How to paint a wall: ‘Important’ steps for the ‘most professional’ and ‘smoothest’ finish

by Arthur · December 11, 2022

Painting a wall doesn’t necessarily sound like such a difficult task to accomplish, but it’s definitely not an easy one either. That’s why property expert Simon Boden from online agent House Sales Direct has spoken exclusively to Express.co.uk to share six useful tips households need to know when painting a wall for more professional results.

Table of Contents

Tip 1: Prepare the surface

Painting over a textured wall will “definitely not” give good results, according to Simon, which is why it’s important to prepare the surface well before you start.

For those who have paintings hung on the wall, households should start by removing them as well as any nails.

Simon said: “It is important that you fill in any gaps with a plasterboard compound as it is less likely to show through the paint. Then, to leave a smooth surface, you need to sand the walls perfectly.

“This step is essential for the most professional and smooth finish on the wall. Be sure to clean any dust or dirt left after sanding!”

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Simon said: “Grab the sander and smooth out any unfortunate drips or rough spots. It will help you get the most perfect ending.”

Tip 4: Remove the tape properly

When it comes to removing the tape, the “biggest concern” for most people is that you might accidentally peel off some of the paint, ruining the look of the wall.

Simon explained: “If the wall hasn’t dried out completely, it’s a big risk to do so. Therefore, we suggest using a box cutter for the task. Just run the cutter along the edge where the tape meets the wall to ensure a clean pull.”

A pro tip is to either remove the tape immediately while the paint is still wet or wait until the next day when it should be completely dry. If the paint is only partially dry, you risk peeling off some of the fresh paint.

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Tip 6: Use the “W” method

When painting a wall, Simon advised households to follow the W method for good coverage and to avoid those pesky streaks.

The expert said: “This method is very common and serves everyone well. Many professional painters swear by this method too, so it’s worth trying.

“If you haven’t heard of you, it’s pretty easy to draw a massive W across the length and height of your wall and then fill in the smaller parts.”

It is important to remember to reload the roller before starting the next section of W.