Plan with confidence
Practical painting guides
Nine short guides to choosing colours, preparing surfaces and planning a painting project — including when you are away from your property.
Choosing a white that feels right
Warm, cool or somewhere between? Start with the light your room actually gets.
- Look at the direction of the windows and the light at different times of day.
- Compare warm and cool whites beside fixed materials such as flooring and stone.
- Paint sample areas and approve the colour and finish in the property.
A colour plan for your whole home
Connect rooms with a considered palette, and let a few details do the talking.
- Choose one main neutral and a small number of supporting colours.
- View adjoining rooms together rather than approving each colour separately.
- Record the colour reference, product and sheen for every surface.
Try a sample before you commit
Check a painted sample in morning, afternoon and evening light.
- Use the intended paint product when possible.
- Inspect a sample on more than one wall and at several times of day.
- Confirm your final choice on site; colours on screen may differ from the finished result.
The finish starts underneath
Condition, adhesion and repairs belong in the plan before colour goes on.
- Check the existing coating and identify loose or damaged areas.
- Discuss cleaning, sanding, repairs and primer where appropriate.
- Ask for the included preparation and any exclusions in writing.
Protection is part of the job
Identify floors, furniture, fittings and access routes before work begins.
- Identify furniture, floors and fixtures that need protection.
- Agree who clears personal items and moves furniture.
- Plan safe access routes and how the space can be used during work.
Outdoor surfaces need a closer look
Assess cracks, moisture and previous coatings before choosing a system.
- Inspect cracks, moisture, loose render and previous paint.
- Resolve underlying defects before selecting a coating.
- Allow for suitable weather and the product’s preparation and drying requirements.
Planning from abroad
Collect current photos, agree access and put the scope in writing.
- Provide recent photos and a room-by-room scope.
- Agree access, an authorised point of contact and how decisions will be recorded.
- Set expectations for progress photos, approvals and the final check.
What to include in a quote request
Location, surfaces, condition and timing make the starting conversation useful.
- Add the town, property type, approximate sizes and clear photos.
- Describe known issues and the surfaces you want included.
- Give a preferred timeframe without assuming availability is confirmed.
A final walkthrough that matters
Check the agreed surfaces and note any follow-up items together.
- Review the surfaces listed in the agreed scope.
- Check edges, fittings and the return of protected spaces.
- Record any remaining items and agree how they will be handled.
Tell us what needs painting
Tell us what you would like painted, the location and any known surface or access issues. We will discuss the next step with you.