HOW-TO GUIDES
How to paint a wall
Updated 02/26
By: Content Team
Reviewed: Laura Macdonald
Painting a wall can completely refresh a room. While it may look straightforward, achieving a smooth, durable finish takes careful preparation and the right technique.
If you’re wondering how to paint a wall properly — and whether it’s worth doing yourself — this guide explains what’s involved, the common pitfalls, and when bringing in a professional painter and decorator might be the better choice.
What’s involved in painting a wall
Why preparation makes such a difference
The main methods (brush and roller)
Common problems and how to avoid them
Typical painting costs
How to find trusted tradespeople near you
What does painting a wall involve?
Painting a wall involves preparing the surface, priming where necessary, and applying at least one to two coats of paint using a brush, roller or both. The finish depends heavily on surface condition, paint quality and application technique.
Most issues arise not from the paint itself, but from inadequate preparation or uneven application.
Are there benefits to painting a wall yourself?
There can be several advantages to taking on a painting project yourself:
Lower upfront cost
Flexibility to work around your schedule
Satisfaction of completing the job
Suitable for small, low-risk areas
However, bear in mind the quality of the finish can vary significantly depending on experience and wall condition.
Why might you want to repaint a wall?
The main reasons people choose to repaint a wall include:
Updating décor or colour scheme
Covering marks, stains, or scuffs
Refreshing tired or faded paint
Repairing minor cosmetic damage
Repainting can make a room feel cleaner and brighter almost immediately.
How do you prepare a wall for painting?
Preparation is the most important stage of any painting project.
Proper wall preparation typically includes:
Removing or loosening faceplates (with care around electrics)
Protecting floors and furniture with dust sheets
Applying decorator’s tape around edges
Cleaning the wall to remove dust and grease
Filling cracks or small holes
Sanding uneven areas
Skipping preparation often leads to visible imperfections, peeling or uneven coverage later.
Do you need to use primer?
Primer is not always essential, but it is strongly recommended in certain situations, including:
Painting over a dark colour with a lighter shade
Painting new plaster
Covering stains
Changing paint type (e.g. from gloss to emulsion)
Primer improves adhesion and helps achieve an even, consistent finish. In many cases, using primer also reduces the number of paint coats needed.
What are the main methods for painting a wall?
There are two primary application methods: brush and roller. Most projects use both.
Option 1: Painting with a brush
A brush is used for 'cutting in' around:
Ceilings
Skirting boards
Corners
Window and door frames
Things to consider:
Brush marks can appear if paint is overworked
Inconsistent pressure can leave visible lines
Larger areas are slower to complete
Professional decorators use high-quality brushes and controlled strokes to avoid visible brush marks.
Option 2: Painting with a roller
Rollers are used to cover large flat areas quickly.
Important to know:
Uneven loading can cause streaks
Pausing mid-wall can leave lap marks
Low-quality roller covers may shed fibres
Different nap lengths are needed for smooth vs textured walls
Using a consistent technique — often in a 'W' or 'M' motion — helps distribute paint evenly.
Option 3: Spray painting
Spray systems are sometimes used for large areas or ultra-smooth finishes.
Be aware:
Overspray can affect ceilings and floors
Masking must be extremely thorough
Equipment requires experience
Ventilation is essential
Spraying is generally best handled by experienced professionals.
How do you cut in paint along a ceiling?
To paint edges neatly, and protect ceilings and adjacent surfaces:
Apply painter’s tape carefully along edges
Avoid overloading brushes or rollers
Maintain steady, controlled strokes
Remove tape once paint is dry to the touch
Even with care, achieving perfectly straight lines can be challenging without experience.
Why does white paint look patchy — and how do you avoid it?
White paint may seem simple, but it often highlights patchiness and surface imperfections more than darker colours.
To paint white walls properly, careful selection and application are key.
Important considerations:
Not all whites are the same (warm, cool or neutral tones)
Lighting affects how white appears
White shows surface imperfections more easily
Marks and scuffs are more visible
With white paint especially, testing sample patches at different times of day is a good idea before committing.
How much does it cost to paint a wall?
The cost of painting a wall varies depending on wall size, preparation needs, and the finish required.
Professional decorators typically charge between Painter and decorator day rates tend to sit around £32 per hour with day rates around £325.
The total cost of your painting project will depend on:
Number of walls
Surface condition
Ceiling height
Paint type
Furniture removal requirements
For more detailed pricing information, take a look at our painter and decorator cost guide.
If taking a DIY approach, you’ll need to budget for paint, primer, rollers and brushes, protective sheets, sandpaper and fillers, ladder or working platform (if needed). While DIY may appear cheaper initially, correcting uneven finishes can increase overall costs.
Can you paint a wall yourself — and should you?
Yes, painting a wall yourself is definitely possible — particularly for small rooms or simple refreshes.
However, watch out for:
Patchy or streaky coverage
Visible roller marks
Uneven cutting-in lines
Drips and splatters
Poor adhesion due to lack of preparation
In some cases, correcting a poor finish requires sanding back and repainting entirely.
For larger rooms, high ceilings, feature walls, or properties being prepared for sale, using a professional painter and decorator often provides a more consistent and durable result.
Thinking about hiring a tradesperson for the job?
Here’s what recent Checkatrade customers said about having the job done professionally:
"We have just had our master bedroom decorated by Pristine and we couldn’t be happier. Stuart is professional, hard-working, and has a great eye for detail. Would highly recommend Pristine. We have now found our go-to decorator."
Verified reviewer, Pristine Painting & Decorating, (Location BH6)
"Am very happy and impressed with the high standard work, reliable, clean, bedroom beautifully decorated, highly recommended."
Verified reviewer, R Borg Decorator, (Location OL8)
Find painter and decorator services near you with Checkatrade
If you’d prefer a smooth, long-lasting finish without the stress, we can help you find trusted tradespeople in your area.
With Checkatrade, all our tradespeople are:
Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade about real jobs, on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work
Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
Whether you’re repainting one wall or refreshing your entire home, finding reputable tradespeople gives you confidence in the result.
Search your postcode today or request a quote to connect with local painters and decorators near you.
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FAQs
Will I need to move out while my home is being painted?
It’s not normally necessary to move out while your home is being painted. Most professional decorators can work around your routine, although you may need to avoid certain rooms temporarily while paint dries.
Can you get away with just one coat of paint?
It’s sometimes possible to get away with just one coat of paint — particularly if repainting a similar colour in good condition — but two coats are usually best for durability and even coverage.
Is painting dangerous for animals or young children?
Modern paints are generally safe for animals and young children once dry, but fumes can be unpleasant. Good ventilation and low-VOC or pet-friendly paints help minimise disruption.
How do you dispose of old paint?
Liquid paint cannot be put in household waste. Many recycling centres restrict paint disposal, so check local guidelines or consider donating unused paint.
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