Interior painting & decorating

Almost anyone can take on interior painting. However, it is still possible to do a poor job if you use the wrong materials or fail to follow some simple, basic steps.

One of the most important parts of interior painting is to choose the right paint. While the choice of colour is down to you - and there are literally thousands to choose from - the type of paint you use will be determined by what you are painting and where you are painting.

Types of paint include:

Undercoat:
An oil based paint that is used on wood or metal. It provides a good surface for the top-coat and is essential for a good-looking, long-lasting finish. Tools will need cleaning in white spirit or turpentine substitute.
Gloss:
Also oil based. There are several types available - liquid gloss, non-drip gloss, which is jelly-like paint and resists runs, and one-coat gloss. Liquid gloss provides the best finish - one-coat glosses don't always provide good cover in one coat. Tools will need cleaning in white spirit afterwards.

Emulsion:
Water based, emulsion is the easiest paint to work with - it is easy to get good coverage, and brush marks will not be left behind. If you are painting a new wall, it is worth priming the surface some emulsion mixed with a little PVA bonding - this stops the paint from being absorbed by the plaster, and will ultimately require less paint. Brushes and tools can be washed in water.

Kitchen and bathroom paint:
These are essential for rooms where there is likely to be lots of steam. These paints are semi-porous, so they absorb moisture and allow it to evaporate as the air dries - thus they do not go mouldy due to condensation. If you are painting a surface that is already stained, be sure to use a stain blocker first, otherwise the old stains will show through your newly painted surface.

Textured paint:
These are thick paints which often contain silicon sand. They can be applied with a textured roller, which gives a good effect. Textured paints can be a good choice when you are attempting to cover uneven surfaces - often a wall that would normally need skimming can end up looking very good.