Categories
Building & renovations

DIY: How to paint a ceiling

Painting your ceilings is a terrific way to elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal. After all, the ceiling can be considered your fifth wall. Even without repainting all your walls or revamping your furniture, you can dramatically change a space by touching up the ceiling. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through how to paint a ceiling and share a few tricks to make the most of your painting project. It takes a few steps and a few hours on a stepladder, but the results will be worth it.

Tools you’ll need for painting ceilings

Painting an empty kitchen white | Source: iStock

Unsure about what paint roller to use for ceilings and what kind of paint to use? Here are the tools you’ll need to get started with your DIY project:

  • Stepladder
  • Drop sheets, plastic sheeting and painter’s tape
  • Protective gear (e.g., goggles, a dust mask, overalls)
  • Ceiling brush or broom
  • Interior putty
  • Putty knife
  • Sanding pole
  • 22-cm (9-inch) paint roller frames
  • Paint roller covers 
  • Paint roller tray and roller extension pole
  • 5 to 7-cm (2 to 3-inch) angled brushes
  • Stain-blocking primer
  • Your choice of paint

You’ll also need to allot around a day to paint a regular-sized (40 sqm.) ceiling. This includes a couple of hours for prep work, around 30–60 minutes to prime, 30–60 minutes to apply the first coat, and 2–4 hours to wait for this first coat to dry. You can do touch-ups or a second coat as needed. Lastly, you’ll need time to let it set and clean up.

A step-by-step guide to painting your ceilings

Once you have all your tools ready, it’s time to prep and paint! Here’s a beginner-friendly guide on how to paint a ceiling.

Step 1: Preparation

First off, put on your safety goggles, dust mask, and overalls. Get started in removing all the furniture and items in the room, or cover them with drop cloths and plastic sheets. Secure these in place with painter’s tape. If you’re painting an empty room and are doing the walls later on, you can skip this extensive masking.

If you have ceiling fixtures such as lights and ceiling fans, turn the power off, then uninstall or cover all electricals.

Next, sweep or brush the ceiling to clear the dust and cobwebs. You could also use a mop and mild detergent to clean it thoroughly.

Spot any cracks or holes? Apply some interior putty to fill them. Afterwards, sand the whole ceiling down for an even surface.

Step 2: Priming

Prepping the surface before painting | Source: iStock

The best way to paint a ceiling involves priming.

If your ceiling is pretty much stain-free, use any stain-blocking primer. But if there are already splotches, you’ll want to get an oil-based primer for water stains or a shellac-based primer to address other stains.

Use the angled brush to cut into the ceiling. “Cutting into” means outlining the edges and corners of the ceiling. Make 4 to 6 cm-wide strips of primer all around the ceiling. Then, apply primer to the rest of the ceiling. 

Step 3: Cutting into the edges

Check if the primer is dry. Once it’s all good, get another angled brush, your chosen ceiling paint, then cut into the edges, just like you did with the primer. Use a brush to fill the corner with paint, then make a straight line along the edge of the ceiling. You should end up with a nice 4 to 6-cm wide border to fill in at the next step.

Step 4: Painting the rest of your ceiling

Painting the ceiling grey using a paintbrush | Source: iStock

While the edges of your ceiling are still wet, start on the middle portion.

Imagine your ceiling is a grid with many little sections. Pick a section near one corner to start with a wet edge. This helps avoid streakiness and brush marks.

But before you go trigger-happy with your paint, here’s how to properly paint a ceiling with a roller:

  • First, load the paint onto the paint tray. Dip the roller into the deep portion, then run it across the tray several times to spread the paint evenly.
  • Lay the roller on the unpainted portion of the ceiling, then run it towards the wet edge with light pressure. Roll slowly, overlapping each stroke. You’ll also want to change the direction of your rolling–go in rows, columns, and zigzags for an even coat.
  • Once you’re done with one section, move on to the next part, ensuring you roll towards the last wet edge.

Try to finish painting the ceiling in one session to ensure uniform drying and minimise streaks.

Afterwards, wait two to four hours or until the paint is completely dry. Keeping the windows open can help speed up the drying process.

Step 5: Additional coats and touch-ups

This step is optional. But if you’re using a bright colour or flat white, going for another coat can help improve coverage.

The key here is to roll in a direction perpendicular to the first coat to even the paint out.

Once your ceiling is dry and ready for inspection, check the whole area for missed spots. Carefully brush paint onto these spots, then blend them out with a roller. For streaky areas, use the sander to sand these down before reapplying paint.

How to paint the cornices on a ceiling

Carefully painting the cornices | Source: iStock

If the room has cornices or coving, you should use a brush since this will give a more even wash of colour versus a roller.

Begin by cutting in at the edges with a brush and some primer, just as you would with a regular flat ceiling or wall. Apply primer to the rest of the cornice after cutting in. 

Let the primer coat dry completely, then apply the paint. Flat or matte paints are popular, especially since glossy paints can highlight imperfections in the cornice’s designs later on. If needed, use smaller paintbrushes to get into the cornice’s nooks and crannies.

The dos and don’ts of painting ceilings

Now you know the basic steps. But that’s not all there is! These rules for painting ceilings will make the process easier save time and money, and could even help you avoid accidents.

DO’s

  • DO paint the room from the top down, starting with the ceiling and ending with the walls.
  • DO get help when working with electricals on your ceiling, such as when removing or reinstalling your ceiling fan.
  • DO use painter’s tape to mask around the edges for straight lines when you “cut.”
  • DO have rags on hand for drips and splatters.
  • DO choose your ceiling colour wisely. Dark colours look dramatic and make the room feel cosier, but they may make rooms feel smaller. Light colours give the illusion of more space. They’ll also reflect more light.
  • DO choose a flat or matte colour to help hide defects in your ceiling.
  • DO “box” your paint for uniformity. If you’re using multiple cans of the same colour, you should pour them all into one large can or bucket to even out any minor colour differences. 
  • DO maintain a wet edge while painting to hide roller or brush strokes.

DON’Ts

  • Don’t just use any roller cover. Use thin or “low nap” roller covers for smooth ceilings and thicker ones for textured ceilings.
  • DON’T forget safety equipment and precautions. Wear a dust mask and goggles to avoid paint or dust getting into your eyes or inhaling paint fumes. Also, keep the room as ventilated as possible.
  • DON’T attempt to deal with mould in the ceiling by yourself. Ask an expert instead about how to remove mould from the ceiling before painting it.
  • DON’T use too much or too little paint. Excess paint can cause splatters; too little can result in patches and streaks.
  • Don’t attempt to paint a high ceiling by yourself. For your safety, hire a pro instead.

Hiring a professional painter to do the work

Considering hiring a local painter to do your ceilings? This could be a good choice if you’re in a time crunch or simply don’t feel comfortable working so high up for hours.

Make sure your contractor is licensed and qualified. Ideally, they should be insured, too, so you can safeguard against any accidental damage to your property while they’re on the job. You can ask to see the painter’s license, qualifications, and insurance papers before you hire them.

As for painting quotations, you can request a written quote and timetable in advance. This avoids miscommunication and puts you both on the same page. If you’re still canvassing, avoid getting the offer with the lowest quote since this could mean low-quality products and less experience in the industry.

Don’t forget to ask the painter for references or reviews. You can call up these references, read online reviews, and even ask these former customers about the prospective painter’s performance.

Now that you know how to paint a ceiling, get ready to roll!

Painting a ceiling can be an exciting and fulfilling DIY project. Follow this handy guide, and you should be ready to redecorate your home.

But if you think it’ll be a challenge, hiring a pro painter is worth the cost, as they can get the outcome you like. You’ll get the revamped ceiling you’re looking for, plus a perfectly smooth paint job!


FAQs on painting ceilings

How many coats of paint do you need for a ceiling?

Most ceilings only require one coat of paint. But if you’re covering a darker ceiling with a brighter-coloured paint, you may need two to three coats of paint to get the best coverage.

Painting your walls in the same colour as your ceiling? You’ll need a lot more paint since walls typically need two coats, minimum.

How long should you wait to apply the second coat of paint?

You can safely apply a second coat after four hours. Most paint takes two to four hours to dry, but this can change depending on the weather, how well-ventilated your room is, and even the type of paint used.

How do I paint popcorn ceilings with a roller?

When dealing with popcorn ceilings and other textured ceilings, it’s best to use a thick paint roller cover. This holds more paint and distributes it better in the nooks and crannies.

A word of warning when dealing with popcorn ceilings: these may contain asbestos, a dangerous chemical. You may want to hire a professional who can test for asbestos before proceeding with your painting project. 

Categories
Walls & flooring

How to paint a wall

How to prep walls for painting

Fill in surface cracks

Before you look for easy painting ideas, make sure that you know how to prep the walls. You should start with a quick inspection for cracks in the wall. Filling in those cracks with putty and letting it dry overnight ensures that your paint goes on smoothly and that you don’t need multiple coats.

Sand down

If you filled in surface cracks, you need to sand down those cracks before painting. Fine grit sandpaper removes any excess putty and won’t leave behind scratches and gouge marks. You generally want to let the putty dry overnight before sanding it.

Clean walls

As you look for painting tips, you will find that many people recommend cleaning your walls before painting those surfaces. All you need is a little dish soap that you mix with water and apply it to the walls. Cleaning the wall removes any substances that can keep the paint from sticking.

Apply tape a lay a drop sheet

When preparing walls for painting, both painter’s tape and masking tape works well. It goes on smoothly and comes off cleanly without leaving residue behind. Use the tape to block off your outlet and baseboards as well as any other surfaces that you do not want to paint. It’s also a good idea to lay a drop cloth will protect the floors from the paint.

Laying a drop sheet is an important part of preparation / Source: MMPC

Purchase enough paint

Always determine how much paint you need before starting the job, especially if you choose a custom blend. Though home improvement stores follow paint mixture recipes, they cannot guarantee that a new batch will perfectly match your old batch of paint. One litre of paint will cover up to 6.5 square metres. Measure the size of the room and divide it by 6.5 to roughly see how many litres of paint you need.

Required tools

  • Paint/masking tape
  • Drop cloths
  • Primer: Tinted primers match the colour of the paint that you choose and reduce the amount of paint needed. When painting interior walls, you should always use at least one coat of primer first.
  • Brushes: Brushes are helpful for painting areas that you cannot reach with a roller and blending the borders and corners of a room with the rest of the wall.
  • Rollers: To paint a large room in less time, invest in one or more rollers. Rollers are also reusable. Once you finish painting, rinse off the rollers with some clean water and let them sit outside for a few hours to dry. You can use them when you need to repaint or touch up a room later.
  • Tray
  • Ladder: A ladder helps you reach the top of the room and apply both the paint and primer. It also helps you stay safe until the job is done.
  • Clean cloth: Having a few clean and dry cloths nearby can help you take care of accidents as they happen. If you knock over a can of interior wall paint, you can quickly mop it up before it creates a permanent stain. A dry cloth will also help you remove paint that drips onto other surfaces. 

Tips for painting a wall

How to cut in painting

Cutting in painting is a technique that helps the areas around the corners and baseboards blend with the rest of the wall. Whether you use a brush or roller, go over those surfaces with a brush. Use the brush to apply smooth, streaks of paint around the border or corner and pull the brush towards the centre of the room. You can then go over those areas with a roller to smooth out any rough spots.

Contact local painters

How to paint a wall with a roller

Learning how to paint with a roller can save you some time because the roller covers a larger area with paint in less time than it would take with a brush. Pour enough paint in your trap to completely coat the bottom and fill it halfway up the sides. Run the roller through the paint and along the base of the tray. When you pull it towards you, the tray removes any excess paint from the roller. You should then paint a large uppercase “W” in the centre of the wall. As you use more paint, expand the size of the W and move the roller in different directions. This helps you fill in gaps and provides a smooth coat of paint.

How long does it take paint to dry?

The amount of time it takes for the paint to dry depends on the type of paint that you used. It typically takes six to eight hours for most interior house paints to dry. If you use a primer, you need to wait at least an hour for it to dry before applying the paint. You should not remove the tape or move back into the room until you give the paint a full 24 hours to dry. High humidity levels and cold temperatures are two factors that can increase the drying time.

How many coats of paint do you need for a wall?

Most walls need a minimum of two coats. Even if you use a primer, you need two coats of paint. Apply the first and let it dry completely before applying the next coat. If you find that traces of the old paint are still showing, you’ll need to apply a third coat. You may need multiple coats to hide brush marks and other mistakes, too.

Darker paint colours make a great feature wall / Explore Painting

How long does it take to paint a room?

It’s difficult to say how long it takes to paint a room because it depends on the size of the space and how quickly you work. Plan on spending at least four hours to paint a smaller room and up to six hours to paint a larger room. If you use any unique or custom painting techniques, the process will take even longer. 

Tips for painting a feature wall

A feature wall is usually a different colour to the other walls and serves as a focal point in a home. When painting a feature wall, choose colours that work together and use a roller to provide an even coat of paint. You may want to use stencils to add a unique design to the wall, too.

How to hire a painter

Licensing and qualifications

Whether you want to know how to repaint a wall or where to start on your project, consider hiring a pro. Painters in Australia need a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. They can get this through a registered organisation or a specialty institution. Some also receive their training through an apprenticeship program. 

Categories
Real estate & moving

7 quick ways to add value to your home

If you’re looking to put your house on the market, or you simply want to update the look of your abode without spending a fortune – rather than thinking big renovation projects and interior design makeovers, it’s useful to think on a more micro level. There are multiple simple and budget-friendly ways to increase the value of your home to have it appear more desirable, with the help of a few experts.

1. A splash of paint

Just like fashion trends, interior wall paint colours can change. Painting the walls can lift the whole mood and atmosphere of your home while appearing in-style and modern. If you’re happy with the colour, but your walls are starting to look tired, a fresh coat can make the world of difference in making your home feel shiny and new.

Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Redesigning the colour scheme of your walls, while still keeping in mind your current decor, can completely transform the look and feel of your home without spending a fortune.

2. Update your outdoor space

With summer having just arrived, us Aussies love our outdoor living areas – socialising with mates, Sunday barbeques with family and even to relax by ourselves from time to time. Adding a deck to your outdoor entertaining area can exude a laid-back and modern atmosphere, facilitating any occasion. Hiring the right expert to install and design your decking will certainly increase the value of your home, and the main positive is that decking can sometimes be one of the more budget-friendly options for outdoor living areas.  

Another outdoor aspect is the garden. Arranging a garden clean-up is simple, and it can do wonders to your area. Clean-ups by themselves are effective, but they can also provide a blank canvas for adding any shrubbery or trees, which are definitely expected to lift the overall impression of your home.

3. Clean your carpets

Hiring a professional to deep clean your carpets is a cheaper option than replacing your flooring all together, and it can still increase the value of your home. Most of us tend to vacuum our carpets, without much regard for the hidden dirt that has accumulated over the years that we can’t see. Experts can transform your carpet to appear brand new, which not only makes a difference in the look of your carpet, but also the smell within your home.

4. Kitchen upgrades

Rather than renovating the whole space to increase the attractiveness and value of your house, consider the smaller details that can really lift the design of your kitchen. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, think of replacing cupboard doors or handles. Or perhaps you’re willing to spend a little more on improving your kitchen area; consider replacing kitchen benchtops.

5. Change the light switches

Something so simple as changing the light switches can make a difference in the eyes of potential buyers of your home, or even just the impression of your friends if you’re not looking to sell. The installation or upgrade of light switches is one of the cheaper services that electricians provide. Standard white switches can tend to look yellow over time, usually only noticed when they are replaced. Head to a hardware store and perhaps opt for coloured or metal switch plates instead of a standard white switch to spruce up your home in a subtle way.

6. Bathroom updates

The bathroom is often the easiest room in the house to look dated. Luckily, there are a few simple tweaks you can do to give it a fresh feeling. Firstly, install some new shower screens for an instant lift. If the old one is looking ugly or cloudy from all those years of use, a new shower screen will deliver a fresh, beautiful look. You can go for one that is fully frameless or semi frameless, and you have plenty of different glass options for the screen.

Source: Visualising Interiors

Adding a new vanity is another good option for the bathroom. Putting in a new one could give you more storage, or just make for a fresher look from the older and scarred one that already sits in there. Don’t forget, you need a vanity that’s got plenty of storage and easy access, and one that has enough sink space for everyone who’s going to use it. Figure out what type of material is best for the bench top, and figure out how big it has to be before you construct anything. You can also explore adding in a heated towel rack, new towels and bathmats or a mirror de-mister.

Finally, it’s worth considering resurfacing the bathroom. This is a good, superficial makeover that does a lot of good. If you have chipped, tired or ugly tiles, resurfacing could make for an efficient answer to your problems. Contact a professional and see what they could do. With a little bit of work, your new tiles will give the whole room a fresh, charming look.

Contact local bathroom renovation experts

7. Add a skylight

Skylights bring natural light into your home, reducing the need for artificial light and energy usage. A home that has lots of daylight appeals to home to buyers because it makes the home seem warmer and brighter. It also requires much less energy to keep it attractive and liveable.

Different types of skylights

Skylights come in many different shapes and sizes, from rectangular to circular and diamond-shaped to triangular. They can use either glass or plastic glazing that is: flat, arched, domed or pyramid shaped. Tubular skylights are another option; these can even be funnelled through a building or down to different storeys of a home.

You can have a fixed or openable skylight, depending on your tastes. Fixed skylights have to stay in place and can’t be opened — they serve solely as a source of light. Openable skylights can be opened whenever you like by using either a manual turn or a motorised control to open the pane and help ventilate your home. These can increase your energy efficiency even further by creating a cooling source, which will also increase your home’s value.

Skylights do have to be well-insluated to make sure that they are not letting in extra heat — with the sun beating down directly on them all day, this can be a problem in summer months. It’s a good idea to find ones that offer insulation that surrounds the skylight and that also use glazing to stop heat from penetrating. Blinds are also a good idea so that on extra sunny or hot days you can screen off the light from the skylight.

Categories
Walls & flooring

How to paint tiles

Tiles play a pivotal role in defining the aesthetic of a space, but trends change, and sometimes, so should your tiles. If you’re wondering how to paint bathroom tiles or refresh your kitchen, having your tiles painted is an easy, affordable solution instead of a tile replacement. Here are some tips on how to paint tiles, ensuring a smooth DIY experience. 

What is tile paint?

Tile paint is a type of paint designed specifically for painting tiled surfaces, including walls and floors. When you use ordinary house paint, it will not stick to the tiles. Even if the paint sticks, it will begin peeling away. Choosing the right type of paint is the first step in this DIY job.

What to know before painting tiles

Painting old tiles white using a paint roller | Source: iStock

Before diving into the paint cans, here are three important things you should keep in mind for a flawless tile-painting experience. 

  • Choose the right tiles. Not all tiles are created equal, and you need to select the right type for their use and functionality. For instance, it’s ideal to get non-slip tiles for the bathroom. Meanwhile, ceramic or porcelain tiles provide a solid surface for the paint to adhere to.
  • Surface preparation is key. Give your tiles some TLC before diving into painting. Clean and sand the existing tiles to remove the glaze and ensure proper paint adhesion. 
  • Select the right paint. Investing in good quality tile primer and paint for tiles from a reputable store is essential for a finish that stands the test of time.

Benefits of painting your tiles 

Renew the look

Painting over tiles is an easy way to renew the look of any room. Many people choose trendy colours when they install tiles and later find that the tiles look dated and out of place. Choose from a myriad of colours to give your space a fresh, contemporary feel.

Changing your tile’s colour can have a dramatic effect / Source: Brightr Solutions

Cheaper than replacing them

Replacing your tiles and hiring a pro to do it costs a lot. You need to pay someone to remove the old tiles and check for water damage, and you also need to pay for new tiles and grout/other materials. Painting tiles is a wallet-friendly alternative to a complete tile replacement. You can also conceal dated or imperfect tiles, turning flaws into features.

Easy DIY

Knowing how to paint tiles can turn a weekend into a home improvement project with minimal time and readily available supplies. Depending on the size of the space, you might need as little free time as a few hours. Most jobs take a weekend or less and require supplies that you can get from any home improvement store.

Create custom and personal designs

Unleash your creativity by crafting personalised designs, making your space uniquely yours. While you can draw inspiration from what other DIY enthusiasts did, you don’t need to rely solely on their ideas. You can combine new colours and come up with your own designs.

What you’ll need

Gather the essential tools and equipment to ensure a seamless and successful project. Having these tools and materials on hand should prepare you well for your tile painting project with confidence.

  • Tile cleaner: To thoroughly clean and prep the tiles before painting.
  • Sandpaper and sanding block: Use fine-grit sandpaper to remove the tile glaze and use the sanding block to smoothen the surface.
  • Masking tape or painter’s tape: Essential for protecting surfaces you don’t want to paint, such as appliances and outlets.
  • Paintbrushes and rollers: A combination of brushes and rollers helps cover different areas efficiently.
  • Paint trays: To hold and distribute the paint while using a roller.
  • Drop cloths or plastic sheets: Protect your flooring and surrounding areas from paint splatter.
  • Paint stirrer: Ensure your paint is thoroughly mixed before application.
  • Tack cloth: Use to wipe away dust and debris after sanding.
  • Tile primer: Choose a high-quality primer for better adhesion.
  • Tile paint: Make sure it’s a durable paint suitable for tiles.
  • Sealer: For added protection, especially in high-traffic areas or if painting floor tiles.

Safety gear:

  • Protective gloves: Shield your hands from chemicals in cleaners and paints.
  • Safety glasses: Keep your eyes protected from dust and debris.
  • Respirator mask: If working in a confined space, ensure proper ventilation and protect yourself from fumes.

A step-by-step guide on painting tiles

Step 1: Repair any damaged tiles

Showing a cracked tile | Source: iStock

Begin the prep work by treating any chips or cracks with TLC to ensure a smooth surface. Caulk can repair any thin cracks or minor chips by applying a small amount while wearing gloves and levelling it with your finger.

For major flaws, use an exterior-grade waterproof spackle. Apply a little amount and wipe away the excess with a putty knife, bringing the filler down to the tile surface.

Step 2: Clean and sand the tiles

Fill a bucket with warm water and TSP cleanser (Trisodium phosphate). Wipe the tile down with gloves to remove dirt. Begin at the top and work your way down, changing the water as needed. Let it dry after rinsing with clean water. 

Use sandpaper to scuff up the glazing without sanding down to the tile body while wearing safety gear. To prevent beeswax from embedding, clean the tile with water and dry it with a tack cloth.

Step 3: Protect non-paintable areas

Shield your furniture, appliances and other items from accidental paint splatters by using masking tape and sheet plastic. Protect outlets and appliances to ensure that your paint lands only where it is supposed to.

Step 4: Prime the surface

Grab your tile primer and fill a lined tray with bonding primer. Apply thin applications with a roller, and be careful not to press too firmly. Using a roller ensures that you don’t miss any parts of the tile and that the primer goes on smoothly. The primer can take a few hours or longer to dry or cure. 

Step 5: Paint the tiles

Painting bathroom tiles to renew the look | Source: iStock

Choose high-quality tile paint and apply it evenly with a roller. You can also spray paint your tiles if it’s easier and you have the right equipment on hand. 

Avoid overloading your roller or paintbrush to prevent drips. Fill in the gaps and smooth down the edges with a paintbrush.

If you want to create unique patterns, use a cut sponge, prefabricated stencil, or handmade painter’s tape stencil. Before attempting patterns, check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying times.

Enhance the overall aesthetic by delicately painting the grout lines. Use a fine brush or a specially designed grout paint to accentuate these details, creating a cohesive and professionally finished appearance.

Contact local painters

Step 6: Let the paint dry and cure

It is best to let the tile paint dry completely overnight, although it may only take a few hours. If humidity slows the drying process, operating fans and leaving windows open will draw moisture from the air and help the paint dry faster.

Step 7: Apply a second coat

When buying tile paint, make sure you have enough for multiple coats, as the exact quantity needed depends on the job. Darker tiles generally require more tile paint than lighter ones. Additionally, surfaces with accent tiles, patterns, or unique designs may need extra coverage. Using a primer to conceal old tiles reduces the overall tile paint required. If old tiles are visible through the paint, you may need multiple coats.

Step 8: Apply a sealer

Finally, apply two coats of polyurethane sealer after the paint has fully set. Allow the paint to cure for 24 to 48 hours before applying the sealer to ensure it is no longer tacky to the touch, promoting excellent bonding.

Preserve the beauty of your painted tiles with regular maintenance. Clean them gently with a mild detergent, and avoid abrasive cleaners to extend the life and vibrancy of your newly painted tiles. With proper care, your painted tiles will continue to enhance your space’s aesthetics for years.

Transform your space with fresh coats of paint

Tile painting emerges as a versatile and cost-effective home remodelling option. The possibilities are endless, and knowing how to paint tiles allows you to personalise your surroundings.

If you decide to let a pro handle the job, choose someone with the right qualifications. Painters in Australia need a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, which goes to those who did apprentice programs and took the right classes.

Hiring a skilled painter can ensure that your house painting endeavour goes off without a hitch. They can assist you in selecting the right kind of paint and colour to complement your style and emphasize your tiles. With a single brush stroke, you may transform, refresh, and customise the style of your kitchen or bathroom!


FAQs on painting tiles

What kind of paint do you use on bathroom wall tiles?

  • Epoxy paint: Ideal for bathroom wall tiles, known for durability and moisture resistance.
  • Latex or acrylic paint: This option is user-friendly and especially effective with a bonding primer.
  • Oil-based paints: Suitable but requires proper ventilation due to fumes.
  • Tile paint or refinishing kits: Offers specialized formulations for tile surfaces.

Ensure thorough surface preparation, including cleaning and priming, for optimal paint adhesion and lasting results.

Does painting over kitchen and bathroom tiles last?

If you use high-quality paint and properly prepare the surface before painting, your painted tiles will last many years without needing to be repainted.

Can you paint over the kitchen splashback tiles?

Yes. Paint is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to remodel your home. A few cans of paint can transform your kitchen’s walls, cabinets, kitchen island, table, chairs, and even your splashback.

Categories
Walls & flooring

Should you hire a painter, or do it yourself?

To give your home a lift or seasonal refresh, the best option is usually a fresh coat of paint. However, should you fork out money for a professional painter to get the job done, or have a go at doing it yourself? Here, we explore the advantages of hiring an expert.

Advantages of hiring a professional painter

1. Experience

Professional painters have years of experience in the trade meaning that they know everything from how many tins of paint it will take to paint a room depending on its size, how many coats of paint are needed, and if any special measures are needed to prepare a surface for painting.

2. The right equipment

Chances are you won’t have an array of paint brushes, rollers and drop sheets at home. Through hiring a professional home painter you won’t need to waste money and storage space on painting equipment you’ll seldom use.

A fresh coat of paint can increase the value of your property / Source: MKG Interior Design

3. Health & safety

Don’t neglect the idea of safety when painting, especially if your painting job involves heights, ceilings and hard to reach areas. Professional painters have the right type of ladders and harness equipment to paint difficult to reach walls in the home. Painting also involves using chemicals such as solvents to clean up any spillages or paint runs, which can be very dangerous if they make contact with skin or are inhaled.

4. Perfect finish

You may think that the do-it-yourself approach to painting is worth the cost savings of hiring a professional. However commercial painters and home painters are trained perfectionists who will ensure that the job is completed to the highest of standards. It’s certainly worth spending the extra money to achieve a quality finish for your home or business. Professional decorators also know which are the best paint brands and finishes for each type of job, whether you want a matt, gloss, satin or eggshell finish your painter will be able to source the best quality product to achieve the desired look.

Q&A with a professional painter

We spoke to professional painter Hass from DHY Painting And Decorating, based in Mill Park Victoria, to find out more about Australian home painting trends, the most requested painting jobs, popular paint colours and what the best thing is about being a professional painter.

How long have you been painting and decorating for?

Painting is a family trade, my father is a painter, and my great uncle was a painter. I was exposed to painting from a very young age. Every school holiday during high school, I was out with my father and uncle acting as their apprentice.

What are your most requested painting jobs?

My most requested work would be repainting for landlords refreshing their property to release. But we don’t stop there, DHY Painting complete paint jobs for many new homes, repainting for family homes, office repaints, and many other special projects.

What is the most popular colour Australian home owners are painting their walls?

It would definitely be “White on White”.

What sort of paint is best to use for painting exterior walls and fences?

My go-to paint for exterior walls and fences would have to be Taubmans Endure Exterior, or Taubmans All Weather.

For exterior painting Hass recommends Taubmans Endure Exterior or All Weather / Source: Jnaid & Sons

What’s the largest paint job you’ve completed?

The largest commercial paint job I’ve ever completed was painting part of the Chadstone Shopping Centre extension, Australia’s largest major shopping centres. The largest domestic paint job I’ve completed was a 100 square metre home in Eden Park, Melbourne.

What colours do you recommend using when painting your home to be sold?

White! A blank canvas is the most appealing to home buyers.

How many days does it usually take you to complete a paint job?

It usually takes me around 2 days to repaint a 2 bedroom unit. A 3 bedroom home can take 3-5 days to repaint.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job of being a professional painter would definitely have to be handover time. It is such a good feeling, seeing the excitement on my clients face when we transform their property and give it a new lease of life!

Categories
Design & decor

Choosing the right paint colours for your home

Choosing interior paint colours for your redecoration projects shouldn’t be done on a whim. When learning how to choose the right paint colour, you will need to consider things like the size of the room, what it’ll be used for, and your current interior style. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing interior paint colours that will work best with any living room or furniture colour scheme. Check out these nine tips before you hit the paint store to get the best results from your redecoration project.

9 Tips for choosing house paint colours for your next painting project

1. Learn about the effect of colour on moods

Paint colours can impact the mood of the people in the room. They can energise, calm, or even help you focus.

Certain shades, like red, can stimulate your mind and urge you into action, while other shades, such as blue, can put your nerves at ease. Choose colours that closely reflect your personality and motivate you to feel a certain way. 

When learning how to choose the right paint colour, consider the purpose of the room and the vibe you want to achieve.

2. Identify how cosy or airy you want the room to feel

A cosy living room with neutral tones / Source: iStock

Colour choices also affect how your room will be perceived. It can make a cramped flat feel airy or a large space feel cosy.

For example, warm whites and warm greys have yellow undertones and give the appearance of a cosy, soft, inviting space. Using deep blue and other dark colour palettes can also help achieve the same cosy effect.

On the other hand, cool grey or cool white interior paint colours can make a room feel more spacious.

3. Factor in your current furnishings and decor

While it may be tempting just to pick your favourite shade when redoing your interior house paint colours, you should never choose paint in isolation from the other elements in the room. Not everything has to match, but make sure that the walls, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and accent pieces work harmoniously.

While you can certainly pick different colour schemes for different rooms of the house, it may save you time to choose one that works for the majority of your home. Mixing and matching hues can guide the eyes from one space to another or delineate one area from another.

4. Check the natural and artificial lighting

A modern living room welcoming natural lighting / Source: iStock

Lighting also plays a big factor in how your space will look like. Even if the paint swatch looks great in the store, it may look slightly different in the actual space where it will be used due to the natural light entering the room and the artificial lighting.

As a quick reference, here’s how different lighting availability affects paint colour:

  • North-facing rooms will look bluish; offset this by choosing a brighter hue of your desired paint colour or using daylight-temperature artificial light. Warmer whites are a great choice for north-facing walls.
  • South-facing rooms will appear closer to the true paint colour thanks to abundant natural light.
  • East-facing rooms will appear more vibrant in the morning then duller in the afternoon. You can remedy this by choosing the right window treatments and artificial lighting. The opposite is true for west-facing rooms, which look bluish in the morning and warmer as the day progresses.
  • Incandescent lighting typically amplifies warmer colours and dulls cooler colours.
  • Halogen bulbs are closer to natural light so that interior walls will look true to colour with these bulbs.
  • Fluorescent lamps will make paint colours look more intense. Blue will appear as deep blue, for example.

Before you decide on a paint colour, look at it against the morning, afternoon, and evening (artificial lighting) in the room. Talking to a professional house painter can help make this decision-making process easier.

5. Consider neutral colours for common spaces

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! Neutral house paint colours can bridge pops of colour from room to room, like a pastel pink ceiling and accent wall in the living room or a patterned tile in the kitchen. 

Blue and white are also a popular pairing that looks great in dining and living rooms. You can also liven up neutral paint by introducing patterns like a striped wall in cream and tan.

6. Don’t be afraid to choose more than one paint colour

A cosy dining space with turquoise and white walls / Source: iStock

Two-tone interior paint colours are a trendy way to update your room. You can go with a lighter or darker shade for a monochromatic palette. Meanwhile, grey tones with orange make for an unexpected, vibrant pairing.

Another example is combining dark brown and purple in one room. This can add just the right amount of oomph without deviating from your comfort zone.

Implementing two-colour combinations for your living room is easier than you think. Even just painting one wall in two colours or having a solid colour theme for the walls, furniture and decor can create an interesting focal point in the room and delineate areas in open-plan spaces.

7. Look at the room’s features for inspiration

Your next paint colour choice might be hidden right in the room! Look at an architectural feature on the exterior of your house. Bringing your exterior house paint colours indoors brings a seamless flow throughout the house. 

For instance, the trim or fascia might just be perfect for your interior walls, or the grey polished concrete floors could pair well with green or off-white walls.

You can also look at nature for inspiration. If you have a lot of greenery outside, you can complement this by choosing green as one of your interior paint colours and pairing it with a neutral shade. A rustic surface like the hardwood on your floors could also inspire nature- or earth-tone-inspired colour choices.

8. Factor in the size of your space

A minimalist bedroom with white walls and wooden floors / Source: iStock

When you know the colours you might like, consider the area you intend to paint. Take a moment to pause and think about the existing layout of the space or what the area will be used for, as the wall colour will affect the look and feel of the entire space. 

Professional painters and decorators know which paint finish and what paint colour would work best for every space, considering all factors in the house. So, if you’re unsure how to go about a painting project, consult a pro for expert advice and painting cost estimates

9. Use a colour scheme to choose the right paint colour palette

Colour scheme and palette are often used interchangeably but are very different.

A colour scheme is a framework or theory, for example, monochromatic, complementary colours, or achromatic. Meanwhile, a colour palette is the actual swatches: complementary colours, blue and orange, different shades and tints of the same colour, pink, and so on.

When picking a colour palette, stick to a few hues or choose different tones of a similar colour group rather than contrasting shades. It helps to use a colour wheel or talk to a colour consultant when determining the right colour scheme or colour palette for your interior walls.

Choose the right interior paint colours easily

Picking paint colours doesn’t have to be overwhelming and complicated. While doing it yourself can be fulfilling and affordable, reaching out to a painter can ensure a successful painting project that is worth your time and money, especially if it’s your first time repainting your walls.


FAQs on choosing the right paint colours

Should you go lighter or darker with paint?

Paints typically dry darker, but if mixed properly, they should come out looking the same as what is on the paint swatch. So, it all boils down to your choice of the swatch and mixing the paint properly. 

Should I paint my entire house the same colour?

There’s no hard rule that says you shouldn’t; however, your home will benefit from using at least different shades of the same colour. This adds visual interest while maintaining a certain flow or continuity as one moves through the house. 

How do I choose my exterior house colour?

Below are some tips to help you choose your exterior house colour:

  • Look for inspiration in the finishes in your home, such as the foundation, trim, roof, and landscape.
  • Get a colour wheel and test out some palettes.
  • Consult with a house painter to get the best look for your home.
  • If you want, feel free to look at the colour scheme in your own neighbourhood to make sure your home fits in.

What is the most popular interior paint colour?

White is one of the most popular interior paint colours since it’s easy to pair with other colours. White can look warm and cosy or light and airy. Its classic look and ability to tie different colours together make it many homeowners’ paint colour of choice.