Whether it’s a complete colour overhaul, extravagant patterns or simple touch-ups, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in transforming any room around the house. 

What’s better, is that painting is the kind of household task that most people can tackle themselves with some fairly basic-level skills. 

Below, we’ve detailed a few of the most popular painting techniques you can use around the house, ranging from super simple methods to more complex approaches for anyone wanting to test their DIY skills, and some key pointers for each. 

Stencilling

For those wanting to create a statement look, perhaps for a feature wall or a child’s nursery, stencilling is an effective and simple way to integrate intricate patterns. 

Stencils, which are usually cut from plastic and can be created in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a great, versatile option that can be used by beginners and seasoned decorators alike. 

Colour drenching

Colour drenching is a popular choice for those wanting to create a cohesive look across the entirety of a room. The process involves applying a single colour, or similar shades, to all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, woodworks and furnishings. 

While similar colours are used in colour drenching, it’s important you use the right kind of paint for each different surface, for example, using emulsion for walls and an oil-based paint for skirting boards. 

Protective painting

Of course, painting isn’t always solely decorative. Exterior paint, or masonry paint, can be used to refresh the outside of the home while preserving the finish. Fences, sheds and garden furniture are often painted for visual appeal while also acting as a protective layer against the elements. 

Another example of paint being used for both practical and aesthetic purposes is damp-proof paint in a bathroom, kitchen or garage. Similarly, anti-mould paint can be a useful preventative measure in rooms where dampness and condensation are present. 

Rag rolling

If you’re looking to create a more textured, almost marble-like finish, then you may want to try your hand at rag rolling. This involves painting a wall with a base layer, then adding a glaze which you gently wipe away with a crumpled rag to create a mottled or textured pattern. 

While there might be a bit of trial and error involved with this approach, rag rolling is appealing as the end result doesn’t need to look ‘perfect’, and it’s also a handy way of covering a wall’s imperfections. 

Half-painted walls

Half-painted walls are an easy way to create a statement look in a room, building a sense of contrast that can be as subtle, or dramatic, as you choose. 

Use a spirit level or laser guide to mark your wall evenly and apply painter’s masking tape to ensure a crisp edge where each colour meets. Fitting a dado rail along this line can be an impactful way of emphasising the split between colours. 

Stippling 

A slightly more advanced, but still definitely achievable, technique, stippling relies on creating small dots using a specialist brush to build a strong, textured look that adds depth to a room.

To do this, you’ll apply a glaze over a base layer, before using your brush to apply and remove paint to gradually build up texture.

Colour washing

Colour washing sees multiple, thin layers of glaze applied over a solid base coat to create a translucent blend of colours, achieving a watercolour-like effect. 

This is another method that is perfect for adding extra texture and complexity to a room, and can be carried out with both brushes and sponges, depending on the effect you’re hoping to achieve. 

Doing painting jobs around the house is a great way of saving both time and money. If you want to develop your skills a little further, then an introductory painting and decorating course can be a worthwhile investment, equipping you with valuable lifelong foundation skills taught by a time-served expert in the field. For more information on all of our painting and decorating courses, click here.