Taking on a decorating job for the first time can feel overwhelming, can’t it? But once you know which tools you need and how to use them, the whole process becomes much less daunting. This guide walks through the essentials, from choosing the right brushes and rollers to preparing surfaces properly, along with simple ways to keep your budget in check.
If you’re stocking up before you start, our Decorating & DIY range is a good place to find the basics you’ll rely on for every project.
5 Types of Tools Every Beginner Decorator Should Have
If your tin of paint is open and your toolkit is empty, it’s time to stop and get your ducks in a row. The right tools speed things up, reduce mess, and help you achieve a smoother finish – so you must make sure you’ve got everything you may need from the get-go.
1. Paintbrushes
You’ll need a small selection of high-quality brushes depending on the task:
- 1" angled brush for edging
- 2"–2.5" brush for doors, trims, and general cutting in
Remember: Good brushes hold the paint better and won’t shed into your finish, and soft bristles always give cleaner lines.
2. Rollers
When painting with a roller, it’s important to choose the pile length to suit your walls:
- Short pile for smooth plaster
- Medium pile for most standard walls
- Long pile for rough or textured surfaces
A sturdy frame and extension pole make ceilings and large walls much easier.
3. Preparation tools
These make all the difference to achieve a professional-grade finish:
- Filler and a flexible filling knife
- Sandpaper or a sanding block
- Scraper
- Dust sheets
Masking or low-tack tape
4. Precision tools
- Small sash brush
- Optional edging tool if you’re nervous about cutting in
5. Cleaning kit
- Tray and liners
- Cloths or wipes
- Bucket for rinsing rollers
Perfect Preparation: The Step That Makes or Breaks the Finish
Most decorating issues come down to poor prep – not an inexperienced decorator. So, a little time spent here saves bundles of frustration later.
1. Fill and repair
Patch cracks and holes with filler, then sand smooth once dry for a like-new wall.
2. Sand lightly
Even new plaster needs a quick sand to help the paint grip properly.
3. Clean the surface
Dust and grease stop paint from bonding. A simple wipe-down with diluted sugar soap works wonders.
4. Tape neatly
Run tape along skirting boards, windows, and trims to protect edges, avoid splashes or drips, and keep everything tidy.
How to Paint Walls Neatly and Evenly
1. Cut in first
Use an angled brush to edge around ceilings, corners, frames, and switches. This gives you a clean outline to work from.
2. Roll in sections
Load the roller evenly and apply paint in a loose “W” shape before filling in the gaps. This spreads the paint consistently across the wall and avoids streaks or sodden areas.
3. Don’t be heavy-handed
Thick coats drip and dry unevenly. Two steady coats look far better than one heavy one.
4. Allow drying time
Be patient between coats – painting over a layer that hasn’t fully dried can lift the first coat and create patchy areas.
Painting Woodwork: Doors, Skirting & Frames
- Use a smaller brush for control
- Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish
- Always prime bare or stained timber
- Work in long strokes, especially with gloss or satin paints
TOP TIP: Painting walls first makes it easier to tidy up around woodwork later.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Decorating Costs Down
Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive. These small choices help keep spending sensible and help you adhere to a tight budget:
1. Pick up starter bundles
Brush and roller sets cost less than buying items individually and typically cover most basic decorating tasks.
2. Use tray liners
They save time and extend the life of your trays, so you can reuse them again and again for all your DIY needs.
3. Look after your brushes
Wash them straight after use to prevent paint drying on the bristles –they’ll last for years.
4. Calculate paint properly
Most interior paints cover roughly 10–12m² per litre, but always check the label for exact details.
Budgeting: What It Might Cost to Decorate a Room
Keen to keep costs low and avoid blowing your budget? Here’s a quick guide to help estimate your DIY spends:
|
Room Size |
Paint Needed |
Typical Tool Spend |
Approx. Cost |
|
Small bedroom |
2–3L |
£15–£25 |
£30–£60 |
|
Medium room |
4–5L |
£20–£30 |
£50–£90 |
|
Large lounge |
6–8L |
£25–£40 |
£80–£140 |
To work it out more accurately, multiply your wall area (height × width × number of walls). This avoids buying more paint than you need.
Common Painting & Decorating Mistakes Beginners Often Make
A few common slip-ups worth avoiding:
- Painting over dusty walls
- Using one roller sleeve for every surface
- Applying paint too heavily
- Skipping primer on wood
- Ignoring drying times
Steer clear of these and your results will look instantly more professional.
We created this painting and decorating tools, techniques, and savings guide to make your DIY endeavours far easier and much more enjoyable. So, now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty – grab your paintbrushes, step into your overalls, and get cracking!
