Fresh paint is the quickest way to transform a room, but brush marks, lap lines and mismatched sheens can kill the vibe. Follow these eight steps for a showroom finish, or know exactly when to call us in!
Tools & Materials
- 9″ roller frame + medium‑pile sleeve
- 2″ angled sash brush
- Extension pole
- Paint tray & liners
- Low‑tack masking tape
- Dust sheets / drop cloths
- Sugar soap or mild detergent
- Filler & 120‑grit sanding block
- Primer (for bare plaster or drastic colour changes)
- Top‑coat emulsion (we swear by Johnstone’s or Crown Trade)
- Small detail brush (around sockets)
Step 1 – Clear & protect
Move furniture to the centre, cover with sheets and tape plastic over skirtings for a drip‑free job.
Step 2 – Clean & prep
Wash walls with sugar soap, fill holes, sand flush, then wipe down. A spotless surface = a silky coat.
Step 3 – Mask like a minimalist
Apply quality low‑tack tape along edges; press down with a putty knife to stop paint bleeds.
Step 4 – Cut‑in first
Dip just the first third of the brush, tap off excess, and run a steady line 5 cm from corners and trim. Work 1–2 m at a time.
Step 5 – Roll the main field
Load the roller evenly, start with a ‘W’ pattern, then fill in. Keep a wet edge and overlap by 50 %. Feather final strokes in one direction for uniform sheen.
Step 6 – Second coat
Most modern paints cover in two passes. Wait the full re‑coat time (check the tin; usually 2–4 h), then repeat Steps 4 & 5.
Step 7 – Tackle trim & details
Switch to a smaller sleeve or brush for skirtings, window boards and door frames. Quick‑dry satinwood = durability.
Step 8 – Peel, clean, admire
Remove tape while paint is just tack‑dry (≈ 30 min), wash tools, and step back to a flawless finish.
Colour trends 2025
- Warm clays for living rooms (think Dulux Spiced Honey)
- Deep olives in cosy bedrooms
- Soft sage for bathrooms
Common mistakes & fixes
Lap lines often appear when paint is applied too slowly or in a hot room. To avoid them, work in smaller sections and keep a wet edge.
Roller spatter is usually caused by an over-loaded roller. Prevent this by rolling off any excess on the tray ridges before applying.
Flashing patches happen when filler areas aren’t properly primed. The fix is to spot-prime all repaired areas before painting.
When to call NorrScot
High stairwells, period cornicing or spraying large open‑plan ceilings—let our decorators handle awkward angles and specialist finishes.
Conclusion
With prep, patience and pro technique, anyone can nail a crisp, even coat. And if time’s tight, our team’s just a phone call away.