Most paint jobs fail not because of the paint itself but because of poor preparation. A coat of paint applied over a dusty, greasy or unstable surface will look fine for a few months and then start flaking, cracking or showing through. Getting the groundwork right takes longer than the painting itself, but it is what makes the difference between a job that lasts a couple of years and one that lasts a decade.
Preparation matters more than the paint
Wash down walls to remove grease and dust, fill any cracks and holes with an appropriate filler, and sand back rough patches once filler has dried. On older properties in Barnet, Camden and Islington with original lath and plaster or lime plaster walls, take extra care, since these surfaces behave differently to modern plasterboard and can be damaged by the wrong filler or an unsuitable paint that traps moisture.
Choosing the right paint for the surface
Not every wall needs the same product. Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from moisture-resistant or specialist bathroom paint that resists mould in areas prone to condensation. Woodwork needs a proper undercoat before a top coat, particularly on bare or previously varnished timber. Older solid walls that need to breathe are better suited to breathable paints rather than modern plastic emulsions that can trap moisture inside the wall.
Dealing with damp and flaking paint
If paint is flaking or bubbling, do not simply paint over it. This is usually a sign of moisture getting into the wall, whether from a failed damp proof course, condensation, or a leak. Painting over the problem without addressing the cause means the new paint will fail again, often within months.
Ventilation and drying times
Good ventilation speeds up drying and reduces the smell of fresh paint, but avoid direct draughts across wet paint, which can cause an uneven finish. Follow the manufacturer's recoat times rather than rushing a second coat onto paint that has not properly cured, particularly with gloss and eggshell finishes on woodwork.
Getting a professional finish
- Fill and sand properly before any paint goes on, do not rely on paint to hide imperfections
- Use painter's tape on skirting, architrave and window frames for crisp lines
- Apply two full coats rather than one thick coat, which tends to run and dry unevenly
- Cut in edges and corners with a brush before rolling the main wall area
- Match paint type to the room, moisture-resistant in kitchens and bathrooms, breathable on older solid walls
- Protect flooring and furniture properly rather than relying on a single thin dust sheet
When to bring in professional decorators
A DIY paint job can work well for a single room, but larger jobs, high ceilings, staircases and period features with detailed cornicing are usually better handled by professionals who can work safely at height and get a consistent finish across a whole house.
If you want your home decorated properly, whether that is one room or a full renovation, Hozea Construction can give you a free fixed-price quote. Call 07969 378509 to arrange a visit.
Common questions
- Why does my paint keep flaking?
- Flaking paint is usually a sign of moisture in the wall rather than a paint fault. Address the source of the damp before repainting or the problem will return.
- What paint should I use on old plaster walls?
- Breathable paints suit older lime or lath and plaster walls better than modern plastic emulsions, which can trap moisture and cause damage over time.
- How many coats of paint do I need?
- Two full coats over a properly prepared surface almost always gives a better, longer lasting finish than one thick coat.