Room painting

Whether you are preparing a property for sale or refreshing your "forever home," understanding the process and the pricing helps you avoid "cowboy" results. A professional job isn't just about the colour; it is about the days of preparation that happen before the first lid is even opened.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Room Preparation: Moving furniture to the centre of the room and covering all surfaces with heavy-duty cotton dust sheets or plastic membrane.
• Surface Assessment: Checking for "blown" plaster, damp patches, or greasy residues that could prevent paint adhesion.
• Preparation (The 70% Rule): Scraping loose flakes, filling cracks with appropriate filler (Toupret or similar), and sanding surfaces to a smooth finish.
• Stain Blocking: Applying specialist primers to water stains, knots in wood, or nicotine yellowing to prevent "bleed-through."
• Cutting In: Using a steady hand and high-quality brushes to create sharp lines between the ceiling, walls, and woodwork.
• Application: Usually involving one coat of primer/undercoat followed by two full coats of trade-grade emulsion or gloss/eggshell.
• Clean Down: Removing masking tape while the paint is at the right stage of drying and vacuuming the work area.

Typical Costs

Prices are influenced heavily by the condition of the walls. If you have woodchip wallpaper that needs stripping or significant cracks that require "skimming," expect the price to increase by 30-50% due to the extra labour hours.

Always clarify if the quote includes the cost of paint. Most decorators prefer to supply "Trade" versions of paint, which have higher pigment levels than standard retail tins.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Box Room: 1 to 2 days (allowing for drying time between coats).
• Standard Double Bedroom: 2 to 3 days.
• Large Open-Plan Space: 4 to 6 days.
• Wallpaper Stripping: Add 1 full day per room depending on the number of layers.

DIY or Professional?

Painting is the most common DIY task in the UK, but the difference in finish is usually obvious. Professionals use "Trade" paints which are more opaque and durable than "Retail" versions found in high-street DIY stores.

If your room has high ceilings, intricate period coving, or requires extensive repairs, a professional will save you days of frustration. However, for a simple refresh of a guest room with good-quality walls, DIY is a viable way to save on labour costs.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Memberships: Look for members of the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) or Dulux Select Decorators.
• Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability Insurance (minimum £1m-£2m) to cover any accidental spills on carpets or furniture.
• Written Quotes: Avoid "estimates" given over the phone; get a breakdown of what is included (e.g., "Are the insides of the wardrobes being painted?").
• Ask about "The Cut": Ask how they handle the line between the wall and the ceiling—a true pro rarely uses masking tape for this, relying on "cutting in" by hand.
• Waste Removal: Confirm if they will take away empty paint tins, as these cannot be put in standard household bins in many UK council areas.

UK Regulations

• VOC Compliance: UK law limits Volatile Organic Compounds in paint. Professionals will ensure the paint used meets current environmental standards.
• Lead Paint (Pre-1960s): If your home is older,decorators must follow safety protocols for sanding surfaces that may contain lead-based paint.
• Part P (Electrics): If the decorator needs to remove socket covers or light fittings, they should be competent to do so safely without exposing live wires.

Common Problems

• Flaking Paint: Often caused by painting over "distemper" in older houses or not using a "mist coat" on new plaster.
• Visible Brush Marks: Caused by "working the paint" too much or using cheap, synthetic brushes on woodwork.
• Flash Marks: Shiny patches on walls caused by "spot priming" or uneven application of the final coat.
• Mould Regrowth: Painting over mould without treating the underlying damp or using an anti-fungal wash will result in the mould returning within weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy the paint myself to save money?

It is usually better to let the decorator supply the paint. They get trade discounts and will know exactly which finish (e.g., scrubbable matt vs. standard emulsion) is best for your specific wall type.

What is the difference between Trade and Retail paint?

Trade paint is designed for professionals; it has higher opacity (coverage) and better thinning properties. Retail paint is often "thicker" to prevent drips for DIYers but requires more coats to get a solid colour.

Can you paint over wallpaper?

While possible, it is rarely recommended. The moisture in the paint can cause the wallpaper glue to fail, leading to peeling. For a professional finish, the paper should be stripped and the walls prepped.

How long do I have to wait before I can move furniture back?

Most emulsion is touch-dry in 2 hours, but it takes about 7 days to "cure" fully. Avoid pushing furniture hard against the walls or hanging heavy pictures for at least 48 hours.

Do I need to empty the room completely?

Most decorators ask you to remove breakables, electronics, and small items. They can usually move large items like sofas or beds to the centre of the room and cover them, but confirm this beforehand.