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How to paint a room: A step-by-step guide for a professional finish

By Bunnings

In a neatly decorated room, there are five basketballs hanging on the wall. A guitar is placed in the corner, alongside a study desk and chair. Additionally, there is a small bed with a brown beanbag

Overview

Painting a room is one of the easiest ways to refresh your space and add personality to your home. This guide walks you through each step – from wall preparation to finishing touches – so you can achieve a professional-looking result with confidence.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets and always work in a well-ventilated area when working with spray paint.

Steps

  1. 1

    Choose the right paint and colour for your room

    The first step is choosing the right type of paint. Consider the type of surface you’ll be painting, the finish you’d like and the lighting in the room. Also consider the room's function: High-traffic areas may benefit from durable, washable paints.

    A general guide is to use water-based paints for walls and ceilings, and oil or water-based enamel paint for trims, architraves and doors. For ceilings, choose a specialised ceiling-paint, as these are formulated to be low-drip and have a flat finish that doesn’t reflect light. Next, assess the room's lighting as it can affect the colour perception. Grab a few sample pots of colours that you like and paint some small patches on the wall, observing how they look in different lighting conditions throughout the day. 

    Lastly, factor in your personal preferences and current trends, making sure the chosen colour aligns with your overall aesthetic. 

    An image depicts a room featuring white walls and ceiling, with brownish flooring and a slider.
  2. 2

    Prepare the room before painting

    Good preparation will help your D.I.Y. painting project go smoother and be more enjoyable. Start by working out how much paint you’ll need by measuring the size of the room. Measure the length (from one end to the other) of all the walls you need to paint then multiply that number by the height of the walls. This will tell you how many square metres you need to paint.

    Check the paint coverage rate on the tin and divide the total square metres by this number to work out how many litres you’ll need. Round up to the nearest whole number for a buffer to make sure you have enough paint.

    This is the formula: Litres needed = total square metres / coverage rate per litre.

    Clear the space by removing any furniture and protect the floors with drop sheets. Repair any wall imperfections (like cracks or holes) using gap filler and sand for a smooth surface. Clean your walls with a sugar soap to remove dirt and grease.

    A person's hand is applying green colour painters tape on the edges.]
  3. 3

    Prime the walls for a smooth, lasting finish

    Undercoats add a cleaner and more vibrant finish to your paint job, especially if you’re working on new walls, repairing scuffs and marks, or painting over colour or timber.

    Use a three-in-one primer, sealer and undercoat. Apply the primer, then stir the undercoat thoroughly. Apply it with a paint brush and begin cutting in (see Step #5). From there, use a roller and begin painting the wall in even strokes. Allow it to dry completely before applying the paint.

    A person adorned with a hand tattoo and wearing a beaded bracelet is applying paint to the walls with a paint brush.
  4. 4

    Mix the paint for even colour coverage

    Mixing your paint will help blend the pigments together and give you a more even colour. Shake the paint tin, then use a paint stirrer to ensure the paint is well-mixed.

    When you’re ready to get started, pour your paint into a paint tray or bucket. Check for any settling, and remix periodically during painting to maintain a uniform colour.

    A hand with a tattoo is mixing Dulux paint using a brush, while a paint tray is kept on the side.
  5. 5

    Master the art of cutting in

    Cutting in while painting involves using a high-quality angled paint brush to carefully outline edges and corners before using a roller. You’ll want to cut in around power points, switches, doors, window frames, wall edges and cornices.

     

    For best results, dip your paintbrush about half of the bristle length into the paint. Brush the excess paint against the side of the tin to avoid drips. This ensures a controlled and even application, preventing overload and achieving a smoother finish on surfaces. Hold the paint brush at a slight angle and work slowly for precise lines and a professional-looking finish.
    A person in a red T-shirt is using a paintbrush with precision, applying paint to the walls with the help of painter's tape.
  6. 6

    Roll paint onto the walls evenly

    To paint the main surface of your walls, load your paint roller evenly by rolling it into the paint tray, covering the entire roller sleeve. Avoid excess dripping by lightly pressing the roller against the tray's ridges. Start by rolling from top of the wall to the bottom in vertical strokes, or work in an ‘W’ pattern. Work in manageable sections, keeping a wet edge for seamless blending.

    An individual in a red T-shirt is rolling up a paint roller on the wall.
  7. 7

    Apply a second coat and complete the paint job

    After the first coat, allow enough drying time before applying a second coat. Once that’s done, remove the painter's tape. To do this, carefully peel it off at a 45-degree angle while the paint is still slightly damp. Pulling the tape slowly and steadily will help you achieve clean, crisp lines without damaging the freshly painted area. Clean your brushes and rollers with water (or appropriate solvents) and dispose of excess paint and materials responsibly. Rolling excess paint onto old newspaper is a good way to do this.
    A person adorned with a hand tattoo and wearing a beaded bracelet is peeling off painter's tape.
  8. 8

    Take it to the next level

    Now you’ve mastered the basics, try transforming a room with just one colour – watch our video to find out how!

Frequently asked questions

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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.