Watch the video and follow the steps below for instructions on how to prepare interior surfaces for painting.

Preparation is the key to a great result, and a little effort at the start goes a long way. Different surfaces require different approaches, but these instructions will help you understand how to paint plaster surfaces.

Preparing your surface

First, wash the surface you intend to paint with some sugar soap. If there is any mould present, you'll need to treat it with an anti-mould preparation.

Even new surfaces can have blemishes and scuffs, so check for hammer impressions, drill holes and cracks, and over-fill them with an interior filler. Let the filler dry, and then sand it off until the surface is smooth.

After you've finished sanding, don't forget to wipe away the excess dust before applying your undercoat.

Now you've prepared your surface, see Scott's top tips on how to paint interior surfaces.

Ladder dos and don'ts

When prepping and painting, it's likely that you'll need to use a ladder. Safety is the most important thing!

• Do set your ladder up on a flat surface
• Do wear suitable footwear
• Do position your ladder away from harm
• Don't use a ladder that is not at the correct height
• Don't set up your ladder further than an arm's length away from the surface
• Don't try to carry heavy objects up the ladder