How to paint a wall: step-by-step DIY guide

A fresh colour on the wall transforms a room at once. Painting a wall is a job you can do yourself, as long as you prepare well. This blog explains what you need and how to get a neat result step by step.

⚠️ Old paint from before the 1970s may contain lead. Do not sand it dry and, if in doubt, have a professional assess the work. For large rooms or work at height, a painter is not a luxury either.

What do you need to paint a wall?

Which materials do you need?

• Wall paint and, if needed, a primer or deep-penetrating primer for porous or stained walls. Choose a product on the packaging that suits the surface.
• blue painter's tape for crisp edges along skirting, frames and ceiling.
• masking film and masking paper to protect floor and furniture.
• A sanding block grit 120 to key and smooth the wall.
• A universal cleaner such as Fila Brio universal cleaner to remove greasy spots.

Which tools do you need?

• A velour roller or foam roller for the large areas; check the paint tin for the roller the manufacturer recommends.
• An acrylic brush for corners and edges.
• A paint tray and a paint bucket.
• A putty knife with aluminium blade to fill holes and cracks.
• A wooden painter ladder for the top of the wall and the ceiling.

Which protective equipment do you need?

work gloves with nitrile coating, safety goggles for overhead work and an FFP2 dust mask when sanding. You can read more about rollers and brushes in our blog on paint rollers and brushes.

Preparation

Take furniture out of the room or cover it. Remove socket covers and unscrew lights. Clean the wall, fill holes with filler and sand the spots smooth. Read more about filling in our blog on putty knives, sanding tools and scrapers. Tape off the edges and protect the floor. See also our blog on masking tape and protective film.

Step by step: how to paint a wall

1. Check the wall for damp, cracks and flaking paint.
2. Clean the wall and let it dry completely.
3. Fill holes and cracks, sand and dust off.
4. Tape off and cover the floor.
5. Apply primer where needed and let it dry according to the packaging.
6. Paint edges and corners first with the brush.
7. Then roll the surfaces in strips from top to bottom, always wet in wet.
8. Let the first coat dry and paint a second coat if needed.
9. Remove the tape while the paint is still slightly damp.
10. Clean up, wash the tools and ventilate.

Common mistakes

• Too little preparation: dust, grease and holes come back through the paint.
• Not working wet in wet, causing streaks.
• Too much paint on the roller.
• Leaving the tape on too long.

💡 Look at the wall in daylight and in artificial light. That way you see imperfections before the paint is dry.

Working safely

Make sure there is ventilation and wear a dust mask when sanding. Always put a ladder on a flat, firm surface. You can read more about safe working in our blog on safe working on the construction site.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to use primer?

On porous, stained or strongly coloured walls often yes. Follow the paint packaging.

How many coats do I need?

Usually two. It depends on the colour and the surface.

Roller or brush?

Use the brush for edges and the roller for surfaces.

How do I prevent streaks?

Work wet in wet, use a roller with the right pile and do not load too much paint.

When do I call a painter?

For damp problems, paint suspected of containing lead, work at height or if you would rather not do it yourself.

Read also: Low emissions and a healthy indoor climate when renovating

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Read also: How to protect your floor during renovation and How to paint a radiator.

Read also: How to finish a plasterboard wall with joint tape and filler

Read also: How to remove mould from walls

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