The Beginner’s Guide to Painting a Room Like a Pro
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most transformative — and affordable — home improvements you can make. Here's how to do it like a professional.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most transformative — and affordable — home improvements you can make. Here’s how to do it like a professional.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to transform a room. But the difference between a DIY job and a professional finish is all in the preparation.
In this beginner’s guide, we walk you through the steps to painting a room like a pro — from choosing the right paint to applying the final coat.
Step 1: Choose your paint
Start with the right paint for the job. For most interior walls, a good-quality emulsion is ideal. Look for a paint with good coverage and a finish that suits the room — matt for low-traffic areas, eggshell or satin for higher-traffic rooms and woodwork.
Step 2: Gather your tools
You will need:
– A good-quality roller and tray
– A selection of brushes (2-inch and 1-inch for cutting in)
– A dust sheet
– Painter’s tape
– Sandpaper
– A filling knife and filler
– Sugar soap or a similar cleaner
– A step ladder
Step 3: Prepare the room
Clear the room of furniture, or move it to the centre and cover it with dust sheets. Remove switch and socket covers. Clean the walls with sugar soap to remove dirt and grease. Fill any holes or cracks with filler, and sand smooth once dry.
Step 4: Tape off the edges
Apply painter’s tape along the edges of the room — skirting boards, door frames, window frames, and any other trim. Press the tape down firmly to prevent paint from seeping underneath.
Step 5: Cut in
Use a brush to paint a 5–10cm strip along the edges of the room, in the corners, and around any fittings the roller cannot reach. Take your time and use a steady hand.
Step 6: Roll the walls
Pour paint into your roller tray. Load the roller evenly, and apply the paint in a ‘W’ pattern, then fill in. Work in sections, and keep a wet edge to avoid visible roller marks.
Step 7: Apply a second coat
Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat for a more even and durable finish. Most walls need two coats; some darker colours or stains may need three.
Step 8: Remove the tape
Remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly wet to get a clean edge.
With these steps, you can paint a room like a professional — and enjoy the transformation for years to come.
