Prepare the area
Source Ideas Magazine May 2009 www.ideasmag.co.za

Remove all furniture
Items that are to large or heavy to remove from the room can be covered with drop sheets, which are available from Duraline. Make sure everything is covered securely and tape the sheets to the furniture with masking tape to ensure they don't shift or come off while you work.

Clear the wall of all decorations
Place small items, such as screws, hooks and light switch and wall-plug covers in one container to keep everything together and prevent them from getting lost.

Cover the floor
Cover the entire floor with old newspapers or drop sheets.

Wash off mold and grease
It is always a good idea to wash down the walls thoroughly, using a sugar soap solution. Paint will not adhere to greasy areas and dark marks will remain visible when painted over with a light colour. After washing the walls, let them dry completely before you start painting.

Repair cracks with crack filler
Ensure that you use the correct type of crack filler - there are different ones for indoor and outdoor use. Apply the crack filler with a spatula, leave to dry completely, then sand lightly to remove ridges and create a neat smooth finish. Use a dry paintbrush to wipe away dust.

Scrape off chipping or bubbling paint
If there is paint on the walls that is chipping or bubbling, scrape it off, sand lightly and wipe down with a dry paintbrush before painting.

Mask off areas that should be painted
Cover everything that you do not want to paint - skirting boards, window frames, door frames and everything that cannot be unscrewed or removed - to prevent smudges.

Keep materials within easy reach
Carry everything into the center of the room. That way you will not have to stop what you are doing to go fetch a cloth or find a screwdriver with which to open a can of paint.