There’s something oddly satisfying about opening a fresh can of paint. The smell, the clean slate, the idea that your space is about to transform — it feels a bit like the start of a new season. I felt that way the first time I decided to redo my lounge room walls. What I didn't expect was how much work had to happen before anything actually got painted.

That’s where most people stumble — we think about colours, finishes, maybe even mood boards. But prep? That part’s often underestimated. Whether you're planning to refresh a single room or tackle a full makeover, interior painting in Sydney isn’t just about choosing colours — it's about what happens before the first coat goes on. I'm talking about moving furniture, dealing with dodgy old walls, taping edges properly, and a few other things you might not think of until you’re knee-deep in dust.

So if you're living in a character-filled Federation cottage or a newer apartment with stark white walls, here’s how to properly prep your space for a job that actually looks finished.

Clear the space and protect the surfaces

Look, it might sound obvious, but clearing a room for painting isn’t just about shifting the sofa a few feet to the left. You’ve got to treat the space like a work zone. That means prepping it like a tradie would.

Things I now do before I paint:

• Remove everything from the walls, including tiny hooks and picture nails

• Stack lightweight furniture in the hallway (if you’ve got the room)

• Cover floors with proper drop sheets — not just old bed sheets

• Mask window frames and switches with painter’s tape — go wider than you think

One time, I figured a quick towel under the skirting boards would do. Let’s just say that the towel still has specks of navy paint, and the carpet wasn’t thrilled either.

The small effort it takes to prep properly can save you hours of cleaning (or worse — replacing things) after the fact.

Prep the walls for better adhesion

Walls are sneaky. They can look fine, but still, mess with your paint job. Over time, dust, grease, or even just wear and tear can prevent paint from bonding the way it should.

Before you even think about primer:

• Clean everything down with a sugar soap mix (get the top corners too)

• Fill small holes with a flexible filler — something that sands well

• Sand any glossy or flaky bits until smooth

• Wipe over again with a damp cloth to get rid of dust

There’s a moment where you might feel like you're doing too much. I’ve been there, mid-sanding, wondering if any of this even matters. But when the first coat glides on smoothly and dries evenly, it suddenly does.

Understand the importance of licensing and local rules

If you're working with a pro — and honestly, for big jobs, it’s worth considering — knowing the basic rules around qualifications helps.

NSW has clear expectations for who can legally carry out residential painting work. Most people don’t realise that painting contractor licence rules apply to jobs that involve more than minor touch-ups or cosmetic work. This isn’t just bureaucracy for the sake of it — it’s how the industry maintains quality and accountability.

Licensed contractors are more likely to follow safety measures, use proper prep methods, and ensure the job lasts. They’ve also got insurance — a fact you’ll care about more than you think, especially if anything goes wrong down the track.

Whether you’re painting one room or five, understanding how licensing fits into the process gives you a bit more control over who you're letting into your home and what kind of results to expect.

Choose your paint with care — finish matters as much as colour

Here’s something I learned too late: a colour sample on the wall can lie. Or at least, mislead. It looks different depending on the time of day, finish, and even what’s outside your windows.

I ended up repainting a bedroom because what looked like soft grey turned into bluish concrete at night. Frustrating — but also, avoidable.

Finish plays a big role:

• Matte is great at hiding wall flaws, but it's harder to clean

• Satin has a soft sheen and is perfect for living areas

• Gloss? Bold choice — good for trim, but unforgiving on walls

More recently, I’ve leaned toward eco-friendly paint options when updating spaces. These paints tend to have lower chemical fumes and are less taxing on indoor air quality. It’s a small choice that feels better long-term, especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or just want fewer headaches (literally and figuratively).

Plan around your space’s size and natural light

Not every room is blessed with big windows and ideal proportions. In fact, most homes in Sydney have at least one awkwardly shaped or dimly lit space that refuses to cooperate.

Colour and light work together in weird ways. A warm white might glow beautifully in the kitchen but turn beige in the bathroom. A bold feature wall might shrink a space instead of making it pop. I’ve learned (after a few wrong turns) that it’s all about trial, error, and observation.

What helped me get it right last time was rethinking how light travels through each space and picking tones that support it. I leaned on some straightforward thinking around how to choose interior paint, particularly ideas about tone variation, ceiling colour contrast, and where sunlight hits throughout the day.

You don’t need an interior designer to figure it out. Just a bit of awareness — and maybe standing in each room with a coffee and staring at the walls as they’ve offended you.

Final thoughts: Prepping makes painting easier

Painting’s one of those tasks that seem simple from the outside. Buy some paint, grab a brush, throw on some old clothes — done, right? Not quite.

I’ve done both — painted with prep and without. One version leads to clean lines, no weird streaks, and a finish that lasts. The other? Well, let’s just say there’s still a spot behind the door I’ve been meaning to fix.”

And frankly, a job done well now means you won’t be repainting again anytime soon, which is always a win in my book.