Spring is here, bringing longer days, warmer weather and the perfect excuse to tackle those painting and renovation jobs that have been sitting on the to-do list all winter.

Whether you're refreshing a room, reviving the deck, repainting the fence or getting the exterior of your home ready for summer, a little planning can make a big difference.

Before you reach for the paint tin, work through our ultimate spring painting and renovation checklist to help get your project off to the right start.

1. Start With a Spring Inspection

Before painting or renovating, take a good look around your home and identify the areas that need attention.

Winter weather can be tough on exterior surfaces, so check for:

• Peeling or flaking paint
• Cracks and gaps
• Mould, moss or lichen
• Weathered timber
• Damaged or deteriorated sealant
• Dirt and grime build-up
• Scratches or damaged interior walls
• Areas that need filling or sanding

Knowing what needs to be repaired before you start will help you choose the right materials and tools — and hopefully avoid any surprises halfway through the project.

2. Clean Before You Paint

Paint performs best on a properly prepared surface, so don't paint straight over winter dirt, dust, moss or grime.

For exterior projects, make sure surfaces are clean and dry before coating.

If a corrugated iron roof is on your spring maintenance list, the Haydn Corrugated PVC Roof Brush is shaped to fit corrugated surfaces and is designed for cleaning before coating.

For more stubborn moss and lichen, the Haydn Corrugated Roof Wire Brush provides tougher bristles for surface preparation.

Both options include an extension pole to help with access.

Safety first: Roof work involves significant fall risks. Use suitable safety equipment and access methods, so bring in a qualified professional when required.

3. Repair Cracks, Holes and Gaps

Found a few cracks during your inspection?

Now is the time to fix them.

Check around:

• Windows
• Door frames
• Skirting boards
• Mouldings
• Eaves
• Corners
• GIB
• Exterior trim

Use a flexible blade scraper, like the Haydn Pro-Edge, for easier handling when applying compound into cracks.

Make sure you choose the right compound for the surface and application. Consider whether the repair is indoors or outdoors, as not all fillers are weatherproof. Using the correct product will help properly seal gaps and prevent water ingress and mould issues.

4. Sand It Smooth

Don't underestimate the sanding stage.

Sanding can help remove old coatings, smooth rough edges and prepare repaired areas before your first coat of paint.

The right grit will depend on your surface and what you're trying to achieve.

• 80 grit – Coarse: For extra-rough surfaces
• 150 grit – Medium: For removing previous coatings and smoothing rough edges
• 220 grit – Fine: For finer preparation and finishing

Once you've finished sanding, remove dust thoroughly before moving on.

5. Protect First, Paint Second

One of the easiest ways to make a renovation more stressful is to skip surface protection.

Before the tools, paint and building materials come out, protect the areas you want to keep clean.

Protect hard floors
Haydn Floor Armour provides heavy-duty temporary protection against paint, water, mud and general renovation mess. It lays flat, is water resistant and breathable, and is designed to handle heavy foot traffic.

Protect carpets
Haydn Carpet Armour Home Edition is a self-adhering film designed to protect carpets from spills, dirt and foot traffic during renovations, painting and home projects.

Protect windows
Windows and glass doors can quickly become covered in paint splatter, plaster or renovation grime. Haydn Window Armour is a self-adhesive protective film designed to shield glass from stains, spills, dirt and scratches during painting and renovation work.

A few minutes spent protecting surfaces before starting could save a lot of clean-ups later.

6. Mask the Areas You Don't Want Painted

For crisp paint lines and easier clean-up, mask before you paint.

Protect trims, skirting boards, windows, doors and nearby surfaces with the right masking products. Use Haydn Pre-Taped Masking Film for quick coverage, Haydn Masking Film for larger areas and furniture, and Haydn Masking Paper with painter’s tape for smaller or detailed areas.

Tip: Choose a masking tape suited to the surface and conditions, especially outdoors or on delicate finishes.

7. Choose the Right Roller for the Surface

Not all walls are the same — and neither are roller sleeves. The surface texture is one of the main things to consider when choosing your roller nap.

For example:

Super-smooth surfaces
A shorter nap such as the Haydn Trade Microfibre 4mm Super Smooth Roller Sleeve can be ideal for smooth surfaces where you're looking for a fine finish.

Smooth surfaces
The Haydn Trade Microfibre 6mm Smooth Roller Sleeve is suited to surfaces including walls, ceilings, GIB, plaster and hardboard.

Semi-rough or imperfect surfaces
A longer nap, such as a Haydn Trade Microfibre Semi-Rough Roller Sleeve, can work better on textured plaster and imperfect walls and ceilings.

And for trims, smaller walls, narrow spaces or touch-ups, a Haydn 110mm Mini Trade Microfibre Roller Kit gives you a compact option for those harder-to-reach areas.

The key is simple: match the roller sleeve to your surface and coating.

8. Give the Fence Some Attention

After a wet winter, the fence might be ready for some TLC.

Before applying paint or stain, check the timber condition, clean the surface and complete any required sanding or repairs.

When it's time to paint, the Haydn Fence Paint Brush is designed specifically for exterior fence painting and is available in multiple sizes from 25mm to 100mm.

Choosing the right brush size can make it easier to handle everything from smaller details to larger sections of fencing.

9. Get the Deck Ready for Summer

Spring is also the ideal time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining.

If your deck is looking tired, inspect it for weathering, clean it properly and carry out any required preparation before applying your chosen stain or oil.

The Haydn Deck & Stain Brush 175mm is designed for staining and oiling decks and includes an extendable pole, helping you cover larger areas without spending the whole project bent over.

A properly prepared and refreshed deck can completely change the look of your outdoor area just in time for summer.

Your Spring Project Checklist

Before getting started, make sure you can tick off the following:

• Inspect surfaces for winter damage
• Clean dirt, grime, moss and lichen
• Repair cracks, holes and gaps
• Sand surfaces where required
• Remove sanding dust
• Protect carpets and hard floors
• Protect windows and glass
• Mask trims, edges and surrounding surfaces
• Choose the correct tools for each project
• Check your paint or coating requirements
• Check the weather before exterior work
• Have the right safety equipment ready
• Allow adequate drying time between stages
• Clean your tools properly when you're finished

Ready for Your Next Spring Project?

Good preparation and the right tools can make every spring painting or renovation project run more smoothly. Haydn has you covered with surface preparation, protection, masking, brushes, rollers and specialist painting tools for jobs around the home. Make the most of the longer days and get your next project underway.

Explore the Haydn range and find the right tools for the job