By Insider Write Team | December 23, 2025

If you want your paint job to look great and actually last, you’ve got to prep your walls right. So many painting headaches like peeling, bubbling, weird patchy colours etc happen because someone skipped a few steps. If you’re in Cheltenham and you want to avoid all that, it pays to know what you’re doing from the start, and hiring the right decorator in Cheltenham to begin with.

1. Start by giving your walls a good look. Check for cracks, holes, or any rough bits of plaster. Lots of older Cheltenham homes have their quirks such as uneven surfaces or tiny structural issues. Catching these early means you can fix them properly before you even think about painting.

2. Next, get those walls clean. Dust, grease, fingerprints etc get rid of it all. Even a little dirt can mess with how paint sticks. A wash with some mild detergent and a rinse with clean water works wonders. You want the wall totally clean and dry before you move on.

3. Now, tackle any cracks and holes. Small ones? Fill them with filler or a bit of plaster, then sand them down so they’re level with the wall. If you find bigger issues, you might need a patch or even a pro’s help. Either way, you’re aiming for a smooth, flat surface.

4. After that, sand the whole wall. Don’t just focus on patched spots wtc go over everything. This gets rid of rough patches and strips off any loose old paint. Fine sandpaper gives you the smoothest finish, and smooth is what you want. It makes painting so much easier, and your finished wall looks way better.

5. Time for primer or undercoat. This step matters, especially if you’ve just repaired bits, have fresh plaster, or are covering up dark colours. Primer helps paint stick and keeps stains from showing through. Don’t skip it, especially on tricky spots.

6. Before you grab your roller, protect the room. Cover your floors, skirting boards, and furniture with drop cloths. Use painter’s tape for sharp edges. This saves you a ton of cleaning later and keeps everything looking neat.

One last thing - give your walls a final check. Make sure you didn’t miss any dents or dust. The better your prep, the less likely you’ll need to go back and fix things once the paint’s up.

Conclusion

Getting the walls ready takes a bit of time, but you’ll see the difference once the job’s done. In Cheltenham, where homes often have a bit of character (and sometimes, a few surprises hidden in the plaster!), it’s worth doing things right. And if you ever feel stuck, pros like Home Renovation Experts are always there to help out or give advice and send out a decorator in Cheltenham.