Summary
- Preparation — fill, sand, clean, caulk, prime — decides the finish.
- Paint ceiling, then walls, then woodwork.
- Use bathroom- and kitchen-grade paints in wet or greasy rooms.
- One litre covers 10–12 m²; one gallon covers 350–400 sq ft per coat.
- Hire a decorator for stairwells, spray work and wallpapering.
Quick answer
Preparation decides the finish. Fill, sand, clean and prime properly, then paint ceiling first, walls second, woodwork last. Two coats of a mid-priced paint beat one coat of an expensive one.
Preparation: the part people skip
Which paint where
| Room | Finish | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living room, bedroom | Matt emulsion | Hides imperfections, soft look |
| Hallway, children's rooms | Washable matt or eggshell | Survives cleaning |
| Kitchen | Kitchen-grade or eggshell | Grease and steam resistant |
| Bathroom | Bathroom-grade, mould resistant | Moisture and condensation |
| Woodwork | Water-based satin or eggshell | Low odour, non-yellowing |
| Ceilings | Ceiling matt | Minimal spatter, hides unevenness |
Coverage and quantities
One litre covers roughly 10–12 m² per coat; one US gallon covers roughly 350–400 sq ft. Measure wall area, subtract large windows and doors, then double it for two coats and add 10%.
Order of work
Cut in edges with a brush while the roller area is still wet so the textures blend. Keep a wet edge and work in sections rather than stopping mid-wall.
Tools that change the result
When to hire a decorator
Stairwells and high ceilings (access equipment and real risk), spray finishes on doors and joinery, wallpapering, significant plaster repair, or when you simply need three rooms finished in two days. Get quotes on a written specification: rooms, coats, paint brand and grade, preparation included and who buys materials.
Summary
Spend your time on filling, sanding, caulking and priming; use the right grade of paint for each room; work ceiling to woodwork. That sequence is the whole difference between a decorated room and a painted one.