Many people enjoy DIY, but for others, it is quite simply a nuisance. However, for those who like to have a go at interior decorating themselves, this article talks about a few tips which you may find handy.

When beginning interior painting, preparation is the key. You need to have a good idea in your head of the order you wish to carry out your jobs. Remember to work from top to bottom, i.e. the ceiling must be painted before varnishing the floor boards or glossing the skirting boards. Ensure the room is well ventilated, even during cold weather. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to blow through, this can also help to speed up the paint drying process.

Good quality paint brushes are vital for a highly finished interior painting job. The best paint brushes have densely packed bristles which are long and firm. They hold onto the paint well and are great at helping you to apply the paint to the exact place you want it to go. You should only coat the bottom third of the bristles in paint, and to avoid drips you can gently tap the brush on the side of the tin before you start painting.

‘Cutting in’ is a vital part of interior decorating. Make sure you use a brush which is not too wide, and carefully paint all of the edges of your walls and ceiling, to approximately a 2 inch wide section. Once all of the cutting in is complete, feel free to use your roller to quickly and efficiently evenly cover the remaining walls and ceiling with paint. Use strokes in the shame of a ‘W’ to allow full and even coverage. Most walls and ceilings will need approximately two to three coats of paint to allow the colour to be rich and even.

When taking a break from painting, a good tip is to wrap your brush in cling film to stop the paint from drying out. Replace the lid onto the tin of paint, ensuring it is airtight. When packing up work for the day, emulsion can be washed off most brushes and rollers by simple warm water, however gloss can only be removed using white spirit.