A good paint finish depends more on preparation than on the final coat. Before you buy supplies, decide which surfaces you will paint, check their condition and calculate a sensible starting quantity. This guide covers the order of work for a typical room and the questions to resolve when surfaces are damaged or previously coated.
1. Decide the scope before shopping
List walls, ceilings, doors, skirting, trim and radiators separately. Note which surfaces need a different product or finish and whether you are changing from a dark colour to a light one. Moving furniture, protecting floors and allowing drying time are part of the project, even when the painting itself seems quick.
- Measure wall lengths and ceiling height; record windows and doors that will not be painted.
- Check labels for the product’s stated coverage, recoat time and surface requirements.
- Choose a finish that suits the room’s use and the substrate, rather than colour alone.
- Plan a sample area in the room’s real daylight and evening light.
2. Inspect and make safe
Look for loose paint, stains, damp, mould, cracks and uneven repairs. Painting over an unresolved moisture problem will not fix it. Address the cause first and let the surface dry as directed by the relevant product or professional.
Older coatings can contain lead. The Health and Safety Executive’s lead guidance warns about stripping or dry-sanding paint in older properties. If you suspect lead or another hazardous material, seek appropriate advice before disturbing it. Avoid generating dust and follow product safety instructions for cleaning, preparation and ventilation.
3. Work out a starting quantity
Calculate the paintable area of each surface, subtract large openings and multiply by the planned number of coats. Divide by the coverage printed on the tin. Coverage varies with the paint, substrate and application method, so the result is an estimate, not a guarantee.
Use the free paint calculator to combine room dimensions, openings, coats and coverage. A porous or strongly contrasting surface may need primer or extra coats; check the manufacturer’s instructions and allow for a little waste and touch-up.
4. Protect, clean and repair
Clear as much of the room as practical. Cover what remains, protect the floor and remove or mask fittings safely. Clean surfaces according to their condition and the coating instructions. Fill small defects with a suitable product, let repairs cure, then sand or smooth them in a way that controls dust. Clean the surface again before priming or painting.
Check whether bare plaster, repaired patches, stains or previously glossy surfaces need a specific primer. A mismatched primer can cause poor adhesion or uneven colour. Test an inconspicuous area if you are uncertain.
5. Follow a clear painting order
A common sequence is ceiling first, then walls, then trim, with the exact order adjusted for the products and access. Cut in carefully at edges and roll adjoining areas while the paint is still workable to reduce visible lap marks. Follow the label for drying and recoat times rather than rushing a second coat onto a soft first coat.
- Keep ventilation appropriate to the product and weather.
- Mix paint as directed and use consistent tools across broad surfaces.
- Work methodically from one edge to the other, keeping a wet edge where possible.
- Inspect in good light before deciding whether another coat is needed.
6. Finish and record what you used
Remove masking carefully at the stage recommended by the product, clean tools as instructed and allow surfaces to cure before heavy use. Keep the colour name, manufacturer, product range, finish and batch details in a small home maintenance record. This makes later touch-ups and future projects easier.
If you are paying a decorator, put preparation, number of coats, products and final clean-up into the written scope. Our quote comparison checklist applies to decorating work too: compare exactly what each price includes.