Your Handy Guide To Preparing For Interior House Painting

Written by Stephen Cochrane

Updated July 2024 by Stephen Cochrane

The walls of your home have seen better days and it’s time for internal house painting. Perth painters know that thorough preparation is the key to painting success. But the excitement of getting a home renovation project underway can come at the expense of good house painting prep.

Your walls deserve better than that!

So whether you’re calling in professional residential painters in Perth (that’s us!) or would like to try your hand at DIY, a house painting plan is essential. You’ll be surprised how even basic planning can make home interior painting so much smoother – for the project itself and the finish on your walls!

In this handy guide, you’ll learn what you need to know about preparing for house painting including:

• 5 Things To Consider Before You Start Painting
• Essential Supplies to Paint a Room
• 5 Things You Can Do To Prepare For Professional House Painters
• Home Interior Painting FAQs

5 Things To Consider Before You Start Painting

Nothing beats the look of a house that has just been freshly painted. The transformation is instant, adding aesthetic appeal and increasing the value of your home. However, DIY home interior painting is not as simple as it may seem and there are more than a few ways that things can go wrong.

Here are five things to consider to ensure you get the professional finish you’re looking for.

1. Do You Need A Primer Coat?

Using a primer on surfaces assists with paint adhesion, hiding stains and creating an even base to paint on. This will help you achieve a smooth overall finish on your painting renovations.

We recommend using a primer in the following situations:

• Walls have never been painted before (e.g. plasterboard painting in a new home)
• Walls have staining from water damage, smoke, etc.
• You’re repainting dark walls with a lighter colour
• You’re applying new acrylic paint over old oil-based paint
• You’re unsure what type of paint was used previously

If in doubt, use a product like Dulux Precision Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer which has been formulated especially for tricky surfaces.

Note: Previously painted walls that are clean, smooth and undamaged may not require primer. Always use the same paint type that’s currently on the walls for the new coat. e.g. apply oil-based paint over oil-based paint. If you’re unsure if the old paint was oil or acrylic, buy a sample pot of your new paint and test it on an inconspicuous section of the wall. If it doesn’t adhere properly, primer is a must!

2. Best Conditions For Interior Painting

Freshly painted home interiors are always a good idea, no matter the season. However, avoid painting during extreme temperatures as both very high and very low temps can impact paint cure and adhesion.

Plan to paint when:

• the temperature is between 10°C and 30°C
• the forecast is relatively stable (no big fluctuations in the daytime high and evening low)
• the humidity is low (below 70%) – avoid painting on rainy days where possible
• you have lots of natural light to see how the paint colour looks
• you have plenty of time to finish the job – start early to avoid painting into the night.

3. Choosing the Right Paint Sheen Level

When selecting paint, you’ll need to consider the sheen level. This refers to how shiny the paint is and how much light it reflects.

You may be drawn to a particular paint sheen because you want to achieve a particular finish. However, preferred aesthetics are just one element to consider. The sheen level you choose can impact paint durability, colour, and how easy it is to clean. If you’re painting the whole house interior, you may require different sheens to achieve the look and durability you want in each room.

Here are the most common sheen types and where to use them.

Gloss

Gloss paint is highly reflective, giving a smooth and hard-wearing finish that’s a breeze to clean. The shiny finish is unforgiving on surface imperfections (and on inexperienced painters) so if your walls are uneven and/or damaged, you’ll need to thoroughly patch, prep and prime. Find out here how to strip paint off wood doorframes and windowframes as part of the preparation process.

Ideal for: family homes, high-traffic areas prone to fingerprints, especially doors, architraves and windows.

Semi-Gloss

When you want a less shiny but still sleek finish that can withstand high traffic, semi-gloss is an excellent, easy-to-clean choice.

Ideal for: high-traffic spaces including kitchens, lounge rooms, walls, cupboards, skirting and doors.

Low-Gloss

Chip-resistant and tough, low gloss is a great alternative to high gloss if you’re painting an older home with surface imperfections that you’d like to conceal. Use on timber trims to complement low sheen walls.

Ideal for: doors, windows and trims – especially if reducing the appearance of surface imperfections is desired.

Low Sheen

For a velvety finish that is highly durable, easy to clean, and better at hiding imperfections, consider low sheen paint.

Ideal for: rooms that require frequent cleaning including kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

Matt Finish

Choose a matt sheen for a sophisticated low-reflection finish that conceals imperfections and softens room glare.

Ideal for: reducing glare in hallways and rooms with big windows.

4. Oil-based vs Water-based Paint

Oil-based paints are:

• Difficult to paint with and require professional application to achieve a flawless finish
• Proven to be hazardous to human health and the environment
• Flammable, emit high levels of dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOC) and produce strong fumes
• Slow-drying but may require less coats
• Not easy to clean up and require mineral turpentine
• Hard-drying and very durable
• Used for heavy-duty applications and provide superior resistance to wear and tear
• Better for achieving an extremely glossy and smooth finish
• Prone to yellowing and cracking
• Best for window frames

Water-based paints are:

• Easier to paint with and more forgiving for beginners
• Safer to use, produce lower odours, and are more environmentally friendly
• Better for your health and contain reduced VOC
• Faster drying but may require more coats
• Much simpler to clean up – just use water and soap
• Non-yellowing
• Less robust and durable and may need to be repainted sooner
• Not always suitable for window frames

5. Paint Colour

Choosing colours as part of an interior repaint can be overwhelming! You may love a current colour trend, but it can be tricky to know if it will work in your home. Will these colours complement your existing furniture, décor and window treatments? Paint colour can also change the way a room feels. Which colours create an airy, spacious feel and which can close a space in and make it appear darker?

Integrating and harmonising interior paint colours is a skill and if you don’t have it, the results could haunt you for the next ten years! To avoid bold feature wall regret, sticking with a neutral undertones in your colour pallette is the safest bet.

However, if you want to attempt something a little more adventurous, try the 60-30-10 colour rule. Apply this rule to each room for a balanced colour scheme.

Choose three colours in each room using the following percentages:

• 60% Main Colour: Use this colour for walls, rugs and large furniture like your couch.
• 30% Secondary Colour: Add contrast by using this colour for curtains, side chairs, bed linens or on a feature wall.
• 10% Accent Colour: Use this pop of colour in cushions, throws, lamps and artwork.

Of course, you still need to decide which three colours to use – and your paint will be the main colour choice. Take a peek at this colour wheel for inspiration. Bear in mind that some colours are better than others for different spaces, ie the best paint colour for small rooms could leave a larger open plan space feeling cold and lifeless.

Feeling Overwhelmed By DIY House Painting Yet?

We know there’s a lot to think about – and we haven’t even discussed what you’ll need to paint a room yourself yet!

When you choose the residential house painters Perth homeowners depend on for expert advice and exceptional interior painting, there’s much less to consider. We streamline the entire process, guiding you through every choice. We even have an interior stylist who can help you design the perfect colour scheme for your home.

So if painting your house interior is starting to feel more stressful than fun, get in touch.

Essential Supplies to Paint a Room

Still keen to try your hand at DIY interior painting? Great! Let’s look at the must-have supplies you’ll need to ensure a professional finish.

Preparation

• Paint scraper – for scraping off old paint where necessary.
• Gap filler (e.g. Spakfilla) – to fill any surface holes or dings.
• Spatula – to apply the gap filler with.
• Hand sander and sandpaper – to ensure surfaces are smooth and even.
• Sugar soap, buckets and cleaning cloths – for cleaning dust, dirt and grime off the surface before painting.
• Mould killer – to ensure surfaces are free of mould and mildew before you begin (painting over mould will not kill the spores).
• Masking tape – for taping off anything that borders where you’re going to paint. e.g. light switches, power sockets, skirting boards, etc.
• Drop sheets – for protecting the floor and furniture from paint splatters.
• Paint stirrer – to mix paint properly.
• Old clothes – painting is messy work. Enough said!
• Old rags/paper towels – to mop up paint drips before they dry.

Paint Brushes & Rollers

• Cutting in brush – properly painting the edges of a wall (cutting in) is important so choose a quality cutting in brush, 2-3 inches in width.
• Small shallow container or paint tray – holds paint for cutting in.
• Roller – for painting most of a surface. For a smooth finish, choose a quality roller and make sure it’s suited to the finish you want.
• Roller tray – holds the paint and allows you to load up the roller.
• Painter’s pole/roller pole – this will give you extended reach to paint high walls. In most cases, it should mean you don’t need a ladder or scaffolding.

Paint

Here are some tips for buying paint.

• Always choose the highest quality paint you can afford.
• Ensure you choose the right paint type for the room you’re painting to maximise longevity.
• Seek expert advice on which sheen type will provide the finish and durability you need.
• If you’re painting a bathroom, you’ll need paint that can handle damp, humid conditions and that offers mould resistance.
• Calculating the correct amount of paint is important and saves you from running out before the job is finished. A paint calculator can help. Try this one.

To DIY Paint or Not To DIY Paint, That is the Question!

5 Things You Can Do To Prepare For Professional House Painters

Your friends at AJ Cochrane & Sons are on their way for the interior paint job in your Perth home! By calling in the professionals, you can be confident that you’ll get the gorgeous paint finish you’re looking for.

Our streamlined painting project management ensures minimal hassle to you and your family. However, there are things you can do ahead of our arrival that can make the process even smoother. Read on for five ways to prep your home for professional interior painting.

1. Remove fragile items and electronics from the room 

Unplug and remove all electrical appliances and electronic devices from the space. This includes televisions, speakers, game consoles, lamps, and modems.

Next, remove fragile items. Do this before moving heavy furniture to avoid your favourite vase getting broken!

Store these items somewhere safe for the duration of the painting project. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re protected and our team can move around the space more freely.

2. Move furniture to the centre of the room  

Professional interior painters will use drop sheets to protect your flooring and furniture. However, moving all your furniture to the centre of the room reduces obstructions so that your painters can safely move through the space to paint, carry equipment, use ladders and easily access the corners of the room for painting.

TIP: If you have the storage space (and people to do the lifting), consider removing all or most of the furniture from the room. This is the ideal scenario for professional residential painters – especially in particularly small spaces.

3. Remove wall hangings, window treatments, switch covers and light covers 

Walls should be completely bare in preparation for painting so remove framed photographs, paintings, posters and any other wall décor. It’s also an excellent idea to unscrew the covers on your light switches and electrical outlets. Painting around covers precisely is tricky – even for Master Painters – so to avoid paint swipes or a narrow unpainted border, remove them before painting begins.

If the room’s ceiling is being painted, remove all light covers, shades and fixtures. This will protect them from paint swipes and provide a more uniform finish.

We also recommend removing window treatments, especially if you are having the window frames painted. Remove and store blinds and curtains, and where possible, the associated hardware (rods, rails, etc). There is no need to fix the holes left. We can either leave them so your window treatments can be re-hung or fix them as part of the service.  

4. Dust and vacuum the rooms

Start by dusting every surface, including the walls. Start from the top and work down. Once you’ve given every surface a thorough dust, vacuum the floor to collect the settled dust. This important step reduces the chance of dust ending up on your freshly painted walls.

If the project includes painting kitchen cabinets, ensure they’re thoroughly cleaned and free from cooking oil build-up. Use a degreaser for best results.

5. Prepare kids and pets for the painters’ attendance

We recommend your house painting plan include a strategy for keeping children and family pets safely away from rooms that are being painted.

As much as we love kiddos and furry friends, it’s not safe for them to wander around a room while our interior painters are working. After we’re gone, you’ll want to ensure the new paint has time to dry before curious little fingers and paws are allowed in. Glossy paint, in particular, tends to look best when it’s fingerprint and fur-free!

While most modern paints don’t have the powerful fumes that were once common, some people can be sensitive to the odour. Good ventilation will help. To keep air flowing through the house, it’s useful to keep windows and doors open – but this can make it harder to keep children and pets confined to a particular area of your home. If you can call in a favour for babysitting or petsitting, this will make painting days easier!  

Home Interior Painting FAQs

Wondering what happens once internal house painting is done? Here are the answers to common questions we’re asked.

Is it safe to sleep in a freshly painted room?

We generally recommend you wait at least 24 hours before sleeping in a freshly painted room. Although most paint on the market today is low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), you should give the room time to air out. Even low-VOC paint can have a smell that some people find unpleasant to sleep with.

How long should I wait to hang pictures back on the walls after painting?

Wait at least 48 hours before rehanging pictures or wall decor. In humid conditions, 72 hours may be necessary. While paint may feel dry to the touch within hours, it can remain soft and easy to damage until it has properly cured – and depending on the paint used, this can take up to a month. If in doubt, ask your professional house painters what they advise.

How long should I wait to move furniture back against the walls after painting?

As with pictures and wall decorations, wait at least 48 hours – and longer if you can.

How do I maintain freshly painted walls in my home?

Cleaning your walls is an important part of keeping the gorgeous new paint looking its best. However, avoid wiping them until the paint has completely cured. Ask your interior house painters for an estimate of how long you should wait.

Once the paint cure is complete, maintain your walls by dusting them regularly with a soft cloth or duster. For tougher marks or stains, use a gentle cleaner and a soft sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the paint.

What do I do if I notice imperfections after the residential painters have left?

Let us know! Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do, so if you’re not happy with something, we’d love the chance to resolve the issue. Please get in touch.

Professional, Hassle-Free Interior House Painting 

AJ Cochrane & Sons have been the go-to residential painters Perth homeowners have trusted for more than 90 years. That’s four generations of interior house painting experience and expertise. What we don’t know about painting Perth house interiors isn’t worth knowing!

Our skilled residential painters provide a perfect paint finish with minimal interruption to your home and the greatest respect for your personal belongings.  

Need a luxury house painter? We do that, too. From modern beach mansions in Cottesloe to elegant Heritage homes in Peppermint Grove, our experienced team provides exceptional workmanship to match the beauty and prestige of your property.

To discuss your interior house painting requirements, contact AJ Cochrane & Sons today.