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A finished feature wall with a study nook

Overview

Add a point of difference to any room with a painted feature wall. This simple D.I.Y. project can transform your living spaces in a matter of hours, creating a look and feel that's uniquely yours.

Steps

1Gather your tools and materials

Make sure you have everything you need to complete your feature wall.

Tools and materials needed to paint a feature wall

2Patch your holes

Start by preparing your chosen wall. Move all furniture away from the wall and remove any pictures or fixtures. Grab some filler and fill any holes or cracks.

Patching a hole in the wall

3Sand the patched holes

Now take your sanding block and give those patched areas a light sand. Any lumps or bumps will show up, especially with darker paint colours, so make sure you get them nice and smooth. Be sure to wear your dust mask while you're sanding. 

Sanding the patched hole in the wall

4Brush off the dust

Grab a brush and wipe away any dust on the wall and skirting boards.

Dusting off the skirting board with a paint brush

5Wash your walls

As a final step in preparing your wall, give it a good wash down with sugar soap to remove any dust, dirt or grime. 

Washing the wall with sugar soap

6Mask off the area

You don't want paint ending up in places it shouldn't be. Apply masking tape to the skirting boards and architraves, as well as any power sockets. Lay a drop sheet on the floor to catch any spills or drips.

Covering a power outlet with painter’s tape

7Start with the edges

Using your chosen colour, start by "cutting in" around the corners and edges with a paintbrush.

Painting the edges of a wall with a brush

8Get rolling

Once you've cut in around the edges, use a paint roller to paint the surface in a series of long parallel strokes from top to bottom. Work from one side to the other, keeping a wet edge and blending each line of paint in with the previous one. This ensures the paint is evenly spread and helps to create a professional look. Once you've covered the whole wall, leave it to dry.

Painting the feature wall with a paint roller

9Apply the second coat

Once the first coat of paint has dried, repeat the cutting in and rolling for the second coat of paint. Remove the masking tape carefully before the paint is completely dry.

Applying a second coat of paint to the feature wall

10Get painting

Explore our range of premium paints, perfect for your feature wall project.

A finished feature wall with a study nook

Suggested products

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.