Sage green living room with coving painted by Dean Ongley

Careful preparation, outstanding finishes

Interior Painting, Surrey & Sussex

Every wall, ceiling and skirting board finished to a standard that lasts and looks outstanding.

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More than painting the walls

Interior decorating done properly means more than applying paint. Preparation - filling, sanding, priming - accounts for most of the difference between a finish that looks great for years and one that looks tired after twelve months.

Dean has been painting interiors professionally since 2001, working across everything from Victorian terraces with original cornicing to new build properties where the challenge is getting a clean, flat finish on fresh plaster.

Whether you want a single feature wall or a complete house repaint, Dean will quote the job honestly and carry it out personally - from the first sheet of dust-sheeting to the final cut-in.

  • Walls, ceilings and all woodwork
  • Skirting boards, dado rails and picture rails
  • Coving and cornicing - painted without losing detail
  • Period features treated with care
  • New build smooth plaster specialists
  • All major paint brands: Crown, F&B, Little Greene, Dulux, Johnstone's
Sage green living room with crisp white coving painted by Dean Ongley
Period living room, Surrey - all walls, coving and woodwork by Dean

Interior Work Gallery

Sage green living room wall with white door
Dark teal bedroom with bay window
Deep red dining room walls
Two-tone yellow and blue bedroom
Warm yellow ochre living room
Loft conversion apex window painted white
Extension with grey painted walls and bifold doors
Pink feature wall in living room
Two-tone teal and yellow living room walls

Common Questions

Do I need to move my furniture?

Dean will work around furniture where possible, moving and covering items as part of the job. For large pieces it helps to clear as much as you can, but Dean will guide you on what's practical when he visits to quote.

How many coats do you apply?

Typically two finish coats over appropriate primer or undercoat depending on the surface condition. Dean won't cut corners on coats to finish faster — the extra coat is always applied when the surface or colour calls for it.

Can you help choose colours?

Dean can offer practical guidance, especially on how colours behave in different lights. For complex colour schemes he'll recommend you look at large sample pots on the actual walls before committing.

Do you paint woodwork as well as walls?

Yes — skirting boards, architrave, door frames, window sills and doors are all included when specified. Woodwork is often the detail that makes the biggest difference to how a freshly painted room looks. Dean will quote for the full room or woodwork only, whichever you need.

What paint brands do you use?

Dean works with all the main trade and premium brands — Crown, Dulux Trade, Johnstone's, Little Greene, Farrow & Ball and others. The right product depends on the surface and the finish you want. Dean will recommend what's appropriate at the quote stage, not just the cheapest option.

How do you handle new plaster?

New plaster must dry fully before painting — typically four to six weeks for a standard skim. It's then sealed with a mist coat (heavily diluted emulsion) before finish coats are applied. Skipping this step causes the finish to peel. Dean will not rush a new plaster job.

Can you paint over wallpaper?

In most cases Dean will recommend removing existing wallpaper before painting rather than painting over it. Painting over paper traps moisture, causes edges to lift, and the joins always show through. If removal isn't possible, Dean will discuss the risks and best approach with you first.

How long does a room take?

A standard double bedroom typically takes one to two days including preparation, primer and two finish coats. Larger rooms or rooms with complex woodwork take longer. Dean will give you a realistic day-count at the quote stage so you can plan around it.