Surface Preparation
90% of a good paint job is preparation. Fill holes, sand smooth, clean surfaces, tape edges. Skip the prep and every brush stroke shows your shortcuts. Do the prep and even average technique looks professional.
Phil & Brad cover the full prep process. UK products and methods.
Sugar soap the walls first. It removes grease, nicotine, and grime that paint won't stick to. Cheap and transformative.
Fill holes with lightweight filler (Polyfilla), let dry completely, then sand flush with 120-grit. Don't skip the sanding — lumpy filler shows through paint.
Remove light switch and socket covers before painting. It takes 2 minutes per plate and the finish is incomparably cleaner than trying to cut around them.
Lay dust sheets on EVERYTHING. Paint splatter travels further than you think. Cheap cotton sheets from Screwfix are fine.
Clear the room as much as possible. Move furniture to the centre and cover with dust sheets
Remove light switch covers, socket covers, and curtain fittings
Fill all holes, cracks, and dents with lightweight filler. Let dry fully (1-2 hours)
Sand filler flush with 120-grit sandpaper. Sand any glossy surfaces to provide a key
Wash walls with sugar soap solution and a sponge. Let dry
Apply painter's tape to edges: ceiling lines, woodwork, window frames
Lay dust sheets on the floor, covering all edges
For bare plaster: apply a mist coat first (paint thinned 70/30 with water) to seal the surface
Amazon UK links carry our affiliate tag — no change to the price you pay.