Preparing to paint a house

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement when you prepare to paint a house, but it's vital to remember the fundamentals of tackling a big job like this, and expert Tully Hatswell is here with some advice on what you should do to plan your paint project.

Where do you start when you want to paint your own home?

Most of the work is in the preparation. If it's done well then your paint job will last longer, it will stick better and the finish will be more consistent. If you have an older house with lead-based paint on the walls, before you do anything you should get a copy of the government guidelines to avoid any health risks.

How do you prepare walls for painting?

Start by washing down the walls with a sugar soap. Then you need to fill and repair any surface damage with filler, then sand it back, ready for the undercoat. Generally, you no longer need to sand back the whole wall, just the areas that you've repaired.

Does it matter what kind of undercoat you use?

Yes, using the appropriate undercoat is still an integral part of painting. Not only does it allow you to use water-based paints over old oil-based paints, but getting the right colour undercoat will ensure that your top coat comes out the right colour too.

How do you know which undercoat to use?

Always talk to your paint expert about your situation, as there are so many products available that it's easy to go wrong. There are undercoats with different bases and shades and if you use the wrong one your paint might not stick, or the colour might bleed from underneath. For example, a lot of reds need certain colour undercoats to get the right tone.

Are there any tips to putting on the top coat?

Because a lot goes into the preparation, putting on the top coat is relatively quick and easy. Paints today are of really high quality, with great vibrancy, but it still pays to use a high-quality brush and roller, as these will help save time and give a better overall finish.

Which paint types are most popular?

Most people these days tend to use the water-based paints, but there is also a growing market in low-VOC paints, which are more environmentally friendly and don't have as strong a smell. Most brands have low-VOC options now.

Contact an expert like Tully Hatswell to help you prepare to paint a house: