Whether you’re brightening up a room with fresh white walls or transforming your bedroom into a moody haven, a coat of paint can work wonders when renovating your space. But before you rush in, brushes blazing, remember the number one rule when it comes to painting your walls: fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
Firstly, ensure you’re shade matching to really nail your colour choice. Comparing a selection of samples from Resene testpots on your walls will help you see how various shades of paint look in different lights. The afternoon sun hits a warm off-white, such as Resene Half Spanish White, very differently compared to a cool-toned Resene Rice Cake, for example.
Once you’ve picked your shade, calculate how much paint you’ll need so you’re not rushing back and forth to your local Resene ColorShop. Check out the paint calculator on the Resene website to work out surface area and spreading rate, no guesswork required.
Allow plenty of time for surface prep. Proper preparation gives you a smoother, more flawless finish that’s less prone to cracks or bumps.
“Prepping is a present for your future self,” says Resene Paint Expert Murdo Shaw. “If done well, you will always end up with the best possible result.”
Your prep will depend on the wall type. For new paper-faced plasterboard, apply a prep and seal or wallboard sealer, then sand with 220-grit sandpaper and wipe down.
If painting over existing paint that’s in good condition (and not lead-based – test kits are available at Resene ColorShops), wipe it down with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner. Use Resene EzyFill Quick for small repairs such as hook holes: it dries quickly and is ready to paint in 30 minutes. Sand smooth, then prime with Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer UnderCoat.
You can also paint over vinyl wallpaper if it’s in good condition. Glue down any lifting areas, seal with Resene Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer, let it dry, then paint over.
Make sure you’re choosing the right paint for the space: Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen suits living areas and bedrooms, while Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom offers protection against moisture and mould.
Once you’re ready to paint, begin by “cutting in” edges with a brush, then roll the larger areas, working in small sections. Two coats give the best depth and coverage, just make sure to allow drying time between coats. For a flawless finish, lightly sand between coats.
If you’re painting a tricky surface, visit your local Resene ColorShop or go online to ask a Resene Paint Expert for personalised advice.
How to prep your wall step by step
Resene Paint Expert Murdo Shaw’s step-by-step prep guide.
1. Clean: Wet a lint-free cloth in a bucket of Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner solution and use gentle strokes to wipe down the surface.
2. Dry off: Wipe the walls using a clean, dry cloth and wait for them to dry completely.
3. Fill holes and cracks: Use Resene EzyFill Quick to fix any holes, bumps or imperfections in the wall.
4. Sand: Use a sanding head on a pole to sand the wall, then dust off any remaining residue.
5. Prime: Use Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer UnderCoat to spot prime over the areas you’ve filled with Resene EzyFill Quick.
6. Paint.
For all the advice you need for choosing and using Resene paints, visit your local Resene ColorShop, resene.co.nz and masterstrokebyresene.com
