How to paint a wall
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Painting a wall might seem straightforward, but good preparation and the right technique are essential for achieving an even, professional-looking finish. From preparing your walls and protecting your room to cutting in and using a roller, follow our step-by-step guide to painting a wall.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PAINT A WALL?
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need to prepare the wall and apply your paint.
- Valspar Walls & Ceilings Paint
- A suitable paint roller and roller frame
- A paint tray
- A 2-inch paint brush or cutting-in brush
- Painter's tape
- Dust sheets
- Wall filler
- Sandpaper
- A sponge or cloth for cleaning
- Primer and undercoat, if required
Follow the steps in the video:
1. Prepare the Wall Before Painting
Good preparation is one of the most important steps when painting a wall. Before you start painting, make sure the surface is clean, dry, sound and smooth.
Fill Holes and Cracks
Check the wall for holes, cracks and other imperfections. Fill any damaged areas with a suitable wall filler and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Sand the Wall
Once the filler is completely dry, sand the repaired areas until smooth. You should also lightly sand any rough or uneven areas that could affect the final finish.
Remove all dust from the wall before painting.
Clean the Wall
Walls should be clean and free from dust, dirt and grease before you paint. Clean the surface where necessary and allow it to dry completely before continuing.
For more advice on getting your walls ready for painting, see our guide to how to prep walls for painting.
Do You Need to Use Primer and Undercoat?
For best practice, Valspar recommends using a Valspar Primer & Undercoat to help achieve a durable, even finish and provide a suitable base for your chosen colour.
Primer and undercoat can be particularly useful when using darker or more vibrant colours. New bare plaster must be sealed with Valspar Primer & Undercoat before painting.
Allow the undercoat to dry for at least 2 to 4 hours before applying your paint to help ensure maximum adhesion and durability.
2. Prepare the Room and Protect Surfaces
Before opening your paint, prepare the room.
Move furniture away from the walls or into the centre of the room and cover it with dust sheets. Protect the floor with a suitable dust sheet.
Remove pictures, shelves and other items from the wall. Where appropriate, remove switch plates and outlet covers to make painting around them easier.
Use painter's tape around areas that you don't want to get paint on, including skirting boards, door and window frames, and the edges where the wall meets the ceiling.
Taking the time to prepare properly will make painting easier and help you achieve clean, sharp edges.
3. Prepare the Paint and Equipment
Stir your paint thoroughly before you begin to make sure the colour and consistency are even.
Pour some paint into your roller tray and make sure your roller and brush are clean and ready to use.
If you're using a new roller, make sure it is suitable for the type of paint and surface you're working on. The right roller can help you achieve a more even finish.
4. Paint the Edges and Corners
Before using your roller, paint around the edges of the wall using a 2-inch brush or cutting-in brush.
This includes the areas where the wall meets the ceiling, corners, skirting boards, door frames and window frames.
Load around half of the brush with paint and remove any excess before applying it to the wall. Work carefully along the edges to create a neat border.
This process is known as cutting in and makes it easier to achieve a clean finish when you begin rolling the main area of the wall.
5. Paint the Wall with a Roller
How to Load a Paint Roller
Load your roller evenly by rolling it through the paint in the tray. Roll it across the ridged section of the tray to distribute the paint and remove excess.
The roller should have an even coating of paint without being overloaded or dripping.
How to Apply Paint with a Roller
Work on manageable sections of the wall at a time. Apply the paint using W-shaped movements to distribute it evenly across the surface.
Work progressively across the wall, slightly overlapping each section while the paint is still wet. This helps blend the different areas together and reduces visible joins.
When rolling, avoid pressing too hard. Allow the roller to do the work and maintain an even amount of paint across the surface.
How to Avoid Roller Marks
To minimise roller marks, use a roller that is suitable for your surface and avoid overloading it with paint.
Apply the paint using light, even W-shaped movements and avoid repeatedly going back over areas that have started to dry.
Work into the previous section while the paint is still wet, helping to maintain a consistent finish across the wall.
For more advice, see our guide to how to use a paint roller.
6. Apply a Second Coat
For an even finish, 2 coats of paint are generally recommended.
Allow the first coat to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying the second coat. The required drying and recoat time will vary depending on the product and conditions in the room.
Once the first coat is dry, check the surface for any imperfections. If necessary, lightly sand and remove any dust before applying the second coat.
Apply the second coat using the same technique as the first, working in even sections and using W-shaped movements with the roller.
7. Remove the Painter's Tape and Allow to Dry
Carefully remove the painter's tape while the final coat is still slightly wet or tacky. Removing it at the right time can help prevent the tape from pulling away dried paint and helps leave a clean edge.
Allow the paint to dry completely before moving furniture back into place or cleaning the newly painted surface.
What Paint Should You Use to Paint a Wall?
The right paint depends on the room, surface and level of durability required.
For walls and ceilings in living spaces, Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings is suitable for a range of interior painting projects.
For rooms exposed to higher levels of moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, Valspar Premium Kitchen & Bathroom is specially designed for these environments.
Always check that the paint you choose is suitable for your particular surface and intended use before starting your project.
How to Choose a Colour for Your Wall
The colour you choose can change the atmosphere and appearance of a room. Consider the amount of natural light, the size of the room and the colours already used in your furniture and décor.
Lighter colours can help create a brighter, more open feel, while deeper colours can add character and definition.
Explore Valspar's range of over 2,000 paint colours to find the right shade for your project.
If you are trying to recreate an existing colour, you can also use Valspar's colour matching tools to help find a suitable match.
Helpful Guides & Resources
Browse our helpful How To Guides for tips and advice on preparing and painting your walls and ceilings.
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