Starting a home painting project but unsure where to begin? Whether you’re giving your space a fresh coat of paint or tackling a full-on room makeover, following the correct painting order is key to achieving a professional finish.
At Medal Paints, we believe good painting starts with great preparation. Our guide will walk you through the perfect sequence—from ceiling to walls to trim—ensuring a smooth, mess-free decorating experience.
Step 1: Start with the Ceiling
🎯 Why? Painting the ceiling first prevents drips and splatters from ruining freshly painted walls and trim.
How to Paint a Ceiling Like a Pro
✅ Clean & Prepare
- Dust and wipe down the ceiling to remove cobwebs and debris.
- Fill any cracks or holes with Medal Crack Filler, then sand for a smooth surface.
- Mask off fixtures, light fittings, and edges with painter’s tape.
✅ Cut In First
- Use a high-quality brush to cut in around light fittings and edges.
- This ensures a sharp, clean line before using a roller.
✅ Use a Roller for an Even Finish
- Attach an extension pole to your roller to reduce strain and avoid uneven application.
- Start in a corner near a window for the best lighting.
- Paint in parallel sections, overlapping each stroke to prevent streaks.
🎨 Best Paint for Ceilings:
For a smooth, non-reflective finish, use Medal Walls and Ceilings Matt—ideal for masking imperfections and giving ceilings a pristine, bright look.
Step 2: Move on to the Walls
Now that the ceiling is dry, it’s time to paint the walls!
🎯 Why? Painting the walls next allows you to clean up any ceiling splatters before moving on to the finer details like trims and skirting boards.
How to Paint Walls Like a Pro
✅ Prep Your Walls for a Perfect Finish
- Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Fill any cracks or holes with Medal Crack Filler and sand smooth.
- Tape off trims, light switches, and outlets for sharp edges.
✅ Start at the Top & Cut In First
- Use a Angle Brush to cut in along the edges of the ceiling, corners, and around fixtures.
✅ Use a Roller for Even Coverage
- Work in small sections (around 3 feet wide).
- Apply paint in a zig-zag or ‘W’ motion to evenly distribute.
- Avoid overloading the roller to prevent drips.
🎨 Best Paint for Walls:
- For high-traffic areas: Use Medal Low Sheen—a durable, stain-resistant finish perfect for living rooms and hallways.
- For a quick, all-in-one solution: Use Medal Walls & Ceilings Matt, designed for seamless coverage in just one coat.
💡 Pro Tip: Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat for the best colour depth and durability.
Step 3: Finish with Trim, Doors & Skirting Boards
🎯 Why? Painting skirting boards, doors, and window frames last prevents dust or fibers from sticking to freshly painted walls.
How to Paint Trim & Skirting Boards Like a Pro
✅ Prep the Surface First
- Brush down trims and skirting boards to remove dust.
- Fill in any cracks with Medal Wood Filler and sand smooth.
- Protect walls and floors with painter’s tape.
✅ Use the Right Paint & Technique
- Choose a high-quality, durable paint like Medal Enamel Paint for a long-lasting, chip-resistant finish.
- Apply the first coat, let it dry, lightly sand, then add a second coat for the perfect smooth finish.
🎨 Best Paint for Trims & Woodwork:
- For a classic finish: Use Medal Satin Enamel—resistant to scuffs and moisture.
- For a bright, modern look: Use Medal Gloss Enamel—ideal for doors, trims, and skirting boards.
💡 Pro Tip: Start painting trims early in the day so they have plenty of time to dry before closing doors and windows at night.
Final Thoughts: Follow the Right Order for a Professional Finish
By following the correct painting sequence, you’ll achieve flawless, streak-free results every time:
✅ Step 1: Start with the ceiling to avoid drips.
✅ Step 2: Move on to the walls using the right technique.
✅ Step 3: Finish with trims, doors, and skirting boards for a polished look.
🎨 Need the right paint for your project? Medal Paints has high-quality, easy-to-use paints for every surface.
