To think I could paint my flat

[chilimartini]

I have never painted walls but I'm thinking of having a go! My walls are in good condition. Currently a boring magnolia. I would like to paint them white.
Any tips on how I may be able to do this successfully?

prep. prep. prep!

make sure everything is rubbed down and covered before you start.

music full blast.

enjoy

Not a fan of magnolia either. Although you're going to the trouble to replace with a colour almost the same?

Definitely prep! Sand any rough spots, wipe down the walls with a damp cloth, dry and then paint. Use drop cloths on the floors.

I'm currently painting my whole 'project' house and have developed an unhealthy interest in Pinterest, instagram and farrow and ball paint.

F&B paint has terrible coverage, you'll end up needing way more coats than any other brand.

If it is your first time, buy a good quality paint. I find Dulux good, although it is more expensive than some, and it is made for diyers. I think they have one called Once, which covers in one coat (you may need a second coat though!) Go for a matt finish, not satin. Matt covers imperfections in the wall better than a finish with a bit of shine. Some cheap paint gives a poor finish, needing extra coats, so is not cheaper in the long run. It is easy, wall paint is water based, so the brushes and spills are easy (ish) to clean. When you paint the woodwork, the paint is usually oil based, so you need white spirit to clean the brushes, and it can make a right mess when you do clean them. Good fun though, and very satisfying when it is finished.

YouTube techniques first and buy the minimum kit. As PP says, prep, prep, prep. Don’t spend more than you need on kit.

To decide on colour - Get some sample pots and paint onto bits of cardboard NOT the wall. Move the bits of painted cardboard around to different walls over a day or two to see how the light hits the colour. Use A3 size bits of cardboard, not a tiny bit, so you can see the colour. Make sure you have lots of podcasts to listen to. Take your time cutting in, have treats to reward yourself, enjoy the process.

Get a slanted rat-tail brush for the cutting in.

But if they are already magnolia why go to all the trouble to replace it with even more boring white?

I would mask up first with masking tape around the edges, makes it so much easier!

I was recently surprised how good Wilkinsons own brand paint was. Very good coverage and not expensive. Mind you, if you are doing a lot you could get a massive trade sized tub of white somewhere like B&Q.

Like others have said - just prep well (this is at least 2/3 of the time with just the last 1/3 spent actually painting). It is the difference between a good job and a bloody awful one.

Other than that there's little can go wrong.

Oh and I have used F&B and really rate it - nothing to do with it being naice - I just find it the easiest to paint with, have never needed more than 2 coats and touch ups are a breeze as they just melt into the paint in the walls rather than leave patches.

The modern emulsion wipes well.

That's just my experience but is suspect different paints might suit different painters.

Ps use rollers.

Paint the edging then roller the middle.

I assume you already have the paint......otherwise you may struggle to source it right now?

If you like F&B colours you can get them matched at independent stores.

you tube videos are helpful then just have a go!

I like to mask everything and put cloths down, but I’m messy! I have kids so I use soft sheen paint so I can wipe it. I also prefer eggshell on skirting board I don’t like the look of gloss.

My friend has just done her skirting boards grey and walls white in her hall and it looks amazing! X

Wash the walls with sugar soap before starting - you'd be amazed how dirty the paintwork can get.
Go round the edges of the walls with a 3 inch brush, then attack the rest with a roller (be prepared to look like a speckled egg). If you have radiators, buy a radiator roller to get behind them.

I had to redecorate my entire three bed house on my own. Once you get into a routine, it's easy and surprisingly quick. Have fun!

Use frog tape (a brand of masking tape) for all the edges.. Gives a really clean line. Clear the room as much as possible so you've got lots of room to work. If you've got any old sheets or duvet covers use them rather than plastic sheeting.. They stay put better. Have a pack of baby wipes handy for any small bits of colour in the wrong place. I do edges first then roller on the first coat, but sometimes reverse it for the 2nd. If your flat is new ou can probably get away with not doing the skirting boards etc but if you do, use gloss. Emulsion for the walls, either matt or silk finish.. I'd go for matt as it's your first go.
In the end, it's your flat. It doesn't have to be perfect. I've decorated loads of rooms in several houses. It gives me an enormous sense of capability and satisfaction that I did it. Edges aren't 100%, coverage occasionally slightly uneven in badly lit corners but it's your space, so who cares. Enjoy.

Wow! Thank you so much everyone for replying! I'm feeling confident now!! I'm going to go for it! Love to you all...stay safe xx

I used to tie tights on my head so that splashes didn't get in my hair.
Works a treat but remember to take them off before answering the door.

I used to tie tights on my head so that splashes didn't get in my hair.
Works a treat but remember to take them off before answering the door.

Brian? Is that you?

Another Prep prep prep

Also frog tape is amazing and worth it.
Mix the paint throughly
Cover ALL surfaces
Don't panic if you have a little spill

Set up the "clean up station" before you start painting

Also don't be afraid of strong colour - it can look amazing in big and small rooms!!
We have card room green (Leyland colour matched f&b) and it is so soothing yet on paper looks terrifyingly dark.