Planning to paint your walls and ceilings but don’t know where to begin? Just starting can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With some preparation, you can paint your walls like a pro.

Painting Planning & Preparation

Before you start painting a wall, it is crucial to take some time to plan and prepare. Firstly, you will need to decide on the colours you want to use. It is a good idea to choose a light colour if you are painting a small space, as this will make the room look larger. When painting a bigger space, you can use a darker shade to create a cosy feeling or a more dramatic look. If you are unsure of the colours you want then look on the internet for inspiration and ideas and then buy some tester pots to try small areas and see what they look like in the light of the room.

When you have decided on the colours and finish you want, you will need to purchase the paint and other supplies that you will need. Make sure to get high-quality paint as the painting will be easier and the finish will last longer. Work out the size of the area you are painting so you buy enough paint in the same batch and always read the manufacturer’s instructions as they will advise you on how many coats you will likely need.

Preparing the Area for Painting

Preparing the area is really key to a good and easy job. Take some time to clear the area around the wall are painting and remove any furniture or decoration from the site so you can easily access the entire wall surface.

If you’re painting your walls or ceilings, you should always take precautions to protect the area around them. First, lay down some dust sheets or old bedding to catch paint drips and protect your flooring.

Remove any pictures or paintings from the wall, as well as any light switch plates or outlet covers. If you aren’t putting the pictures back up then fill and lightly sand any holes.

When the area is protected, use painter’s tape or masking tape to tape off any edges, trim or mouldings around the edge of the wall.

Filling in Holes and Cracks

The second step in preparing your walls for painting is to repair any cracks or holes that may be present. This can be done with a wall filler and a putty knife. Once the area is dry, lightly sand it down, so it’s smooth. It’s essential to fill in any holes or cracks before painting because they will affect the overall appearance of your finished work.

Sanding your Walls or Ceilings

You should prepare your walls for painting is sanding them down. If you have uneven walls or ceilings then to ensure a professional finish you should use fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand so that you don’t damage the wall’s surface. Sanding will help create an even surface for the paint to adhere to and remove any imperfections in the wall that could affect the final finish.

Cleaning the Surface you are Painting

When you are planning to paint your walls, the need to ensure that the surface is clean. You can do this by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or by wiping the walls down with a damp cloth. It is essential to remove any dirt or debris is removed before you start painting because it can affect how well the paint adheres to the surface.

Priming the Surface Before Painting

The final step in preparing your walls for painting is to prime the surface. This will help ensure that the paint goes on evenly and gives you a better-finished product. Apply an even layer of primer to the wall using a roller or brush. Priming the surface before painting will also help you achieve better coverage with less pain.

How to Remove Wallpaper

If you’re planning on painting your walls that are currently covered in wallpaper, you’ll need to remove them before you can start painting. The best way to remove wallpaper is to use a wallpaper steamer. This will loosen the glue holding the wallpaper in place, making it easy to peel off without damaging the walls underneath. You can also use a chemical stripper, but follow the directions carefully, and wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the fumes. Once the wallpaper is removed, fill and lightly sand any rough areas.

Cleaning the Surface after Removing Wallpaper

Preparation is key when painting walls. If you take the time to properly prep the wall surface, your paint job will look much better and last longer. Once you have removed the wallpaper from your wall, it is vital to clean the surface before painting. Use a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt or grease. Next, use a sanding sponge or sandpaper to lightly sand the wall’s surface. This will help the paint to stick better. Finally, wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust created by sanding.

Removing Artex or Textured Wall or Ceiling Coatings

If you have textured ceiling or wall coatings and you want a flat painted surface then you should always use a non-toxic product which uses a wet working system like Eco Solutions X-Tex Artex Remover to safely remove it. Artex applied before 2000 is likely to contain asbestos and if you are exposed to asbestos dust fibres it can result in lung damage and often some cancers. Using a wet working system means the coating is removed as a wet material so the asbestos fibres are not released into the air and inhaled which is dangerous to your health. X-Tex is a water-based, non-toxic product which allows you to safely and efficiently remove artex-type products. Even if the textured coating doesn’t contain asbestos by using X-Tex you are not exposed to horrible dust particles which can make you feel unwell as well as settling for days, weeks and months after you have finished the job. You can find a list of our range of water-based removal and cleaning products here.

How to Prepare a Newly Plastered Wall for Painting

It is important to take the proper steps to prepare a wall for painting when it has been newly plastered. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly, lasts longer and looks better. If you’ve just had a wall plastered, preparing it correctly before painting it is essential. The first thing you need to do is leave the plaster to dry completely. Depending on the weather conditions, this can take anything from a few days to a week. Once the application is fully dry, you will need to apply a primer coat. This will help the paint adhere better and give you a more even coverage when painting it with the colour you have chosen.

Staying Safe

When painting a wall, it is crucial to take some safety precautions to protect yourself and the surrounding area. First, wear gloves and a face mask when handling or mixing paints and other chemicals. Second, ventilate the area by opening windows and doors as some paint odours are really strong. Third, work in a well-lit area to avoid eye strain. Finally, don’t forget to clean up when as soon as you have finished, Thoroughly wash paint brushes and paint trays to ensure they are ready and clean when you want to use them again. Roll up dust sheets, shake them outside and put them in the washing machine. This will mean you don’t walk dust and paint splashes onto your carpet or flooring.

Why paint a room?

1. Painting walls and ceilings can make them look more aesthetically pleasing. This is especiallyimportant if you are trying to sell your house or improve its curb appeal2. Painting your walls or ceilings can protect them from damage. Paint can act as a barrier between your wall and the elements, helping to prevent water damage, sun damage, and other types of wear and tear3. Painting walls or ceilings can make them easier to clean, especially if you use paints specifically for bathrooms or kitchens or wipable products4. A fresh coat of paint will make dirt and stains less visible, making a room feel more bright, fresh and aesthetically pleasing

Eco Solutions Water-Based Non-Toxic Products

Water-based solutions from Eco Solutions include multipurpose paint strippers, a one-stop graffiti remover, and a textured coatings remover (ideal for removing Artex® type coatings) In addition to coatings, other specialist products include general cleaners that remove grime, paint, glue, and much more.

A single product does it all, and there are no pre- or after-treatments required. In contrast to conventional and sometimes hazardous solvents, they are safe to use by yourself and don’t harm the environment as they don’t contain any nasty harmful ingredients.

Eco Solutions Product Features

One product does all – No pre or after treatment – Suitable for many substrates – Water-based – Non-hazardous – Non-toxic – No skin burns – Non-caustic – Non-flammable – PH neutral – Solvent-free- “Tough not toxic” – No H (hazard) or P (precautionary) statements on the label.

All types of artex and textured wall and ceiling coatings can be safely and easily removed using our X-Tex Artex Remover wet working system. You can leave it on to work into the coating and reapply it if it dries out to ensure there are no dust particles released into the air when you scrape the product off. As with all our products, it is water-based, non-toxic and safe to use.

All types of grease, oil, dirt, stains, grime, dirt, mould, adhesive residues and paint splashes can be removed using Painters Prep. You can use it to prepare surfaces for repainting or just to clean and brighten them. There are no fumes, no skin burns, no abrasives, and no toxic chemicals.

Our PVCU Cleaner cleans uPVC windows, doors, and guttering (it may etch certain types of Perspex and polycarbonate, so test a patch first). It is also effective at removing heavy grime, dirt, oil, and paint splashes. Any stains and grime can be removed by spraying on and wiping off. There are an increasing number of consumers and professionals using the product safely including ‘DIY Doctor’ who are currently among the biggest in the country.

Grease, oil, grime, glue, and even light carbon buildup can be removed with our Super Strength Degreaser. Aside from being effective and pleasant to use, it is water-based, does not contain abrasives, and contains no warning statements (H) or precautionary statements (P).

You can use our Graffiti Go on any surface, including wood, all metals (including aluminium), stone (including soft and porous stones), brick, marble, concrete, and most plastics (may etch Perspex and polycarbonate). Graffiti Go removes everything, including car spray paint, graffiti shadow, leather dye, marker pen, crayons, fly posters, and chewing gum.).

Where can I buy Eco Solutions Products?

Our Home and Trade Strip product stockists can be found at www.ecosolutions.co.uk.