Paint one wall a feature colour: prep, mask, prime if needed, then apply two even coats for a smart finish.
PW-01Clear and protect the roomMove furniture away from the wall you're painting, or into the middle of the room. Lay dust sheets over the floor and any furniture left nearby. Take down curtains, pictures and anything hanging on the wall.
PW-02Clean the wallWipe the whole wall down with sugar soap solution to remove dust, grease and cobwebs, especially near light switches and skirting. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and let the wall dry fully before you carry on.
PW-03Fill and sand any damageFill small holes, dents or cracks with ready-mixed filler using a filling knife. Leave to dry fully, then sand smooth with fine sandpaper. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth before painting.
1 each · Ready-mixed filler (small tub) PW-04Mask up the edgesRun masking tape along the skirting board, ceiling line, and any door or window frames on that wall. Mask around socket and switch faceplates too, but don't unscrew or remove them. Press the tape down firmly so paint can't creep underneath.
2 roll · Low-tack masking tape (50mm) PW-05Prime if the wall needs itIf you've filled patches, the wall is bare plaster, or you're painting a much lighter colour over a dark one, apply a mist coat or a proper primer/undercoat first. Let it dry fully — check the tin for drying time before you move on.
1 tin · Primer/undercoat (2.5L) PW-06Cut in the edgesUsing a small brush, paint a neat band along the ceiling line, skirting, corners and around sockets. Work the paint carefully into corners without overloading the brush, so you don't get drips or thick ridges.
1 each · Angled cutting-in brush (25mm) PW-07Roll the main areaLoad the roller evenly and apply paint in a W-shape, then fill in without lifting the roller off the wall. Work top to bottom in sections of about a metre, blending into the wet edges of the cut-in areas so you don't get hard lines.
1 tin · Feature wall emulsion (2.5L) 1 each · Roller and tray set PW-08Apply a second coatLet the first coat dry fully — this is usually 2 to 4 hours, but check the tin. Repeat the cutting-in and rolling for a second coat, which gives you an even, solid colour with no patchiness.
PW-09Remove the tape and clean upPeel off the masking tape while the final coat is slightly tacky but not wet, pulling away at a low angle for a crisp edge. Wash brushes and rollers straight away, and wipe out the tray before the paint dries in it.
1 bottle · Paintbrush cleaner PW-10Check the finish and put the room backOnce dry, check the wall under good light for missed patches or drips and touch these up. Once the paint has fully cured (often 24 to 48 hours — check the tin), move the furniture back and take up the dust sheets.
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