Decorating
Painting and decorating prep that makes the finish look better
Most good decorating happens before the roller touches the wall: clearing, filling, sanding, masking and choosing the right finish.
Clear more than you think
Move small furniture, wall items, curtains and fragile objects before the visit where possible. A room does not need to be empty, but the working area needs space for dust sheets, ladders, tools and drying paint.
Photograph the worst patches
A scuff, crack or stain may need more than paint. Send photos of dents, nail holes, peeling paint, water marks and rough filler. If a patch has been painted before but keeps showing through, mention it.
Know the paint situation
If you have leftover paint, check that it has not separated, gone off or changed colour on the wall. If a fresh match is needed, a full wall may look better than a tiny touch-up, especially in bright rooms.
Protect edges and fittings
Good decorating is not only colour. It is clean edges, tidy caulk, careful masking, protected floors and sensible drying time. If a room is in daily use, ask what can realistically be finished in one visit.
Use the refresh to spot small repairs
Decorating often reveals loose sockets, cracked sealant, stiff doors, damaged skirting or draughty gaps. Energy Saving Trust has useful advice on draught proofing; small practical fixes can sometimes be grouped into the same room refresh.
Want us to look at your job list?
Send photos, postcode and a short description. We will tell you what looks straightforward, what needs more detail, and what should go to a specialist trade.
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