Can we paint the new flat ourselves?

[lucy2233]

We have been viewing new flats that belong to council or housing association.
They say they give it as it is, but their walls need painting really.
Me and my 13yo dd, can we do it ourselves?
I don't know any decorators, I don't know if they will be any good or how much they charge, I don't know anyone I can trust on that.
Do you think we can do it ourselves?
Thanks for advices in advance.

[Ninetysixpercent]

Of course you can. Decorators cost a fortune!
A decent paint job is all in the preparation imo. So clean walls and skirtings with sugar soap first. You'll need old sheets or similar to protect carpets too.
I always do the 'cutting in' first, so edges/corners with a brush then a roller with a long handle for walls and ceilings.
I actually enjoy painting though so I might be biased!

[lucy2233]

Thanks Ninetysixpercent. :)
How long do you think it can take?

[Standinginline]

I did all my walls myself and I had no experience. You kind of learn as you go along :)

[TheDayOfMyDoctor]

Masking tape for where the skirting/ceiling meets the wall too. Do the ceiling first if they need doing. Plenty of tips on painting online too.

I can do a small room in a day, a bigger room over two days if I'm doing two coats.

It's worth getting some tester pots to see what the colour looks like on your walls.

[Standinginline]

Yep ,work down. So ceiling first ,that way you don't have to worry about the cutting in so much (I hate painting ceilings at the best of times ). And with the walls use decorators tape so you don't have to bother with staying within the lines so to speak. I found baby wipes a life saver when decorating as they wipe paint from anything (when still wet ). Oh and try to stick with water based as it's so much easier to clean up :)

[SavoyCabbage]

Yes, I've always done it myself. There will be videos on you tube telling you how to do it. Like 96 says, the preparation is key.

It's always easier to do it before any furniture is in if you can.

Use mat paint and a paler colour than you think you want.

[Ninetysixpercent]

If the properly is empty it'll be easier/quicker as no furniture to move around and you could do a whole room at a time. Depending on the state/colour of the walls most walls need 2 coats of paint. I'd probably aim for a room per day, depending on size of the rooms.
Another tip- if you're doing different colours in one room use masking tape to keep your lines neat. I usually put masking tape on skirtings too I am very fussy though.

[Ninetysixpercent]

X posts

[lucy2233]

Thanks so much for all your advices , I really appreciate it :) I'm really encouraged.:)

[TheDayOfMyDoctor]

Oh yes, baby wipes or decorators wipes are a life saver! And YY to decorating empty rooms if you can - it's so much easier.

Use kitchen/bathroom paint for those rooms and I prefer an eggshell or satin paint for doors, skirting boards etc. - much easier to work with than gloss. Washable paint is good for walls - easier to clean up scuffs/marks. I've come across a brand of paint on here recently that's supposed to be very good - but can't remember what it's called. Worth a search on the DIY threads. I've always found dulux fine though.

[cestlavielife]

Wear old clothes you will get paint on them. Otherwise just do it.

[BlackeyedSusan]

get brushes that do not shed hairs...get proper brushes...harris or b and q ones work well.

crown paint is expensive , but the wipable paint is really good.

you will need to sand gloss first to get a key for the new layer of paint to stick. get a gadget to put your sandpaper round. wear dust masks.

wash the other paint and rub off any flaky bits.