Before painting ensure you've located and fixed the source of the leak and allow the area affected to dry completely. Addressing the root cause is crucial to prevent future water stains.

Step 1 - Use a scraper to remove any loose, flaking paint affected by the leak. Rake out any cracks, and feather any paint edges with a fine grade sandpaper to make smooth.

Step 2 - Remove all visible signs of organic growth, treat the stained areas with Mould Killer if necessary and clean thoroughly using warm water and detergent. Allow to dry.

Step 3 - Make any necessary repairs. Fill any cracks and small surface defects with a suitable plaster filler. If the old paint has been stripped back to bare plaster in patches, a fine surface filler can be used to even the surface before painting. Allow all fillers to dry fully, before sanding smooth and removing any surface dust.

Step 4 - Once the surface has been fully prepared, patch prime stained areas with one coat of stain-block primer such as Zinsser B-I-N®, or Zinsser Cover Stain to seal them and prevent the stains from bleeding through. Once dry sand smooth.

Step 5 - Apply one full coat of the same primer to all areas to be decorated to even out the surface ready for top coating.

Step 6 - Apply two full coats of a high quality or moisture resistant ceiling paint for kitchen and bathrooms, allowing adequate drying time between coats. Follow the paint manufacturers instructions for application.

Tip: Alternatively you could use an all-in-one stain block and finish paint such as Dulux Stain Block Matt to make the process a little easier.

Additional Tips:

Professional help - If you are unsure about the painting process, consider hiring a professional decorator. They have the experience and tools to handle the job effectively.

Important considerations:

Safety - Always wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and eye protection when working with mould and cleaning solutions.

Ventilation - Ensure proper ventilation during the cleaning and painting process.