Complete Guide to Painting and Decorating Your Home

Understanding the Importance of Proper Surface Preparation

The difference between a professional-looking paint job and an amateur one comes down to preparation. Any experienced decorator will tell you that 70% of painting and decorating is preparation work, not the actual painting itself.

When we complete plastering work at Kent Plasterers, we always advise clients on proper timing before decoration. Different plaster types require different drying times, and painting too early is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make.

Surface Preparation Checklist

Before you pick up a paintbrush, your walls need to be in optimal condition:

• Clean all surfaces — Remove dust, grease, and cobwebs using sugar soap solution (available at Screwfix or B&Q for £4-£8 per litre)
• Fill cracks and holes — Use Polyfilla, Toupret, or Everbuild fillers for imperfections up to 20mm deep
• Sand filled areas — Use 120-grit sandpaper followed by 180-grit for a smooth finish
• Check for damp — Address any moisture issues with damp proof plaster or tanking systems before decorating
• Remove loose paint — Scrape off any flaking or peeling paint with a paint scraper
• Wash down glossy surfaces — Lightly sand gloss woodwork with 120-grit paper to provide a key for new paint

Mist Coating New Plaster: The Critical First Step

If you’ve had fresh plastering work done, the mist coat is absolutely essential. This diluted first coat allows the plaster to breathe while creating a stable base for subsequent coats. Skip this step, and you’ll likely see paint peeling or blistering within months.

According to British Gypsum’s technical guidance, new plaster must be completely dry before any decoration begins — typically 2-4 weeks depending on conditions.

Mist Coat Application Guidelines

For detailed guidance on how many mist coats to apply, we’ve covered the specific requirements for different plaster finishes.

Choosing the Right Paint for Each Surface

Not all paints are created equal, and using the wrong type for a particular surface is a false economy. In 2026, paint technology has advanced significantly, with improved coverage, durability, and environmental credentials.

Paint Types and Their Applications

Matt Emulsion — The workhorse of interior decoration, ideal for ceilings and low-traffic wall areas. Hides imperfections well but can mark easily. Expect to pay £18-£35 per 5L tin for quality brands like Dulux Trade or Crown Trade.

Vinyl Silk/Satin — More durable than matt, suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. The slight sheen makes surfaces easier to wipe clean. Price range: £22-£45 per 5L.

Kitchen & Bathroom Emulsion — Contains fungicidal additives to resist mould growth in humid environments. Essential for bathrooms, shower rooms, and kitchens. Cost: £25-£50 per 5L for products like Dulux Bathroom+ or Johnstone’s Aqua Guard.

Eggshell — Mid-sheen finish traditionally used on woodwork and trim. Increasingly popular for walls in modern homes. More forgiving than gloss, easier to apply. Price: £30-£55 per 2.5L.

Satinwood — Modern alternative to gloss for woodwork. Water-based formulations dry quickly with minimal odour. Ideal for skirting boards, door frames, and window frames. Cost: £28-£50 per 2.5L.

Gloss — Traditional high-sheen finish for woodwork and metalwork. Requires more preparation and skill to apply smoothly. Oil-based versions offer superior durability but have longer drying times (6-8 hours between coats). Price: £25-£45 per 2.5L.

Premium vs Budget Paint: Is It Worth It?

The Paint Quality Institute recommends investing in quality paint for high-traffic areas and rooms you use daily, while budget options may suffice for storage rooms or spaces you plan to redecorate soon.

Essential Painting Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools makes an enormous difference to both the quality of finish and the speed of work. Professional decorators invest in quality equipment because it lasts longer and produces better results.

Core Painting Kit (£150-£300 for quality equipment)

• Roller frame and sleeves — 9″ frame (£8-£15) with medium-pile sleeves for walls (£3-£6 each). Buy multiple sleeves to avoid washing between colours
• Roller tray — Metal tray with disposable liners (£6-£12). Plastic trays crack easily
• Extension pole — Telescopic pole (£12-£25) for ceilings and high walls without ladders
• Brushes — 2″ and 3″ angled cutting-in brushes (£8-£18 each for Purdy or Harris brands). Cheap brushes shed bristles
• Dust sheets — Cotton twill dust sheets (£15-£30 each) are better than polythene — they don’t slip and absorb spills
• Masking tape — FrogTape or Tesa precision tape (£5-£8 per roll). Remove within 30 minutes of painting for clean lines
• Paint kettle — 2L metal kettle (£6-£10) for decanting paint and reducing contamination
• Filling knife — 4″ flexible filling knife (£4-£8) for repairs and filling
• Sandpaper and sanding block — Assorted grits from 80 to 240 (£8-£15 for variety pack)
• Step ladder — Sturdy 5-tread ladder (£40-£80) for safe working at height

The Professional Painting Process: Step-by-Step

Follow this systematic approach to achieve decorator-quality results in your home. The sequence matters as much as the technique.

Room Preparation (1-2 hours per room)

Clear the space — Remove all furniture to the centre of the room and cover with dust sheets, or ideally remove items completely. Take down curtains, blinds, and light fittings where safe to do so.

Protect fixtures — Mask off light switches, plug sockets, and any fixtures staying in place. Cover floors with dust sheets, securing edges with masking tape. For kitchen renovations or bathroom renovations, protect worktops and sanitaryware.

Fill and sand — Fill all cracks, holes, and imperfections using appropriate filler. Allow to dry (30 minutes to 2 hours depending on depth), then sand smooth. Vacuum dust thoroughly before painting.

Ceiling First (2-3 hours per room)

Always start with the ceiling before walls. Use a roller on an extension pole to avoid ladder fatigue, and work in 1-metre square sections.

• Cut in edges with a 2″ brush around light fittings and corners
• Roll in overlapping “W” patterns, maintaining a wet edge
• Apply thin, even coats — two thin coats always beat one thick coat
• Allow 2-4 hours drying time between coats (check manufacturer’s guidance)

Walls Second (3-4 hours per room)

Work systematically around the room in sections, maintaining wet edges to avoid lap marks and roller marks.

• Cut in all edges, corners, and around woodwork with a brush
• Roll walls in vertical strips from ceiling to skirting board
• Overlap each strip by 50mm while the edge is still wet
• Work in good natural light or use bright LED work lights to spot missed areas
• Allow proper drying time — rushing leads to drag marks and uneven coverage

Woodwork Last (2-3 hours per room)

Paint woodwork in this order: window frames, door frames, doors, then skirting boards. This prevents you from brushing against wet paint.

• Lightly sand existing painted woodwork with 120-grit paper for adhesion
• Apply undercoat if painting over dark colours or bare wood
• Use a 2″ angled brush for precision on beading and mouldings
• Paint with the grain direction on doors for best finish
• Remove masking tape immediately after painting for clean lines

Common Painting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced DIYers make these errors. Knowing what to avoid saves time, money, and frustration.

Painting Too Soon After Plastering

This is the single most common mistake we see. New plaster contains substantial moisture that must evaporate before decoration. Paint too early, and the trapped moisture causes:

• Paint blistering and peeling
• Patchy finish and colour inconsistency
• Mould growth behind paint film
• Complete decoration failure requiring stripping back

Always use a moisture meter (£15-£40 from Screwfix) to check plaster moisture content. Aim for below 12% moisture content before decoration.

Skipping the Mist Coat

Some homeowners try to save time by applying full-strength paint directly to new plaster. The high suction of fresh plaster pulls moisture from the paint too quickly, preventing proper adhesion.

Result: paint that rubs off easily, poor coverage, and waste of expensive paint. Always apply diluted mist coats first.

Poor Quality Brushes and Rollers

Budget brushes from pound shops shed bristles, hold less paint, and leave visible brush marks. Similarly, cheap roller sleeves create stipple effects and don’t distribute paint evenly.

Invest £8-£18 in a quality brush. It’ll last years with proper care and deliver professional results immediately.

Not Using Enough Paint

Applying paint too thinly or trying to stretch coverage leads to patchy, streaky finishes. Most quality paints specify coverage of 12-14 m² per litre, but this assumes normal conditions and porosity.

Always buy 10-15% more paint than calculated to ensure consistent coverage and to keep for touch-ups.

Ignoring Ventilation and Temperature

Paint needs proper conditions to cure correctly. The Health and Safety Executive recommends good ventilation when painting indoors to prevent solvent build-up and aid drying.

Ideal painting conditions: 10-25°C ambient temperature, moderate humidity (40-60%), and good air circulation without draughts. Avoid painting in very cold or hot conditions.

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs Professional Decoration

Understanding the true costs helps you make informed decisions about tackling decoration yourself or hiring professionals.

DIY Costs for Average 3-Bedroom House (2026 Prices)

Time investment: 40-60 hours for a complete DIY decoration of a 3-bedroom house, spread over 2-3 weeks to allow proper drying between coats.

Professional Decorator Costs (2026 Rates)

Professional decorators complete work faster (typically 5-8 days for full house) and provide guarantees on their work. Materials are usually included in quoted prices.

Specialist Painting Techniques and Finishes

Beyond standard emulsion and gloss, several specialist techniques can add character and value to your home.

Feature Walls and Accent Colours

A feature wall in a contrasting or complementary colour adds depth and interest without overwhelming a space. This technique works particularly well in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.

Choose the wall that naturally draws attention — typically the wall behind a bed, sofa, or TV. Use colours 2-3 shades darker than surrounding walls for subtle impact, or contrasting colours (like teal against cream) for drama.

Textured Finishes and Decorative Effects

Modern textured paints create depth without the difficulty of traditional techniques. Options include:

• Metallic paints — Dulux Design Metallic Effect or Crown Feature Wall create shimmering finishes (£12-£18 per litre)
• Suede effect — Creates soft, velvety appearance using specific application techniques (£15-£25 per litre)
• Chalk paint — Annie Sloan and Frenchic brands for furniture and feature areas (£20-£28 per litre)
• Limewash — Traditional breathable finish ideal for period properties and heritage work (£25-£40 per 5L)

Wallpaper and Paint Combinations

Combining wallpaper features with painted walls creates visual interest while keeping costs manageable. Feature wallpaper on one wall (£30-£80 per roll for quality papers) paired with complementary paint colours offers design flexibility.

Popular in 2026: botanical prints, geometric patterns, and textured grasscloth effects. Always seal new plaster properly before wallpapering — use an acrylic primer-sealer (£18-£30 per 5L) to prevent suction issues.

Maintaining Your Painted Surfaces

Proper maintenance extends the life of your decoration and keeps rooms looking fresh.

Regular Cleaning Protocols

Matt emulsion — Dust regularly with a soft brush or vacuum with brush attachment. For marks, use a barely damp cloth with mild detergent. Don’t scrub as this creates shiny patches.

Vinyl silk/satin — Wipe with a damp cloth and sugar soap solution for cleaning. These finishes withstand gentle scrubbing better than matt.

Woodwork — Clean satinwood and gloss finishes with warm water and washing-up liquid. Rinse with clean water and dry immediately to prevent water marks.

Touch-Up Strategy

Keep 500ml of each paint colour used for touch-ups. Store in airtight containers (paint-kettle sized tins available from decorating suppliers) labelled with room and date.

For touch-ups to blend invisibly:

• Clean the area thoroughly before touching up
• Feather edges of touch-up paint into surrounding area
• Use same application method as original (roller or brush)
• Touch up entire wall sections for perfect colour matching rather than small spots

When to Redecorate

Colour Selection and Coordination

Choosing colours is where many homeowners struggle. Understanding colour theory and practical considerations helps create cohesive schemes.

The 60-30-10 Rule

Professional interior designers use this principle for balanced colour schemes:

• 60% dominant colour — Usually wall colour, the main backdrop
• 30% secondary colour — Furniture, curtains, large accessories
• 10% accent colour — Cushions, artwork, decorative items

This creates visual harmony without overwhelming the eye. For example: 60% soft grey walls, 30% navy furniture, 10% mustard accents.

Testing Before Committing

Paint colours look completely different under various lighting conditions. Never choose colour from a small paint chart alone.

Proper testing method:

• Purchase tester pots (£3-£5 each) of shortlisted colours
• Paint A4-sized areas on different walls in the room
• Observe colours at different times of day and under artificial lighting
• Live with test patches for 3-4 days before deciding
• Consider how colours interact with fixed elements (flooring, worktops, tiles)

North-facing rooms appear cooler — warmer colours (yellows, reds, oranges) compensate. South-facing rooms handle cooler colours (blues, greens, greys) better as natural light provides warmth.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Modern painting involves awareness of environmental impact and health considerations. Regulations have tightened considerably in recent years.

VOC Content and Indoor Air Quality

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are solvents that evaporate from paint as it dries. The UK government recommends low-VOC paints, especially in bedrooms and children’s rooms.

VOC classifications in 2026:

• Minimal VOC: Less than 0.3% (3g/L) — Best for sensitive individuals and children’s rooms
• Low VOC: 0.3-7.99% (30g/L) — Suitable for most interior applications
• Medium VOC: 8-24.99% (80-250g/L) — Standard trade emulsions
• High VOC: 25%+ — Traditional oil-based paints, requires good ventilation

Major brands now offer low-VOC ranges: Dulux EasyClean, Crown Breatheasy, and Johnstone’s Acrylic all contain less than 5g/L VOC content.

Disposal of Paint and Materials

Never pour paint down drains or dispose of in household waste. Water-based paint can be dried out and disposed of in general waste once solid, or taken to household waste recycling centres.

Oil-based paints and thinners must go to hazardous waste collection points at recycling centres. Check Recycle Now for local facilities.

Working Safely at Height

Falls from height remain a major cause of DIY injuries. Follow these safety protocols:

• Use proper step ladders or platform steps, never chairs or boxes
• Ensure ladders are on firm, level ground
• Maintain three points of contact when on ladders
• Don’t overreach — move the ladder instead
• Consider scaffold towers (£80-£150 hire for week) for large ceiling areas or stairwells
• Wear non-slip footwear

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait after plastering before painting?

Wait a minimum of 2-4 weeks after new plaster application before any decoration. Gypsum plaster typically takes 14-21 days to dry sufficiently, though this varies with ventilation, temperature, and plaster thickness. Use a moisture meter to check — moisture content should be below 12% before painting. Rushing this process causes paint failure, blistering, and potential mould growth. During drying, ensure good ventilation but avoid excessive heat from radiators or heaters.

Do I really need to use a mist coat on new plaster?

Absolutely yes. A mist coat is essential on all new gypsum plaster. Mix contract matt emulsion at 10:1 water-to-paint ratio and apply as the first coat. This diluted coat allows the plaster to breathe while providing a stable base for subsequent coats. Skipping the mist coat leads to patchy coverage, poor adhesion, and paint that rubs off easily. Never use vinyl emulsion for mist coats — the vinyl content prevents breathing and traps moisture. For detailed guidance on application, see our article on how many mist coats to apply.

How much paint do I need for an average room?

For a standard 4m x 4m room with 2.4m ceiling height, you’ll need approximately 8-10 litres of emulsion for walls (2 coats) and 2-3 litres for the ceiling (2 coats). Calculate surface area: (room perimeter × wall height) minus doors and windows, then divide by paint coverage rate (typically 12m² per litre for quality paint). Always add 10-15% extra for wastage and touch-ups. For woodwork, a 2.5L tin of satinwood typically covers all doors, frames, and skirting in a standard room with 2 coats.

Should I paint walls or woodwork first?

Always paint in this order: ceiling first, then walls, then woodwork last. This prevents you from brushing against or dripping onto already-completed surfaces. When cutting in (painting edges with a brush), do ceilings first to establish clean lines. For walls, cut in around all woodwork, then roller the main areas. Paint woodwork last so you can achieve crisp edges against finished walls. Remove masking tape immediately after painting woodwork while the paint is still slightly wet for cleanest results.

What’s the best paint for a bathroom or kitchen?

Use specialist kitchen and bathroom emulsion that contains fungicidal additives to resist mould and mildew in humid environments. Brands like Dulux Easycare Kitchen & Bathroom (£32-£45 per 2.5L) or Johnstone’s Aqua Guard (£28-£40 per 2.5L) are specifically formulated for moisture-prone areas. These paints have enhanced durability and are easier to wipe clean than standard emulsion. For very humid areas like shower rooms, consider using vinyl silk rather than matt for better moisture resistance. Ensure adequate ventilation — fit and use extractor fans to minimize moisture build-up.

How can I avoid roller marks and streaks in my paintwork?

Roller marks occur from several causes: applying paint too thickly, using cheap rollers, or letting edges dry before rolling adjacent sections. To achieve a smooth finish: use quality medium-pile rollers, apply thin coats, maintain a wet edge by working quickly, and use an extension pole to apply even pressure. Roll in overlapping “W” patterns rather than straight vertical lines. Never press hard on the roller — let the paint flow naturally. Apply 2-3 thin coats rather than one thick coat. For final coats, roll in one direction only (vertically) for the smoothest finish, and use fresh rollers for each new paint colour.

Is it worth hiring a professional decorator or should I DIY?

The decision depends on your skill level, available time, and project scope. DIY saves £1,800-£3,500 on a typical 3-bedroom house but requires 40-60 hours of work spread over 2-3 weeks. You’ll also need to buy or hire tools and equipment. Hire professionals if: you’re decorating after plastering work and want guaranteed results, the project involves difficult access (high ceilings, stairwells), you need work completing quickly, or you lack confidence in your skills. Professional decorators work faster, provide guarantees, include materials in quotes, and achieve consistently better finishes. For single rooms or straightforward projects, competent DIY produces satisfactory results. For whole-house decoration or special finishes, professional input offers better value long-term.