How to Paint Interior Walls & Ceilings

Join Edward Bulmer for a practical demonstration of how to paint an interior wall, with expert tips for achieving the best finish.

1. Prepare the Room

Move furniture and rugs away from the walls, covering anything that cannot be removed with dust sheets. Protect floors and fittings, and carefully remove or mask light switches, handles and other fixtures where appropriate.

Make sure the room is well ventilated before you begin.

2. Clean the Surface

Before painting, ensure the surface is clean, dry, sound and free from grease, dust and stains.

Clean previously painted surfaces and lightly sand glossy areas to provide a suitable surface for the new paint. If painting over wallpaper, secure any loose seams and remove residual wallpaper paste.

Allow cleaned surfaces to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

3. Fill & Sand

Fill holes, cracks and imperfections with a suitable filler. Our Wall Filler is available for preparing compatible wall surfaces.

Once the filler has dried, sand the repaired areas smooth and remove all dust before painting.

If a large proportion of the wall has been repaired, consider using lining paper to create a more uniform surface.

4. Prime Where Necessary

The correct primer depends on the condition and absorbency of your surface.

Previously painted walls: Sound, clean and suitably prepared surfaces may not need priming. Check for any areas of exposed plaster, staining or uneven absorption.

Fresh plaster and absorbent surfaces: Use our Ultimate 2-in-1 Primer on suitable surfaces, including fresh plaster, unpainted lining paper and extensive areas of filler. Follow the technical data sheet for the correct dilution and application.

Uneven surfaces: Where repairs, exposed paint layers or different substrates have created an inconsistent surface, our Grip Coat may help provide a more uniform base.

Always consult the relevant technical data sheet to confirm which primer is suitable for your surface.

5. Apply Your Natural Emulsion

Stir the paint thoroughly before use.

We recommend applying Natural Emulsion with a roller, using a brush to cut in around edges, corners and fittings. Work in manageable sections, keeping a wet edge throughout to help prevent visible joins.

Cut in as you go rather than painting all the edges in advance. For a more consistent finish, use a small roller over the brushed areas while the paint is still wet.

Natural Emulsion can also be spray-applied. Refer to the technical data sheet for equipment and application instructions.

6. Allow to Dry & Apply a Second Coat

Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly before applying the second. The usual recoat time is approximately 4–6 hours, although temperature, ventilation and surface conditions may affect drying.

Two coats of Natural Emulsion are typically required for the best coverage and finish.