Interiors

House painting guide: colour, primer, coats and the right sequence

Why primer is essential, how many coats you need, when to choose washable paint, plus colour selection and professional application steps.

· Demgirişim

Paint is the most visible and the last step of a renovation, and every flaw underneath it shows through. A good paint job is not just colour choice; it is surface preparation, primer, the right paint type and the correct sequence. This guide answers the common questions in order.

How should the surface be prepared?

  • Blistered and flaking areas of old paint are scraped back
  • Cracks and holes are filled and sanded
  • If there is damp or mould, the source must be resolved before painting (see damp and mould on walls)
  • The surface is cleaned of dust
  • Satin gypsum is applied where needed

Paint applied to an unprepared surface blisters and flakes within a short time, wasting both labour and material.

Why is primer essential?

Primer creates the bond between the surface and the paint. By evening out absorbency it makes the paint appear the same shade everywhere, improves adhesion and reduces topcoat consumption. It should never be skipped on new satin gypsum or when changing colour.

Which paint type goes where?

Paint typePropertySuitable rooms
Matt emulsionEconomical, not washableCeilings, low-use rooms
Washable (semi-matt/silk)Stain resistant, wipeableLiving room, children’s room, hallway
Antibacterial / moisture resistantResists mould and dampBathroom, kitchen
Ceiling paintHigh opacity, low splatterCeilings
Exterior paintUV and water resistantFacades, balconies

Steam and grease in kitchens and humidity in bathrooms will stain standard emulsion quickly; specialist formulations are preferable in these rooms.

Choosing colours

  • Light: north-facing rooms get cool light, so warm tones balance them. South-facing rooms suit light, neutral shades.
  • Room size: light shades open a space up; dark tones work as an accent on a single wall.
  • Samples: a colour card never matches the wall exactly — brush a test patch and look at it at different times of day.
  • Consistency: using tones from the same family in adjoining rooms softens the transitions.
  • Floor and furniture: parquet colour and large furniture should be considered alongside the wall colour.

The correct sequence

  1. Furniture and floors are protected
  2. Surface preparation and filling
  3. Primer
  4. Ceiling paint
  5. First wall coat
  6. Second wall coat
  7. Cutting in around doors, windows and skirtings
  8. Switch and socket plates refitted, cleaning

Painting is planned after drywall and electrical fitting, and before parquet is laid; only touch-ups follow the flooring.

What determines the cost?

Surface area, ceiling height, how much preparation is needed (filler, satin gypsum), paint type and brand, number of colours and number of coats. Going from a dark colour to a light one may require an extra coat.

Demgirişim carries out painting complete with surface preparation and primer, and cleans and reinstates protected areas at handover.

Frequently asked questions

Is primer really necessary before painting?

Yes. Primer evens out the surface's absorbency and helps the paint bond. Without it the paint looks patchy and needs more coats.

How many coats of paint are needed?

Two topcoats over primer is standard. Going from a dark colour to a light one, or using a low-opacity colour, may require an extra coat.

When is painting done during a renovation?

After drywall, satin gypsum and the fitting of switches and sockets — and before the floor is laid, or with the floor protected. Final touch-ups come once all works are finished.

Free Consultation

The initial consultation and written quote for Painting are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.

Let's talk about your project.