Have you seen that viral video on socials where the guys talks about ‘being useless is a luxury of the rich’? It’s a kind of tongue in cheek video but with the cost to buy houses and hire trades these days, it’s also pretty true! If you want a nice house, you may need to create that nice house yourself. And the easiest and most affordable way to transform a home in our opinion is with paint! Our article on how to paint like a pro is a great starting point for the interior of your home. But we’ve received so many other questions about painting that we reached out to a painting professional! If you’re just getting started, or want to understand the ins and outs of house painting, this guide is packed with expert advice.
Oldfields ambassador Tahlia Williams, a multi-award-winning painter and decorator joins us today to share her insights! And if you have any other painting questions you want top notch advice on, post a comment below and we’ll get back to you.
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What paint to use on wood?
This depends if you want to preserve the natural timber, change the appearance of timber or paint over wood and prevent any colour from the timber seeping through.
Preserving natural wood
To enhance the natural grain of timber, choose a high‑quality timber oil or a low‑sheen weather‑shield exterior paint. Timber oils (such as teak or Danish oil) penetrate the wood, which brings out the gorgeous colour of the timber while protecting against moisture and UV damage.
Neutralising orange tones in timber
If you have a timber piece of furniture but don’t love the colour — orange timber anyone?! — then there are paint products and tricks you can use to neutralise the tones. Techniques include bleaching, staining and paint washing. The specific method will depend on the timber you have and the desired effect you want to achieve but typically it involves stripping the timber back to its raw state and neutralising the tones. This video demonstrates one popular technique to get rid of orange tones in furniture.
Painting over wood
Sometimes timber can’t be salvaged or you want to give it a whole new look with paint. For this, start by lightly sanding the wood to key the surface, then clean away any dust or grease with a damp cloth of warm water and sugar soap. Apply a high‑quality, wood‑specific primer to seal the grain and prevent tannin bleed. Once dry, give it a light sand and finish with two even coats of your chosen paint.
When should you paint over wallpaper
It’s best not to paint over wallpaper, but if you have to, use a good quality primer with any top coat. Only do this if it isn’t possible to remove the old wallpaper. The best primer is a high-quality, stain-blocking primer but for the smoothest and most durable finish, I’d always recommend removing the old wallpaper 😉
Do I need to prime the walls before painting? (When is paint primer needed)
Yes, priming the walls is often necessary, especially if you’re painting over a dark colour, new drywall, repaired patches or stained surfaces. Primer helps the paint adhere better and provides a uniform surface, ensuring better coverage and a more durable finish.
How much paint will I need?
To estimate the amount of paint needed, calculate the total square metres of the walls you plan to paint (subtracting doors and walls) and check the paint can’s coverage information. Generally, one litre of paint can cover 10-12m² however brick walls will ‘drink’ a lot more paint.
What tools and supplies do I need?
Essential tools include high-quality brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths, a paint tray, and an extension pole for high areas. As preparation is key, I also always suggest starting with gap filler and a putty knife, sandpaper, and sugar soap so you can properly fill any dents or holes in the walls.
Do I cut in or use a roller to paint the walls first?
This is different for every painter, but I would recommend you cut in twice, then paint the walls with a roller twice.
Others may suggest to cut in first and paint with a roller while it’s still wet to blend the sections for a seamless finish. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference but either way, cutting in first is usually recommended.
How long should I wait between coats of paint?
Wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying the next one. This usually takes 2-4 hours, and is dependent on the weather. On rainy days, you may need to wait longer than the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for drying times.
How do I avoid brush and roller marks?
To avoid marks, use high-quality brushes and rollers and avoid overloading them with paint. Apply the paint in even strokes and maintain a wet edge to blend new strokes with the previous ones. For rollers, use a light touch to avoid pressing too hard.
How can I ensure my paint job lasts?
To ensure your paint job lasts, use high-quality paint and tools, prepare the surfaces properly, and apply primer. Regular cleaning and maintenance, along with prompt touch-ups of any chips or scratches, will help keep your walls looking fresh. If you’re not confident with DIY or want a flawless finish, hiring a pro like a painter Sydney could be a smart move — they’ll have the tools, experience, and technique to deliver long-lasting results.
How often should I paint the exterior of my house?
How often to re-paint your home’s exterior will depend on where you live. For example a house on the coast will need more painting than one in the suburbs. Generally it’s best to look at repainting every 8-10 years.
When is paint too old to use?
Paint can last a long time if it’s properly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. However, it is best within the first 12 months. One trick to freshen up old water-based paint is to add water. But if the paint has thick clumps, a rancid smell, or fails to stir smooth after blending, it’s time to replace it.
How to paint tiles?
I try to avoid painting tiles if you can help it! If you can’t avoid it, ensure you prepare the tiles thoroughly by cleaning them with a degreaser, lightly sanding them and using a really good tile primer. Also, use a specialty paint for tiles and allow it to dry fully between coats. Provided you aren’t painting tiles in a high traffic area (such as your shower floor), it is possible to get reasonably long-lasting results.
How to stop paint bleeding through tape?
My top secret hack to get a straight line on your painting is to put the tape down and then use caulk to press against the edge of the tape, which dries down and ensure a clean edge when you peel the tape off!
What paint is best for skirting boards?
I would recommend semi-gloss or gloss paint. It looks better and it’s easier to clean dirt and scuff marks off a slightly glossy paint than a matte paint.
What paint is best for bricks?
Any low sheen paint watered down for white washing is best to use on bricks. If you want full coverage, ensure you use good render primer and any type of top coat paint.
Why does paint bubble (and how to stop paint from bubbling)?
This depends on the surface. Make sure there’s no moisture on the surface and keep it really dry to avoid bubbles as they’re generally caused by moisture. Grease can also cause bubbles and this is where good preparation is essential. Sanding and washing walls with sugar soap and warm water should eliminate this issue.
Thank you Tahlia for sharing your expert painting tips! Do you have any other paint questions you’d like answered? Post a comment below!
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