How to paint a feature wall

Make sure you have everything you need to complete your feature wall.

Start by preparing your chosen wall. Move all furniture away from the wall and remove any pictures or fixtures. Grab some filler and fill any holes or cracks.

Now take your sanding block and give those patched areas a light sand. Any lumps or bumps will show up, especially with darker paint colours, so make sure you get them nice and smooth. Be sure to wear your dust mask while you're sanding. 

Grab a brush and wipe away any dust on the wall and skirting boards.

As a final step in preparing your wall, give it a good wash down with sugar soap to remove any dust, dirt or grime. 

You don't want paint ending up in places it shouldn't be. Apply masking tape to the skirting boards and architraves, as well as any power sockets. Lay a drop sheet on the floor to catch any spills or drips.

Using your chosen colour, start by "cutting in" around the corners and edges with a paintbrush.

Once you've cut in around the edges, use a paint roller to paint the surface in a series of long parallel strokes from top to bottom. Work from one side to the other, keeping a wet edge and blending each line of paint in with the previous one. This ensures the paint is evenly spread and helps to create a professional look. Once you've covered the whole wall, leave it to dry.

Once the first coat of paint has dried, repeat the cutting in and rolling for the second coat of paint. Remove the masking tape carefully before the paint is completely dry.