Prepare a room for painting

Clear, protect, mask, fill and clean the room so walls and ceiling are ready to paint evenly.

PR-01Clear the roomMove as much furniture out of the room as you can, or push the rest into the centre well away from the walls. Take down pictures, mirrors, curtains and curtain poles so every wall is fully accessible. Empty shelves and alcoves you plan to paint behind.

1 pack · Bin bags

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PR-02Protect the floor and anything left in the roomLay dust sheets over the whole floor and over any furniture you couldn't move, taping the edges down so they don't slide underfoot. Cover carpets right into the corners — filler dust and drips travel further than you'd think. Tape sheets over radiators too if you're painting near them.

2 each · Cotton twill dust sheets

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1 roll · Low-tack masking tape

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PR-03Turn off the power before loosening any switch or socket faceplateIf you need to paint behind a light switch or socket, turn the electricity off at the consumer unit first — the switch itself doesn't make the terminals inside safe to touch. Undo the two screws, ease the faceplate forward off the wall, and tape it clear rather than disconnecting any wires. Screw it back on and restore the power once that area is dry. If you're not confident doing this, leave faceplates in place and mask carefully round them instead.

1 each · Insulated screwdriver

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1 each · Non-contact voltage tester

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PR-04Remove old fixings and fill holes and cracksPull out old picture hooks, curtain hooks or screws you no longer need. Push filler into every hole and crack with a filling knife, slightly overfilling so it stands above the surface, then leave it to dry fully — check the tin for drying time, usually a few hours for small holes.

1 each · Multi-purpose filler (500g tub)

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1 each · Filling knife

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PR-05Sand filler and flaking paint smoothOnce the filler is fully dry, sand it flush with the surrounding wall using a fine sanding sponge. Lightly sand any flaking or glossy old paint elsewhere so the new paint has something to grip. Wear a dust mask while sanding.

1 each · Sanding sponge, fine grit

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1 each · Disposable dust mask

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PR-06Wash down walls and ceilingMix sugar soap with warm water following the bottle's instructions and wash the walls and ceiling with a sponge to lift grease, nicotine staining and dust. Rinse with clean water on a separate sponge, then let everything dry fully before you mask up. Wear gloves — sugar soap can dry out your skin.

1 bottle · Sugar soap concentrate

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2 each · Sponges

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1 pair · Rubber gloves

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PR-07Mask up edges and anything you're keeping paint-freeOnce the walls are completely dry, run low-tack masking tape along skirting boards, window frames, door frames and any faceplates or fittings you left in place. Press the tape down firmly along its whole length so paint can't creep underneath.

2 roll · Low-tack masking tape

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PR-08Final check before you start paintingVacuum up any dust from sanding and wipe walls with a slightly damp cloth to catch what's left — paint shows up dust you'd otherwise miss. Check dust sheets are secure, masking is stuck down properly, and the room is well ventilated. Tidy tools away so you've got clear space to move around while you paint.

1 each · Damp lint-free cloth

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