Painting tips and advice

Nothing transforms your home as quickly or easily as a new coat of paint. A fresh colour on your walls instantly cleans and updates your home and is one of the simplest, cheapest home improvements you can make.

Painting is one of the cheapest
and easiest home improvements you can make

“There are so many smaller things you can do to boost your home's look and value,” explains Kevin Westhead, from Oxford Decorating Ltd. “Simple things like painting make a big difference,” he adds.

Painting is a cheap and simple home improvement and can be easily altered if you decide you want a change later on. There are a huge selection of paints available in different colours and finishes so there is bound to be something to suit your home. If you can’t find a ready-made colour, then you could always mix paints to produce different shades and variations.

Choosing paint

Interior designer Linda Barker says: “People are moving home less because of the recession and beginning to experiment with design. So they are daring to paint their homes in bold colours, moving away from the neutral, beige trend of the past.”

As well as choosing something to suit your personal style, look at the rooms you plan on repainting, consider their size, shape, function and the type of furniture they hold. These things will all influence which paint you choose, for example, a small room can be made to look bigger with light colours, a kitchen will benefit from humidity resistant paint or you might need a shade that compliments your existing furniture.

Remember, paint is not just for walls, you can also use it on window frames, skirting boards or furniture. Using one colour or varying shades of the same colour in a room can really create a cohesive look, especially if you have a lot of mismatched furniture.

Types of paint

Solvent-based paint - these paints have high volumes of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are harmful to the environment, especially if poured down the sink. Eco-paints are now available which contain no VOCs; these even include new odour reducing and self-cleaning paints.

Make sure you choose the right
paint type for your project

Water-based paints – these are a much more environmentally-friendly option that doesn’t reek of chemicals. The downside is that water-based paint isn’t quite as durable and thick as the solvent kind – so you may need to apply more coats.

Emulsion paints – these water-based paints are ideal for ceilings and walls because they’re thick and easy to apply. Humidity-resistant emulsion paints have also been developed for use in steamy rooms like kitchens or bathrooms.

Gloss - you might need to use a gloss rather than standard paint when it comes to painting furniture. Gloss is often applied to wood or metal surfaces and is a thick, solvent-based substance. As an alternative, you could use acrylic paint for this type of work.

Matt and silk paint – paints are available in a matt or gloss finish. Matt gives a flat, unreflective look whereas silk results in a shiny, reflective coat.

Undercoats – depending on what surface is being painted, you may need to apply a primer and an undercoat before painting on your top layer. This seals and evens out the surface to give a polished finish.

Metal paints – you can use bituminous paint for iron fittings like pipes, tanks or gutters. This paint offers waterproof protection by forming a bituminous layer when dry.

Painting tips

• Test colours first on a small section of the wall and consider the options for a few days before you make your final decision.
• Try mixing paints to create your ideal shade. Lighten with white, darken with black.
• Never throw left over paint down the drains, this could pollute water ways.
• Check whether you need to replaster the wall before it is painted.
• Always remove wallpaper before painting.
• Keep rooms well ventilated while working.
• If you do choose to paint yourself, make sure you use gloves and a good quality paintbrush. When you are not using the brush, keep it in a pot of warm water to prevent hardening.

Hiring a professional painter

“I’ve seen people who have managed to make a right mess of their homes,” says Kevin. “If you want a really good job done in the quickest time possible then it’s best to hire a professional painter and decorator.” A professional painter will also know the right type of paint to use on your home and may be able to advise on colour.

AB