Prep and Application for a Luxury Paint Finish

The finish is 80% prep

Most paint jobs fail in the prep stage. The colour gets blamed, but the real issue is the surface underneath. If you want the Farrow & Ball look with a dupe, prep is non-negotiable.

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is consistency: a smooth, stable surface that lets the paint behave as intended. This guide gives you the exact prep and application process to get a premium finish on walls, trim, and ceilings.

Step 1: Diagnose your surfaces before you paint

Start by inspecting the surfaces under side light (a lamp held close to the wall). You’re looking for cracks, ridges, flaking paint, nail pops, and uneven patches.

Ignore these issues and the final finish will look uneven no matter what paint you use.

Step 2: Clean and degloss

Paint sticks to clean, matte surfaces. It fails on grease, dust, and gloss.

• Wash walls with sugar soap or a mild degreaser.
• Rinse and allow to dry fully.
• Lightly sand glossy or satin surfaces to dull the sheen.

This is especially important in kitchens and hallways. If you skip deglossing, your new paint can peel even if the colour is perfect.

Step 3: Fill, sand, and feather

The paint finish only looks as smooth as the surface underneath it. Fill everything, sand it smooth, then feather the edges so you can’t see the patch.

1. Fill dents and cracks.
2. Sand with fine grit once dry.
3. Feather the edges to blend the patch.
4. Remove dust before painting.

This is where the “luxury” part happens. A smooth wall makes even a budget paint look premium. A rough wall makes even a premium paint look cheap.

Step 4: Prime where it matters

You don’t always need a full primer coat, but you always need it in the right places.

If you’re unsure, prime. It prevents flashing (patches showing through) and gives a more uniform finish.

Step 5: Choose the right finish for the surface

Finish affects not only durability but how prep flaws show up. The higher the sheen, the more surface defects you’ll see.

Use matt on walls with imperfections, eggshell for a balance of durability and softness, and satin/gloss only on well-prepped woodwork. The finish cheat sheet breaks this down clearly.

Step 6: Cut in cleanly before rolling

Cutting in is where most amateur paint jobs look messy. Take your time and keep the brush edge wet so you don’t leave ridges.

• Use a high-quality angled brush.
• Work in 60–90cm sections.
• Feather the edge so it blends with the roller.

If you struggle, use painter’s tape — but remove it while the paint is still slightly tacky to avoid tearing.

Step 7: Roll in a consistent pattern

Rolling technique matters more than people think. Inconsistent pressure or random rolling creates texture differences and sheen variation.

This is what prevents lap marks and patchy sheen.

Step 8: Respect drying and recoat times

Most repainting regrets are caused by rushing. Paint needs time to dry and cure. If you apply a second coat too soon, you trap moisture and risk peeling or dull patches.

Always follow the tin instructions. When in doubt, wait longer. It’s faster than repainting an entire wall.

Step 9: Test your colour properly before committing

Prep can’t fix the wrong colour. Use the testing guide to confirm behaviour before you buy full tins. This saves more money than any discount.

Step 10: Apply the “one room at a time” rule

To avoid mismatched batches or rushed work, finish one room fully before moving to the next. This also gives you a chance to confirm the colour behaves as expected in real life.

If you’re using dupes, start with the most important room first. Use the best dupes list to keep the risk low.

The reality check

A luxury finish is earned. Prep properly, use the right finish, apply carefully, and let the paint do its job. That’s how you get a premium result with any brand.

Combine this with the Farrow & Ball look guide to spend where it matters and save where it doesn’t.