the skirting boards, window frames, and doors. Be sure to mask off the walls and floors to avoid splatter. This is the final step in ensuring a clean, professional look.

For more in-depth advice on painting skirting boards and woodwork, see our expert guide to painting skirting boards for tips on precision painting and protecting your freshly painted walls.

4. (Optional) Paint the Floors

Many painting guides overlook an essential detail—what if the room isn’t carpeted? If you’re working with bare floors, especially concrete, painting becomes its own significant project. Whether it’s a basement, garage, showroom, or factory floor, compatibility is key. You need to consider the type of floor, the levels of foot traffic, and whether the surface is exposed to moisture or chemicals. Without these factors in mind, the results may not last.

Wooden floors, such as floorboards or parquet, offer a different challenge. While painting is an option, preserving the natural beauty of the wood with oils or varnishes is often preferred. Traditional oils, though effective, take time to dry. Enter Osmo, pioneers in next-generation wood oils. These products combine the depth of oil with the durability of varnish, offering fast drying times and exceptional protection. Ideal for both public spaces like schools and libraries and commercial units like restaurants, these oils ensure your wooden floors look stunning while standing up to the demands of daily use.

5. Clean Up and Inspect Your Work

Once the painting is complete, it’s time to tidy up your tools and give your room a final inspection. Proper clean-up ensures that your space looks as professional as possible, and it sets the stage for a long-lasting finish.

Remove Masking Tape Carefully: 

Slowly peel away any painter’s tape from windows, door frames, and other protected areas. Do this while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid lifting the paint or leaving behind a jagged edge. If the paint has dried, use a utility knife to score along the edge of the tape before removing it.

Touch Up Where Needed: 

Inspect the room for any drips, smudges, or thin patches. Use a small brush to touch up any areas that may need more coverage or a smoother finish. If you’ve used painter’s tape to mask off sections, this is the perfect time to carefully remove it and fix any imperfections.

Dispose of Materials Safely: 

Any leftover paint can be stored for touch-ups later. Clean your brushes and rollers immediately, as dried paint can damage your tools and make future projects more difficult.

Do not empty paint tins into drains or dispose of them by fly tipping; your local council-run recycling centre should have information for paints. There are also charities such as x in Leeds that use donated opened tins of paint for community projects.

Bonus Tips for Business Owners

For business owners refreshing their space, the painting process often requires extra planning to minimise downtime. Here are a few tips to help make the process smoother:

Schedule Off-Peak Hours: 

If your business operates daily, consider scheduling your painting during quieter times or off-hours to reduce disruption. For restaurants, this might be early mornings, while for offices, weekends could be ideal.

Choose Durable Paint: 

High-traffic areas like retail shops or cafés will benefit from durable, scrubbable paints that are easy-to-clean. Some finishes, like an eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss ,can resist stains and handle frequent cleaning. Specialist hygienic paints will ensure that your space stays fresh and welcoming for longer.

Branding Colours: 

Think about how your paint choices reflect your brand. Whether you’re creating a calming atmosphere with neutral tones in a spa or using bold, vibrant colours in a trendy café, your paint choices should reinforce your business’s identity to your customers. Paints for ceilings, walls, and skirting boards come in 4,400+ shades and colours- convenient for businesses wanting to match or update their brand schemes.

How To Paint A Room FAQ’s

Do you paint the walls or the ceiling first?

Always start with the ceiling. Painting the ceiling first ensures that any accidental drips or splashes won’t ruin your freshly painted walls. Use a roller for large areas and a brush to cut in around the edges where the ceiling meets the walls. Let the ceiling fully dry before moving on to the walls. This method applies to both homes and businesses – especially in high-traffic areas where a pristine finish is critical. Skipping this step can lead to unnecessary rework, costing both time and effort.

Do you paint the skirting board or walls first?

You should always paint the walls first and the skirting boards last. Many DIYers wonder whether to paint the skirting boards before or after the walls, but professionals recommend saving them for last. Painting the walls first allows you to make any necessary corrections without worrying about smudging your woodwork. Once the walls are completely dry, you can apply masking tape to the bottom of the walls, protecting them while you paint the skirting boards and ensuring sharp, clean lines.

How long does it take to paint a room?

The time required to paint a room depends on several factors, including the size of the room, the number of coats required, and the amount of preparation involved. Generally, it takes at least a day, if not a second, to paint an average-sized room. This includes the time needed for preparation, painting two coats of paint, and allowing for drying times. Larger rooms or commercial spaces may take longer, especially if you need to apply multiple coats or if the room has intricate woodwork. Additionally, drying times can vary depending on the type of paint used (e.g., oil-based paints may take longer than water-based ones).

Do you paint the walls or woodwork first?

When painting a room, it’s best to start with the walls before moving on to the woodwork. This prevents you from accidentally smudging freshly painted skirting boards, door frames, or window trims when you’re working on the walls. After the walls are dry, tape them off to protect the paintwork while you tackle the woodwork. This approach is especially important in commercial spaces where attention to detail is key for creating a polished, professional environment.

Should I paint doors and window frames before or after the walls?

It’s best to paint the doors and window frames after you’ve finished painting the walls. Much like with skirting boards, painting the woodwork after the walls gives you more control and prevents unwanted marks. Use painter’s tape to protect the edges of the wall while you paint doors and window frames. For businesses with large windows or storefronts, this can be particularly important in ensuring a sleek, professional finish without the need for touch-ups later.

How many coats of paint are typically required?

Most rooms require at least two coats of paint for full coverage. The first coat may show through slightly or leave patchy areas, especially when switching from a dark colour to a lighter one, or vice versa. Applying a second coat ensures a uniform, vibrant finish. For heavily trafficked business spaces, applying two coats (or even a third in some cases) ensures a long and durability finish, helping the paint withstand everyday wear and tear.

Can I paint over existing paint, or do I need to remove it first?

In most cases, you can paint directly over existing paint, provided that the surface is in good, sound condition. However, if the existing paint is flaking, bubbling, or uneven, you should sand it down or remove it before applying a new coat. For glossy surfaces, it’s essential to lightly sand the surface to ensure the new paint adheres properly.

Do I need to prime the walls before painting?

Priming the walls before painting is not always necessary, but it can make a big difference, especially when painting over dark colours or when painting a high-moisture area like a bathroom or kitchen. Primer helps the paint adhere better and ensures a smoother finish. It also provides a barrier between the new paint and any stains or imperfections on the wall.

How do I avoid brush marks when painting skirting boards and doors?

To avoid visible brush marks, use a high-quality brush or a small roller designed for trim and woodwork. Apply paint in thin, even coats and work quickly to blend the brush strokes before the paint starts to dry. For best results, consider using a paint conditioner, which helps the paint flow more smoothly and reduces brush marks. In commercial spaces like offices or cafes, a smooth, clean finish on the woodwork is critical for maintaining a polished, professional atmosphere.

How should I handle painting around electrical outlets and light switches?

To ensure a clean, professional look when painting around electrical outlets and light switches, remove the cover plates before you start. Use a small brush to paint around the openings, and reattach the plates once the paint is dry. For businesses, especially customer-facing ones like shops or restaurants, these small details contribute to a more polished final result.

What’s the best way to clean up after painting?

Cleaning up after painting involves more than just washing your brushes. Be sure to remove painter’s tape before the paint fully dries to avoid peeling off sections of the new paint. Dispose of any leftover paint responsibly, following local guidelines. Clean your brushes and rollers with warm, soapy water (for water-based paints) or paint thinner (for oil-based paints). For business owners, particularly those operating in public spaces, keeping the area clean and tidy after painting helps maintain a professional environment and ensures that customers or employees aren’t inconvenienced by the work.