Now paint like a pro Easy steps to painting success

Time for a spruce up? Break out the brushes and dip into this guide for superb results

it’s no surprise that painting is the most popular DIY task. Without spending a fortune you can make spectacular improvements to your home. But painting is more than simply slapping a few coats on the walls. If you want your job to look fantastic and last for years, you need to do it right. Here’s how.

GET THE RIGHT GEAR

The equipment you use is just as important as the paint itself. Good quality gear is essential. You might save a few bucks on cheap brushes and rollers, but for a few dollars more you’ll get a job that looks much better and is finished in much less time.

BRUSHES You’ll need a couple of brush types to complete your job. A 63mmwide brush is great for cutting in around walls, while a thinner sash cutter, for use on trim, has angled bristles to make painting them easier.

ROLLERS These are classified depending on their fibre length, known as the nap. Use a 10-12mm nap roller on walls and a short nap for a smooth finish on doors and trim. Long nap rollers are designed for rough surfaces.

EXTRAS There’s lots more equipment you’ll need to get your job done. Think scrapers and sanders for preparing, roller trays and an extension pole for ceilings, and drop sheets for protecting surfaces. Painter’s tape is also handy to get a clean line when cutting in, especially between paints of different colours.