Fresh paint transforms a home faster than anything else. I’ve watched tired, dark rooms become bright, welcoming spaces in a single weekend. After painting hundreds of Melbourne homes over 15 years, I’ve learned what actually works and what’s just marketing hype.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about getting professional results without the stress. Whether you’re refreshing one bedroom or tackling your whole house, here’s what you need to know.
Planning Your Interior Paint Project
Choosing the Right Paint
Not all interior paints are created equal. You’ve got three main types:
Flat/Matte: Hides imperfections beautifully but marks easily. Perfect for ceilings and low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms.
Satin/Low Sheen: The workhorse of interior painting. Washable, durable, subtle shine. Use it for living areas, hallways, kids’ rooms. This is what we use in 80% of Melbourne homes.
Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Highly washable and moisture-resistant. Bathrooms, kitchens, trim work. Highlights every wall imperfection, so your prep needs to be spot on.
Quality matters more than brand. Premium paints cover better, last longer, and often need fewer coats. That $30 difference per tin? You’ll make it back in time and coverage.
Colour Selection Reality Check
Those tiny paint chips lie. Colours look completely different on a full wall under your actual lighting.
Here’s what works: buy sample pots (200-250ml tins) and paint A4-sized test patches on multiple walls. Live with them for a few days. Check them in morning light, afternoon sun, and evening artificial light. Colours shift dramatically depending on time of day.
North-facing rooms in Melbourne get cooler light. Warm tones balance it out. South-facing rooms flood with warm afternoon light, so cooler tones often work better.
Need help? Our colour consultation service takes the guesswork out. We’ve matched thousands of rooms to the right colours.
Preparation: Where Most DIYers Go Wrong
Professional paint jobs aren’t about painting. They’re about prep work. Spend 70% of your time preparing, 30% painting.
Surface Prep Steps
1. Clear the room: Move furniture to the centre and cover with drop sheets. Remove wall hangings, switch plates, outlet covers.
2. Clean walls thoroughly: Sugar soap solution removes grease, dirt, and grime. Paint won’t stick properly to dirty walls. I’ve seen entire paint jobs peel off because someone skipped this step.
3. Repair damage: Fill holes and cracks with proper filler (not toothpaste, yes people try that). Sand smooth when dry. Patch any damaged plaster.
4. Sand existing paint: Light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper gives the new paint something to grip. Wipe down with a damp cloth after.
5. Prime if needed: New plaster, timber, or dramatic colour changes need primer. It’s not optional. Primer seals surfaces and provides uniform coverage.
Taping and Protection
Quality painter’s tape matters. Cheap tape bleeds or pulls paint off when removed. Apply tape firmly, sealing the edges properly.
What to tape:
- Ceiling edges (or use a cutting-in technique if you’re confident)
- Door frames and window frames
- Skirting boards
- Light switches and fixtures
Don’t leave tape on for days. Remove it while the paint is still slightly tacky for clean lines.
The Actual Painting Process
Tools You Actually Need
- Quality roller and frame: 10mm nap for smooth walls, 15mm for textured
- Roller tray: Metal trays last longer than plastic
- Angled brush: 50-75mm for cutting in
- Extension pole: Saves your back and speeds up ceilings
- Drop sheets: Canvas ones don’t slip like plastic
Skip those cheap roller sets from discount shops. They shed fibres, leave texture, and make more work.
Painting Order That Makes Sense
- Ceiling first: Drips and splatters get covered by wall paint
- Walls second: Top to bottom, one wall at a time
- Trim and doors last: Clean lines over dried wall paint
Technique Tips
Cutting in: Use your angled brush to paint edges and corners first. Get a 50-75mm band around all edges. Work in 1-2 metre sections, then immediately roll the main area. Keeps the “wet edge” consistent and prevents lap marks.
Rolling: Don’t oversoak your roller. Load it properly, roll off excess. Use W or M patterns, then fill in without lifting the roller. Overlap each pass slightly. Never let a section dry with roller marks visible.
Multiple coats: Two coats minimum for professional results. First coat seals and primes. Second coat provides true colour and durability. Wait the recommended drying time between coats (usually 2-4 hours, check your tin).
Room-Specific Advice
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Moisture is the enemy. Use premium paints designed for high-humidity areas. Proper ventilation during and after painting prevents issues.
For bathroom and kitchen painting, we always recommend satin or semi-gloss finishes. They handle moisture better and clean easier.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
These rooms are more forgiving. Low sheen works beautifully. Feature walls add interest without overwhelming the space. Darker colours create intimacy but need excellent lighting to avoid feeling cave-like.
High-Traffic Areas
Hallways, stairs, kids’ rooms cop a beating. Use hard-wearing paints and expect to touch up annually. Satin finish shows marks less than flat but cleans better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing prep work: Every shortcut shows in the final result. Proper prep isn’t optional.
Painting in poor light: You won’t see mistakes until daylight. Paint during the day or use bright work lights.
Overloading brushes and rollers: Creates drips, runs, and uneven coverage. Less paint, more coats.
Ignoring weather: High humidity slows drying. Extreme heat causes paint to dry too fast, leaving marks. Aim for moderate temperatures (15-25°C) and low humidity.
Painting over problems: Fresh paint doesn’t fix structural issues. Address dampness, mould, and damage first.
When to Hire Professionals
DIY works great for single rooms with simple layouts. But some situations need experienced residential painters:
- High ceilings or stairwells (safety risk)
- Entire house projects (time commitment is massive)
- Textured or decorative finishes
- Colour matching and restoration work
- Tight deadlines
Professional painters work faster, achieve better results, and carry proper insurance. We’ve fixed countless DIY attempts that cost more than hiring us initially would have.
Bottom Line
Interior painting transforms your home affordably. Take your time, don’t skip preparation, and use quality materials. The difference between average and excellent paint jobs isn’t talent. It’s patience and proper technique.
Ready to refresh your home? Contact us for a free quote. We’ll walk you through options, provide colour advice, and deliver results that last.