Interiors & Decorating

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Painting and Decorating: The Dos and Don'ts

13th May 2021

A lick of paint is a great way to give a room a new lease of life. Most of us feel able to tackle a basic paint job, but failure to get it right can leave you staring at patchy walls and blotchy ceilings for years to come – or at least until you can get a professional decorator in to fix the job. Here are some dos and don’ts as recommended by Trust A Trader’s interior designers and decorators to help you to choose the right paint – and get the job done properly.

DO

Make sure you choose the right paint finish. Choosing the colour isn’t the biggest decision; you need to make sure you get the right finish. When it comes to silk, matt or eggshell, the difference is pretty cosmetic, however, bathroom and kitchen paints offer additional protection against moisture and are essential if you are decorating an area that is likely to be affected by steam or condensation.

Prepare your surfaces. No matter how keen you are to get started, sanding any lumps and bumps then wiping the area with a clean, damp cloth will make a huge difference to the finish.

Cut in before you go. It is very tempted to just get going but cutting in with a small brush beforehand will help you to get a good finish on even the most hard-to-reach areas.

Double up. If in doubt, add another coat – but wait until the paint is completely dry before you dash out to get more paint, and wait a little longer before you add the next coat.

Paint top to bottom. You don’t want your lovely new walls to be flecked with ceiling paint. Start with the ceiling and work your way down, finishing with skirting boards and woodwork.

DON’T

Paint straight from the tin. Tempting as it may be to give your paint a good stir and go straight from the tin, it is less messy and helps you to blend from one can to the next if you pour your paint directly into a painting tray.

Paint onto damaged wallpaper. Removing old wallpaper may be a pain, but it will result in a lot of work in the future – not to mention a substandard finish in the meantime. Unless the existing wallpaper is pristine, take the time to remove it.

Overload your brush. Loading your brush or roller up may seem like a time saver, but it will get messy – and you will end up with an uneven finish and irritating drips.

Paint into the night. You may want to get the job done ASAP but if you paint into the night in substandard light, you are likely to wake up to a nasty surprise.

There is no doubt that painting is an art; if you are a perfectionist or you are looking to get a room decorated now so that you can leave it for years, it may be worth getting a professional to do the job. Check out our directory of local, trusted painters and decorators so that you can get the job done to the highest standards.

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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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