By If you’ve been scrolling Pinterest boards, falling in love with moody feature walls or crisp white trims, you might be tempted to pick up a paintbrush and transform your home. And while painting looks easy in a 30-second TikTok, it’s one of those projects that needs the right prep, patience, and tools to pull off a professional finish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to nail interior painting in Melbourne, the tools to invest in, cost estimates, and when it might be worth calling in professional painters in Melbourne who offer interior house painting services. Let’s dive in.
Before You Start: Prep Like a Pro
Before you even open a paint tin, take a moment to prep your space and plan your approach. Clear the room or move furniture to the centre and cover it with drop sheets. Tape around trims, light switches, and door frames. Check walls for cracks or peeling paint and patch these up with filler, sanding them smooth.
Remember — interior painting requires more detail than exterior painting. While exterior walls need durability to withstand weather, interior walls are seen up close and in different lighting conditions. Any uneven brush strokes, missed spots, or roller marks will stand out.
Interior vs Exterior Painting: Why the Difference Matters
Painting the outside of your home is all about long-lasting protection against sun, rain, and wind. That means fewer fine details and more focus on weather-resistant paint.
Interior painting, on the other hand, is detail-oriented. You’re dealing with skirting boards, architraves, tight corners, and colour consistency across walls that are under constant visual scrutiny. That’s why the right tools matter even more inside.
Essential Tools for Interior Painting
If you want that “just-hired-the-pros” look, here’s the tool checklist you’ll need — plus why each item is worth it.
- Quality Paintbrushes – Invest in a good set (angled and flat) for cutting in edges, trims, and corners. Cheap brushes can shed bristles and leave streaks.
- Rollers & Roller Frames – Choose a microfibre or foam roller depending on your wall texture. A longer nap suits textured walls, while a shorter nap gives smooth finishes.
- Extension Pole – Avoid standing on ladders all day. A sturdy pole makes reaching ceilings and tall walls safer and easier.
- Painter’s Tape – Essential for crisp, clean lines. Don’t skimp — a high-quality tape peels off cleanly without pulling up fresh paint.
- Drop Sheets – Canvas drop sheets are best; they don’t slide around like plastic ones.
- Paint Tray & Liners – Tray liners make clean-up a breeze and help you swap colours quickly.
- Sanding Block – Smooths patched areas and helps paint stick better.
- Filler & Putty Knife – Fixes dents, holes, and cracks before painting.
- Step Ladder – A stable, lightweight ladder is a must for reaching tricky spots.
- Bucket & Stirring Stick – Keep paint mixed for even colour distribution.
Cost Breakdown: Painting Tools in Australia
Prices vary depending on quality, but here’s a rough average if you’re starting from scratch:
- Quality brush set: $25–$50
- Roller & frame: $15–$30
- Extension pole: $20–$40
- Painter’s tape: $8–$15 per roll
- Drop sheets: $20–$40 each
- Paint tray & liners: $10–$20
- Sanding block: $5–$10
- Filler & putty knife: $10–$15
- Step ladder: $50–$100
If you already have some items, your cost will be lower. On average, expect to spend $150–$300 on tools for a complete DIY kit for interior painting in Melbourne.
DIY vs Hiring Professionals
DIY interior painting can save you money, but it’s time-consuming and requires patience. If you have multiple rooms to paint, high ceilings, or decorative trims, hiring professional painters in Melbourne can be worth the investment. They’ll have commercial-grade tools, years of experience, and the ability to finish a job in a fraction of the time.
When to Consider Hiring Painting Services
If your walls need extensive prep work, if you’re short on time, or if you want a flawless, even finish for a tricky colour, calling in house painting services can be a smart choice. This is especially true for feature walls, stairwells, or rooms with ornate detailing where precision is key.
Wrapping Up Your Interior Painting Project
Painting your home’s interior can be a deeply satisfying DIY project when you have the right tools and prep in place. Whether you go all-in on rollers and drop sheets or decide to hand the job over to professional painters in Melbourne, the key is knowing your limits and working smart. And if you find yourself staring at your Pinterest board instead of your half-finished wall — it might be time to get in touch with house painting services that can bring your vision to life. With the right gear, good lighting, and a little patience, interior painting in Melbourne can transform your space into something you’re proud to call home.