On this page I am going to run through the basic essentials for a good finish on the redecoration of a room and then I will talk about the various types of paint and tools that are available.

Step 1: The key to a good finish is the preparation work that is required. Without doing the correct preparation your paint job will not last as long and the finish will be poor. Start with the floor and cover it from wall to wall with plastic sheeting. Then lay cotton dust sheets on top of the plastic sheeting. The reason for this is to totally protect whatever is laid on the floor, whether it is carpet, lino of wooden flooring. The plastic sheeting is readily available from all the major DIY stores and is only a couple of pounds which will be much cheaper than having a carpet cleaned once your project is finished. The plastic forms a barrier that paint cannot seep through, however it does not soak any paint splatter up which is why laying cotton dust sheets over the top is important. The cotton dust sheets will soak up any paint drips or splatter which will prevent any paint being transferred onto any other carpets within your property. If the room you are working on contains furniture that cannot be moved to another room make sure it is moved to the centre of the room and leave yourself plenty of space to access the walls, architrave and skirting boards. Make sure once again that it is covered well with plastic sheeting and then cotton dustsheets. Now you are ready to commence the preparation work to the walls, ceiling and woodwork.