There's nothing like a fresh lick of paint to revitalise your home and give it a new lease of life.  Whilst slapping a bit of paint on to a wall might seem like an easy task for even the most reluctant DIYer, there are still a few things to consider to ensure you get it right and attain the look you've set out to achieve.  If you want to paint your house like a pro, then read on for some tips.


It's all in the preparation

Before you even get the paint and brushes out, you'll need to spend a bit of time getting the preparation stage sorted.  If you don't do this bit properly, then it could well affect the end results of your work.  Make sure the area you're going to paint is clean and blemish-free.  Remove any bits of wallpaper, if necessary, and fill any cracks or holes in with filler.

The world of paint

Take time to consider what colour you want to paint the area in question.  Think how the colour will work with your furnishings.  If you're undecided on colour, then buy some sample pots so you can see how it looks in various lights.  Don't just rely on what you see on the front of the tin.

Neutral shades will blend in more easily with any change in furnishings you might have over time, but that's not to say you can't be a bit bold and creative and opt for a daring colour on an accent wall.  Always measure the area you're going to paint, so you've got a rough idea of how many tins of paint you'll require.  

Aside from colour, you'll need to think about the texture or finish of the paint.  Matt is a good choice if you want to hide any blemishes or lumps and bumps on the walls.  Silk is shinier, but it will show up any marks, yet it's easy to wipe over and keep clean.  High gloss is ideal for doors and trims.  Try to get non-drip if you can, as this is less likely to leave annoying streaks and drips.

Different types of paints dry at different rates, so bear this in mind.  Water-based paints dry quicker than oil-based paints, for example.  You'll need to use white spirit cleaner to clean brushes after using oil-based paints, whereas brushes used for water-based paints can be cleaned in warm, soapy water.

The right tools for the job

A good painting job requires the right tools for the job.  It's worthwhile buying some decent paintbrushes of various sizes, and a roller brush and tray.  Rollers are ideal for larger areas, but make sure you always protect the furniture nearby and the floors with dustsheets, as rollers often have a habit of spitting paint everywhere.  Synthetic brushes usually perform better than those with natural bristles.  Other vital tools for the job include a paint stirrer, rags to clean up splatters and painter’s tape so you can achieve straight edges when painting.

But even with the best tools for the job, your painting method still needs to be carefully considered.  It's important not to overload your brush or roller as it'll only cause splatters and drips.  Always paint from the top to the bottom.  Use the right sized brush for the job, and always clean your equipment thoroughly afterwards, so it lasts for when you next come to do a painting job.

Guest post written and contributed by Amy Fowler for Tool Orders, specialists in Teng Tools. Find out more here, or read more from Tool Orders here.