Always use a good quality paintbrush and work the bristles with your fingers or against a wall to remove dust and any remaining loose bristles. Poor quality brushes often have bristles that can break off during use. Be careful not to overload the brush with paint. The best technique is to dip your brush into the paint about one-third of the length of the bristles, then wipe the excess on the rim of the can to prevent drips.

Apply the paint in vertical and horizontal strokes then spread it at right angles for even coverage. Finish with light upward strokes over the entire surface to reduce brush marks.

A paint roller will cover larger areas with ease. Always choose a good quality roller with the correct sleeve for the job. If you are painting a wall or ceiling use a brush first to paint around the edges. Tip the paint into the roller tray reservoir and dip the sleeve lightly into the paint, then roll onto the ribbed part of the tray to coat evenly. Apply the paint in all directions until the surface is covered. Do not roll too fast or leave the surface with the sleeve spinning as this will cause spray. Finish by lightly rolling over the complete surface in one direction for a uniform finish.

Similar to the paint roller, a paint pad is a useful alternative to a brush, particularly when using emulsion. Load the pad with paint from a tray and sweep in any direction until the surface is covered. Finish with long strokes in one direction to remove any thin lines of paint that may remain.

TRADE TIP: When painting large areas, work in vertical strips of about a metre and paint ceilings before walls, leaving doors, skirting boards and windows until last.