- A good paint job depends mostly on preparation.
- This guide covers prep steps for walls, hallways, kitchens, ceilings and bedrooms.
- Includes paint types, brands, surface behaviour, tools and key painting tips.
Essential Prep Steps
Inspect the surfaces
- Look for cracks, peeling, mould, bubbling or active damp.
Clean the surface
- Remove dust and loose debris.
- Use a degreaser for kitchens and high-grease areas.
Repair cracks
- Small cracks → lightweight filler or acrylic gap compound.
- Large cracks → plaster repair with mesh tape.
Apply primer or sealer
- Required for new plaster, glossy surfaces, stained walls and patched areas.
Check moisture levels
- Indoor humidity: ideally under 60%.
- Never paint over active moisture or rising damp.
Wall Types and Their Behaviour
Comparison Table of Wall Types
| Wall Type | Characteristics | Needed Prep | Suitable Fillers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plaster / Gyprock | Absorbs moisture quickly | Acrylic sealer/primer | Lightweight filler | Common in modern homes |
| Cement / Masonry | Rough & porous | Strong primer | Acrylic or oil-based filler | Needs more product |
| Old Oil-Based Paint | Glossy, slippery | Sand + multi-purpose primer | Acrylic filler | Must dull the surface |
| Plasterboard / Drywall | Joints need sealing | Full surface priming | Joint compound | Tape + fill required |
Maybe you need : venetian plastering
Prep for Each Area
General Walls (living areas and lounge rooms)
- Wipe surfaces clean.
- Fill cracks and dents.
- Sand smooth.
- Apply primer.
- Recommended paint: acrylic water-based.
- Brands: Dulux, Taubmans, Haymes, British Paints.
Hallways (high-traffic areas)
- Repair dents and scratches.
- Use stronger filler for impact damage.
- Apply primer.
- Recommended paint: washable acrylic or semi-gloss/low-sheen oil-based.
- Avoid high-gloss (shows imperfections).
Kitchens (grease, heat and steam)
- Clean thoroughly with a degreaser.
- Allow full drying.
- Use a stain-blocking and grease-resistant primer.
- Fill damaged areas with acrylic or oil-based filler.
- Recommended paint: semi-gloss, low-sheen oil-based or moisture-resistant kitchen/bathroom paint.
Ceilings
- Remove dust and cobwebs.
- Fill small cracks.
- Use stain-blocking primer for water marks.
- Recommended paint: flat or low-sheen ceiling white (acrylic).
Bedrooms
- Repair and sand cracks.
- Prime especially when covering dark colours.
- Recommended paint: matt or low-sheen acrylic.
- Calming tones: cool blues, soft greens, light greys.
Recommended Paint Types (Quick Table)
| Area | Best Paint Finish | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living Rooms | Low Sheen Acrylic | Hides imperfections, easy cleaning |
| Hallways | Washable Acrylic / Low Sheen | Durable for high traffic |
| Kitchen | Semi-Gloss / Oil-Based | Handles grease, easy to wipe |
| Ceilings | Flat Acrylic | Reduces glare & imperfections |
| Bedrooms | Matt / Low Sheen | Soft, calm appearance |
Maybe you need : the best fence paint
Materials and Tools
- Primer/sealer
- Fillers (acrylic, oil-based or lightweight)
- Rollers with suitable nap
- Brushes (2–3 inch)
- Scraper and putty knife
- Sandpaper (120–240 grit)
- Paint tray
- Painter’s tape
- Drop sheets
- Mixing paddle
Moisture and Temperature Guidelines
- Ideal humidity: 30–60%
- Ideal temperature: 10–30°C
- High humidity slows drying, increases streaking risk and reduces adhesion.
Before You Start Painting
- Turn off power and cover switches/outlets.
- Mask windows, doors, frames and tiles.
- Cover or remove furniture.
- Ensure good ventilation.
- Test paint colour on a small patch.
Important Painting Tips
- Don’t overload the roller.
- Use thin, even coats (2–3 recommended).
- Keep roller strokes consistent.
- Paint ceilings before walls.
- Cut in edges with a brush before rolling.
- Allow full drying between coats.
- New plaster always requires at least one coat of sealer.
