Protect the room, mask up, cut in the edges, then roller two even coats onto the wall.
PW-01Clear and protect the roomMove light furniture away from the wall or into the middle of the room. Lay a dust sheet over the floor and drape one over anything you can't move. Open a window for ventilation, especially once you start painting.
PW-02Mask up edges and fittingsRun masking tape along the skirting, door frames, window frames and the ceiling line. Mask around light switches and sockets too, going right up to the faceplate edge. Press the tape down firmly so paint can't creep underneath.
PW-03Give the wall a final checkMake sure the wall is clean, dry, and any filled patches are sanded smooth and flush. Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth to lift dust, then let it dry fully before you open the paint tin.
PW-04Cut in the edges with a brushUsing an angled brush, paint a band about 50-75mm wide around every edge of the wall — ceiling line, corners, skirting, and around masked sockets and switches. Work in short, smooth strokes and don't overload the brush. This band gives the roller room to work without touching trim or the ceiling.
PW-05Load the rollerPour paint into the deep end of the tray. Dip the roller, then run it over the ridged slope a few times so the paint is spread evenly and it isn't dripping. An overloaded roller causes drips and patchy coverage.
PW-06Roller the main areaWork in sections roughly 1m square. Apply the paint in a W or M shape, then fill in the gaps without lifting the roller, blending into the cut-in edges while they're still wet. Work top to bottom across the wall, always overlapping into the previous section so you don't get hard lines.
PW-07Let the first coat dryCheck the tin for drying and recoat times — most emulsions need 2-4 hours before a second coat. Keep the room ventilated but avoid direct draughts across the wet paint, which can cause it to dry unevenly.
PW-08Apply the second coatRepeat the cutting-in and rollering steps for full, even coverage. Most walls need two coats for a solid, uniform colour, especially over a patched or previously darker wall.
PW-09Remove tape and clean toolsPeel off the masking tape while the paint is still slightly tacky, pulling back on itself at a shallow angle to get a crisp line. Wash rollers and brushes in warm water for emulsion, or the solvent stated on the tin for oil-based paint. Stand brushes to dry with bristles pointing down.
PW-10Final check and tidy upOnce dry, check the wall in daylight for thin patches or missed spots and touch up with a small brush. Fold dust sheets carefully to catch any dried splashes. Don't pour leftover paint down a drain — reseal the tin or take it to your local council's household waste site.
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