A Step-by-Step Guide to Interior Painting: From Kitchen Cupboards to Full Room Makeovers

A Step-by-Step Guide to Interior Painting: Transform Your Space with Confidence

Interior painting is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to transform the look and feel of your home. Whether you’re freshening up a tired space or adding a bold new colour to reflect your personality, a well-executed paint job can make all the difference.


At G&E Interior Painting, we believe that a little preparation goes a long way. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of interior painting—perfect whether you’re tackling a DIY project or hiring professionals like us.


Step 1: Choose Your Colours and Finishes

Before any brushes come out, you’ll want to choose the right colour palette for your space. Consider:

  • Lighting – Natural and artificial lighting can change how a colour appears throughout the day.
  • Mood – Soft neutrals for calm and relaxation, bold tones for energy and personality.
  • Finish – Matte hides imperfections, satin offers a soft sheen, and gloss is durable and easy to clean (ideal for kitchens and bathrooms).

Pro Tip: Always test your chosen paint on a small section of the wall first to see how it looks in different lighting.

Vivid green and neutral paint cans with color swatches, showcasing high-quality interior painting supplies by G&E Interior Painting in Portstewart.
Color swatches and paint samples for interior painting projects, featuring various shades and hues for home decor and design.

Step 2: Prepare the Space

Preparation is key to a professional-looking result.

  • Remove furniture or move it to the centre of the room and cover with dust sheets.
  • Take down curtains, mirrors, and wall décor.
  • Remove outlet covers and light switch plates.
  • Fill holes, cracks, or imperfections with filler and sand them smooth.
  • Clean walls to remove grease, dust, or mildew—especially important in kitchens and bathrooms.

Step 3: Protect Floors and Fixtures

Use dust sheets or drop cloths to protect flooring. Mask off skirting boards, window frames, and any other areas you don’t want painted using painter’s tape. This step might feel tedious, but it’s crucial for clean lines and a stress-free job.


Step 4: Prime (if needed)

Priming helps with:

  • Sealing porous surfaces like new plaster.
  • Blocking stains or strong colours.
  • Improving adhesion for long-lasting results.

If you’re painting over a light-coloured, previously painted wall in good condition, you may not need primer. Otherwise, don’t skip this step—it ensures a flawless finish.


Step 5: Cut In

Using a high-quality angled brush, start by “cutting in” around the edges—corners, skirting boards, ceilings, and fixtures—where a roller won’t reach. This gives you clean lines and ensures full coverage.


Step 6: Roll the Walls

Now it’s time to use a roller for the larger wall areas:

  • Pour your paint into a roller tray and load the roller evenly.
  • Work in small sections, using a “W” or “M” motion to distribute the paint.
  • Always maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.

Apply two coats if needed, allowing proper drying time in between as recommended on the paint tin.


Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once the final coat is dry:

  • Carefully remove painter’s tape.
  • Reattach switch plates, curtains, and wall décor.
  • Touch up any missed spots with a small brush.

Stand back and enjoy the transformation!


Bonus Tip: Consider Hiring a Professional

While painting might seem straightforward, achieving a smooth, even, and long-lasting finish requires experience and attention to detail. At G&E Interior Painting, we take care of every stage—from prep to the final brushstroke—so you don’t have to.

We serve homeowners across Portstewart, Coleraine, Portrush, and the wider Causeway Coast with pride, craftsmanship, and a friendly touch.


Ready to Refresh Your Walls?

If you’re thinking about giving your interior a new look, get in touch with us today for a free quote or friendly advice. Whether you need a single room or a full house refresh, we’re here to help you love your home again.

📞  07598 674581
📧 interiorpainter21@gmail.com
🌐 https://www.gandeinteriorpainting.com



A Step-by-Step Guide to Interior Painting

From Kitchen Cupboards to Full Room Makeovers

Interior painting is one of the simplest ways to breathe new life into your home. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen makeover, painting tired kitchen cupboards, or refreshing your living spaces, a professional finish makes all the difference.

At G&E Interior Painting, we offer reliable painting services across Portstewart, Coleraine, Portrush and the Causeway Coast. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process our experienced painters follow to ensure a flawless result—whether you’re hiring a house painter or going DIY.


Step 1: Choose Your Colours (and Get Expert Help)

Before you open a paint tin, it’s worth considering:

  • The mood of the room (light, bright, cosy or bold?)
  • How the space is used (kitchens need more durable finishes)
  • Existing furnishings and architectural features

Our colour consultation service can help you pick shades that suit your style and last for years to come. For example, the best paint for kitchen cupboards is durable, wipeable, and resistant to grease and moisture.


Step 2: Prepare the Space Properly

Preparation is key to achieving that high-end, bespoke kitchen or luxury living room look:

  • Move or cover furniture with dust sheets
  • Remove outlet covers, curtain poles, and wall décor
  • Fill cracks and holes, then sand smooth
  • Clean surfaces to remove dust, grime or cooking residue

This is especially important for kitchen refurb projects where grease can affect how paint adheres to surfaces.


Step 3: Protect Floors and Edges

  • Use painter’s tape for sharp edges around trim, cabinets, and skirting boards
  • Cover floors with drop cloths
  • Remove or mask off fixtures and handles

This is where professional painters really shine—attention to detail during prep leads to a premium finish.


Step 4: Prime as Needed

If you’re painting new plaster, covering dark colours, or working on wood surfaces (like kitchen cupboard painting), priming is essential for:

  • Better paint adhesion
  • Stain blocking
  • A longer-lasting result

Step 5: Cut In and Roll

Start by “cutting in” edges with a brush, then use a roller for walls or wide surfaces. For hand painted kitchens, this process is more refined—we use specialist brushes and primers for a perfectly smooth finish on cupboards and cabinets.

Two coats are typically needed, with drying time in between.


Step 6: Finishing Touches

After your final coat:

  • Remove tape carefully
  • Reattach switches and handles
  • Touch up any imperfections
Vivid teal interior walls with elegant white fireplace surround, featuring stylish teal and coral living room furniture, modern lamps, and Persian rug for a sophisticated home decor look.
Bright yellow armchair in modern living room with minimalist decor, stylish artwork, and wooden flooring, showcasing expert interior painting services in Portstewart.

From a quick refresh to a custom kitchen revamp, these finishing touches set the tone for your whole home.


Why Hire a Professional Painter?

Interior painting seems simple—but achieving a flawless, durable finish requires:

  • Knowledge of the best tools and materials
  • Careful preparation and protection of your home
  • Consistent, clean results without roller marks or brush streaks

Our painting and decorating service takes care of every detail—so you can sit back and enjoy the transformation.

Whether you want to update a bedroom, living room or explore the possibilities of hand painted kitchens, G&E Interior Painting offers a trusted local service backed by skill, care, and a passion for craftsmanship.


Ready to Start Your Kitchen or Home Makeover?

We specialise in kitchen cupboard painting, bespoke kitchen transformations, and full interior redecorating. If you’re based in Portstewart, Coleraine, Portrush or anywhere along the Causeway Coast, we’d love to help.

📍 Local, experienced painters
🎨 Tailored colour consultation
🛠️ Quality finish with trusted materials
🕒 Punctual, clean and reliable painting services


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