Painting a room is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to refresh your home. Whether you’re adding warmth to a bedroom, creating a calm living area, or modernising your entire house, interior painting can make a huge impact. This guide covers everything from choosing the right colour and tools to preparing the walls and applying paint properly.
Tools and Equipment
- Paint rollers and trays – choose a roller nap length suitable for your wall texture (10–12 mm for most interiors).
- Paintbrushes – use angled brushes for cutting in around edges.
- Drop sheets or plastic covers – to protect floors and furniture.
- Masking tape or painter’s tape – for clean, sharp edges.
- Ladder or step stool – for ceilings and high walls.
- Sandpaper (120–180 grit) – to smooth surfaces before painting.
- Putty knife and filler – to repair cracks or holes.
- Paint stirrer and opener – for mixing paint evenly.
- Buckets, rags, and clean water – for wiping spills and cleaning brushes.
Recommended Paint Brands in Australia
Choosing quality paint and accessories will save you time and effort. Some trusted Australian brands include:
| Category | Recommended Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior paint | Dulux, Taubmans, Haymes Paint, British Paints | Long-lasting, low-VOC, wide colour range |
| Primers & sealers | Zinsser, Dulux 1Step, Taubmans 3 in 1 | Ensures adhesion and coverage |
| Painting tools | Monarch, Uni-Pro, OX Tools, Nylex | Widely available at Bunnings |
| Paint accessories | RotaCota, Monarch SmartLock, Handy Paint Pail | Improves comfort and efficiency |
These brands are easily found at Bunnings Warehouse, Mitre 10, or Haymes Paint stores across Australia.
Choosing the Right Colour
Selecting a paint colour is both a design and psychological decision. The right shade can affect mood, space perception, and even natural lighting.
Tips for Colour Selection
- Consider room size and light.
Light colours make small rooms appear larger, while warm tones like beige or terracotta add cosiness to large spaces. - Match to natural light.
North-facing rooms receive strong light, so choose cooler neutrals like grey or blue. South-facing rooms feel darker, so use warmer tones like cream, ivory, or peach. - Think about purpose.
Bedrooms benefit from soft neutrals or muted blues. Living areas work well with warm whites, greys, or greens. Bathrooms and kitchens need moisture-resistant paints in bright, clean colours. - Test samples.
Always apply small test patches on the wall and observe them under morning, afternoon, and evening light.
Preparation: The Most Important Step
Proper preparation ensures a smooth, professional finish. Skipping this step often leads to peeling or uneven paint.
How to prepare a room for painting:
- Clear the space by removing furniture, curtains, and wall hangings.
- Protect floors and fixtures with drop sheets and painter’s tape.
- Clean the walls using sugar soap to remove dirt and grease.
- Repair imperfections by filling cracks or nail holes with putty, then sand once dry.
- Smooth surfaces by lightly sanding glossy areas for better adhesion.
- Prime the walls if the surface is new, patched, or previously painted in a dark colour.
Step-by-Step: How to Paint a Room
Below is a list of steps that describe the standard interior painting process used by professional painters in Australia.
Steps to Paint a Room:
- Plan and prepare – choose your colour, estimate paint quantity (about 1 L per 8–10 m²), and clear the space.
- Protect – cover floors, furniture, and fixtures with drop sheets. Tape around windows, trims, and edges.
- Prime (if needed) – apply a coat of primer to create a consistent surface and improve paint adhesion.
- Cut in edges – use an angled brush to paint around ceilings, skirting boards, and corners before rolling.
- Roll the walls – use a roller with smooth, even strokes in a “W” pattern for uniform coverage.
- Apply a second coat – once the first coat is dry (usually 2–4 hours), apply the second coat for full depth of colour.
- Touch up – inspect for streaks or missed spots and correct with a brush.
- Clean up – wash brushes and rollers with warm, soapy water (for water-based paints). Remove tape before the paint dries completely.
- Ventilate – leave windows open for 24 hours to allow paint fumes to dissipate.
Total time: around 6–8 hours per room. For larger rooms or ceilings, plan for two days.
Safety Tips for Interior Painting
Always keep good ventilation during and after painting.
Wear a mask and gloves if using oil-based paints or solvents.
Store leftover paint in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Dispose of old paint responsibly through your local council’s waste collection.
Maintenance and Aftercare
Allow painted surfaces to cure for at least 7 days before washing.
Use mild soap and soft sponges to clean marks.
Keep leftover paint for future touch-ups and label it with the colour name and date.
Repaint high-traffic areas every 4–6 years for best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping primer when painting over dark or glossy surfaces.
Applying thick coats that cause drips and uneven drying.
Painting without testing colour samples first.
Ignoring humidity, which can prevent proper drying.
Forgetting to stir paint regularly during application.
Summary
Painting a room in your Melbourne home is a rewarding DIY project that can transform any space with just a few coats of paint. With proper preparation, quality materials, and careful colour selection, you can achieve a professional finish without hiring a contractor.
Trusted Australian brands like Dulux, Taubmans, Haymes Paint, and Monarch tools make the job easier and more durable. The key to great results lies in preparation, patience, and two even coats. Whether you’re refreshing a single wall or updating your entire interior, following these steps will ensure your home looks bright, modern, and perfectly painted.
