How to Paint a Room Yourself: Step-by-Step Guide for HDB Flats
Clear and cover the room, fill and sand holes, mask edges, cut in with a brush along the ceiling and corners, roll the walls in sections, wait about 2 hours (check the tin), then apply a second coat. A typical HDB bedroom takes one person a full day including prep and two coats, and about 4 to 5.5 litres of paint.
What you need
- Paint (see how much paint you need) and ceiling paint if doing the ceiling
- 9-inch roller with medium-nap sleeve, tray, extension pole
- 2-inch angled brush for cutting in
- Painter’s tape, dropsheets or plastic, and old towels
- Filler, putty knife and fine sandpaper
- Stepladder, rags, and a screwdriver for switch plates
Step by step
- Clear the room. Move furniture to the centre and cover it. Cover the floor.
- Remove or mask fittings. Unscrew switch plates if you’re comfortable doing so, or mask them carefully.
- Repair the walls. Fill holes and hairline cracks, let dry, sand smooth, and wipe away dust.
- Spot-seal patches and stains so they don’t show through. See sealer guide.
- Paint the ceiling first, if you’re doing it, so drips don’t land on fresh walls.
- Cut in. Brush a 5 to 8 cm band along the ceiling line, corners, skirting, doors and windows.
- Roll the walls. Work in 1 m wide sections in a W pattern, then fill in with straight vertical strokes. Keep a wet edge.
- Wait for the recoat time. Many water-based interior paints can be recoated after about 2 hours at 30°C. Check your tin.
- Second coat. Repeat cutting in and rolling.
- Remove tape while the last coat is slightly soft, pulling at a low angle for crisp lines.
Tips for a professional-looking finish
- Don’t overload the roller. Drips and roller marks come from too much paint
- Paint one full wall at a time, corner to corner, to avoid lap marks
- Good light helps you spot missed areas
- Keep windows open and avoid painting in strong direct sun on the wall
Common mistakes
- Skipping prep. Paint doesn’t hide holes or cracks
- One thick coat instead of two thin ones
- Recoating before the first coat is dry
- Painting over mould. See removing mould
HDB rules to remember
Renovation works, including painting, should follow HDB’s renovation hours, and not on Sundays or public holidays. Don’t paint the corridor or common areas. See HDB painting rules.
DIY or hire a painter?
DIY suits one room. For a whole flat, a team of painters finishes in 2 to 3 days with cleaner edges, and a bedroom typically costs only $150 to $350 to have done. Compare quotes before you decide.
FAQ
How long should I wait between coats of paint?
For many water-based interior paints, about 2 hours at 30°C. Always check the tin or data sheet.
Should I paint the ceiling or walls first?
Ceiling first, then walls.
Do I need to sand walls before painting?
Lightly sand filled patches and rough spots. Full sanding is usually only needed on glossy or uneven surfaces.
