Decorating For Beginners.

[Tilly2]

I have decided to decorate the study. Nothing too difficult, just painting the walls and the skirting board and door.
I have never done any decorating in my life (always had a man in) but as I now have more time and less money, I thought I'd give it a go.

What I need is a procedure. What do I do first? What next? When and how do I do the ceiling? Do I need any special equipment, apart from paint and brushes?

All answers gratefully received.

[jno]

sheets of plastic or similar to cover the floor and protect carpets etc from paint?

Makes most sense to start at the top and paint your wany down.

[Svejk]

start at the top and work down. And don't say you had a man in, tilly. You know what some of them are like around here. x

[jno]

**way**

[jno]

for flat surfaces rollers are much less hard work than brushes

[gness]

Hi, Tilly.....rollers for walls and ceilings....I like the finish they give.....do the ceiling with a roller on a long handle...easier and you can see what you're doing better than close up.....

And masking tape...good quality to get sharp finishes....x

[gness]

Don't forget sand paper......sand like your life depends on it.....it's worth it for a good finish....x

[jno]

she's not going to do the ceiling gness... though if it does need a lick of paint, now is the time to do it, while you're doing the rest of the room

[Tilly2]

Thanks for answers so far. Shall I do the skirting boards before I do the walls or doesn't it matter?

[Slapshot]

Don't forget sand paper......sand like your life depends on it.....it's worth it for a good finish....x ........

Soz G.... near wetting myself at that one.... schoolbay innuendo meets decorating.. ;0) xx

[gness]

Hmmm.....you have to do the ceiling, Tilly.....unless it's not paintable....☺

[Tilly2]

Ceiling first then?

[gness]

Honest to god....I must have led a sheltered life......☺☺☺

[ummmm]

Ceiling first, then walls, then woodwork.

[gness]

Yes.....because you'll put fine splatters on the wall...not good if you do it last......but sand everything you need to first....and wash down with sugar soap......

Now wondering what Slappy makes of that!

[Slapshot]

Just sitting here in silent mirth.......xx

[Tilly2]

How do you prevent the wall paint from 'catching' the ceiling? Shall I use a paint brush for the top of the wall?

[gness]

You also should loosen sockets and light switches....would tell you what tool to use but don't know if Slappy could take it.......☺

[gness]

Paint brushes for all edges, Tilly....x

[lcg]

do not get sponges to paint - use rollers - they are useless unless you buy the really, really expensive ones. first, empty the room of everything you can and plonk the rest in the middle of the room in a pile and cover with old sheets (you can get these from charity shops if necessary - cheaper than diy stores).

hoover and dust the room throughout and the wash everything - doors, skirting, radiators, plugs etc to ensure everything is really clean. start on the ceiling and go around the edges carefully with a small brush - you do not need masking tape if you do it carefully and slowly with a steady hand (and don't slather the paint on - use a reasonable amount to cover well without streaks). then roller the main part of the ceiling and do two or three coats to cover well and let them dry for an hour or so in between (by the time you have done one or the other, they will probably be dry anyway).

finish ceiling off before you start on the walls. use the same format - do above the skirting and the corners, around plugs and up to the ceiling, and the roller in the middle bits. you will learn by trial about how much paint to use and how to best apply it as you are using brushes and a roller. have wet old cloths handy to wipe away any errors made in cornering and fine detail.

you will need white spirit to clean the brushes off and then lots and lots of rinsing down the sink to clean the rollers and brushes between each session of painting or changing colours. it may be best if you get two roller heads so they dry well in between washing, and a small and medium sized paint brush (x2 if desired) for edging.

basically, you learn by trial of fire and it is not rocket science- if you hit any issues then you can google or you tube for good hints and tips - i managed to change my bathroom light witch all by myself when t broke. i can't tell you how proud of myself i felt after doing it! go for it.....and use a couple of days off to do it a rest, but be prepared to be painting all day if it is a large room. good luck!!!

[Svejk]

masking tape but you shouldn't need it.