Interiors & Decorating

Inspiration and advice on interior design, decorating styles, colour schemes and home aesthetics.

Choosing Paint: What You Need to Know

26th March 2019

Simple questions when picking the right paint: consider the room, finish, surface and how much time you’ve got so the job looks good and lasts longer.

Previously we have looked at the main types of paint used for decorating a home. Here, we go through the questions you need to ask to make sure you choose the right one.

Q1: Which room are you painting?

All rooms aren’t created equal, and some will need a different type of paint to make sure the paintjob stays looking good for as long as possible. If you are painting a bathroom or kitchen, look for special kitchen and bathroom paint (most major brands make it); at the very least, choose a vinyl silk emulsion, which will offer maximum protection against moisture. If you have children (or enthusiastic adults!) living in your house, some areas, such as hallways, playrooms and bedrooms would benefit from a more hard-wearing paint, such as vinyl silk or satin.

Q2: What finish do you want?

Some people hate a glossy finish, while others find matt bland. The finish of your paint determines how much light your walls and ceilings will reflect: this has a surprisingly significant impact on the overall effect. Balance the finish you want with the durability of the paint, and make sure the samples you get are in the right finish, so you can get a good idea of the final look.

Q3: What surface are you painting on?

New plaster, old walls and existing wallpaper all need to be approached differently – plaster may need sealing, to stop it from absorbing a water-based emulsion, and bold patterns will benefit from at least one undercoat to stop the pattern from showing through. Make sure you prepare the surface properly and get the right paint for your needs. Most tins have a list of suitable surfaces, so it is not too hard to work out what you can use.

Q4: How much time do you have?

If you are hoping for a stealthy, in-out paint job, don’t buy watery paint that will need multiple coats. Invest in good quality paints that will offer great coverage, and do your best to pick a warm, dry day to decorate so that you can open windows and doors. Failing that, put the heating on low to encourage the paint to dry more quickly. If you are really pushed for time, you can get special quick-drying paint. It is important that you make sure it is still fit for purpose though, i.e. don’t buy quick-drying matt for a kitchen or bathroom.

Taking the time to make sure you get the right paint will make the job so much easier in the end. For advice on types of paint and home décor, why not contact a local decorator, who can offer you a free quote and advice?

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Looking for more interiors & decorating advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common interiors & decorating questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What is the difference between a painter and a decorator?

A painter focuses on applying paint - walls, ceilings, woodwork. A decorator does all of that but also handles wallpaper, specialist finishes, surface prep, and can advise on colours and materials. Many professionals do both and call themselves painters and decorators. For a straightforward repaint, a painter is fine. If you want wallpaper, something specialist, or someone to help you make decisions about the finish, go with a decorator.
How many coats of paint does a professional decorator apply?

For most walls, it's a primer or mist coat, then two topcoats. New plaster, bare surfaces, or a big colour change might need more preparation or extra coats. Cutting corners on coats or using cheap paint are the most common ways to get a finish that looks fine at first and starts showing its age within a year. A trusted decorator always prepares the surface properly and won't rush between coats.
How do I prepare my home before a decorator arrives?

Move furniture away from the walls and take down pictures, mirrors, and anything fixed to the walls. If you can strip old wallpaper yourself beforehand, it'll save time on site. Make sure every part of the room is accessible and well-lit. Talk through surface prep with the decorator in advance - a good one will tell you exactly what they need before they can start.
How do I know if my walls need replastering before decorating?

If there are significant cracks, areas that sound hollow when you tap them, persistent damp, or large patches that are flaking or badly uneven - replastering first will give a much better result. Decorating over problem plaster looks fine initially but every imperfection tends to show through, especially with modern matt paints. A decorator can assess whether full replastering or careful preparation and skim coating will get you where you want to be.
What are the most popular interior design styles right now?

There's been a pretty clear shift away from the all-grey, everything-neutral look of the 2010s. Warmer tones are dominating - clay, terracotta, stone, off-white - with natural materials like linen, rattan, and solid timber replacing high-gloss finishes. Biophilic design (plants, natural light, organic shapes) has gone from trend to standard practice. There's also a real appetite for spaces that feel personal and collected rather than showroom-ready - bold wallpaper, layered textiles, and period features being celebrated rather than painted over.
How long does a full home decorating project typically take?

A single room in good condition typically takes a professional two to three days. A full house - particularly an older property that needs a little more care beforehand - can take several weeks. The part that often catches people off guard is the preparation: stripping wallpaper, filling, sanding, and priming all take a good amount of time, and doing them properly really does make all the difference to the finished result.

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