Top 12 painting tips

Old paintwork can be dirty, and new paint won’t adhere well to greasy or grimy surfaces.

The best way to clean walls ready for painting is to use sugar soap.

Brush walls to remove surface dirt.

Dissolve half a cup of sugar soap in 5L of water and apply with a sponge or cloth, then rinse off using a clean damp sponge.

TIP: Work upwards, as the top of the wall is always the dirtiest.

Decorative detailing, such as trim and mouldings, needs to be carefully sanded to get the best result.

The most effective way is to use a sanding sponge.

Sponges conform to the shape of the timberwork and can get into crevices that sandpaper can’t.

They also apply even pressure and make it easy to cut down rough spots.

TIP: Sand trim with a fine grit sponge between coats for a smooth finish.

Before applying new paint, flaky paint needs to be removed or the new coat won’t adhere and will eventually flake off as well.

Check old paint by poking it, and if it moves or cracks, it needs removing.

Use a wide, firm-bladed scraper and take care to avoid damaging the surface, as gouges will have to be repaired before painting.

Plastic drop sheets are inexpensive, but they can be slippery and clumsy.

They can also catch the wind and come in contact with the wall.

Canvas cloths are a better option, but for a tough solution, cardboard is ideal. You can butt it tight against a wall and it’s easy to reposition as needed.

Gripping the brush incorrectly will result in a tired hand and a messy paint job.

Hold the handle between your thumb and forefinger, resting your fingertips on the top.

Dip half the bristles in the paint, then wipe on the side of the tin to remove the excess.

Apply in short strokes.

When painting a room, it’s best to tackle the trim first.

Don’t worry about taping the walls, just concentrate on getting a smooth finish on the timber, as any trim paint will be easily covered when you paint the walls.

Wait at least 24 hours after painting the trim, then tape it off.

Do the ceiling next, as rollers can create splatter that could ruin a freshly painted wall.

Finish the room by painting the walls, cutting in with a brush and covering the rest with a roller.

The best way to get an even finish is by keeping a wet edge as you work across the wall.

Cut in with a brush, then start painting at the top corner using a roller.

Work in 1sqm sections, painting a large M, then rolling across the area, finishing in one direction.

Immediately start painting the next section of wall, using light pressure to overlap the strokes with the wet edge.

Disposable gloves not only keep your hands clean when painting, but they can also be used to prevent your brush from drying out when taking breaks. It minimises clean-up, too.

To preserve your brush, simply grasp it by the bristles with a gloved hand, then pull the glove over the bristles with your other hand.

Use a twist tie around the handle to keep air out.

Adequate ventilation is essential when painting, not only for your health, but also to speed up the drying time.

Open windows or set up a fan, and take breaks.

TIP: Don’t paint if it’s very hot, cold or humid, as it can affect the finish.

Paint odours can linger even in a well-ventilated room, which can cause headaches and discomfort for some people.

Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints may cause less irritation, but to quickly reduce odours, halve an onion and put a piece at each end of the room.

This helps to neutralise the odour-causing chemicals, so the paint smells dissipate quicker.