When you're painting, working in a logical order speeds up the process and makes you less likely to damage your new paintwork by splashing or scuffing it. It's also worth following a few simple rules, such as always waiting until one stage is dry before moving on to the next, and never touching up an uneven finish before the recommended time for recoating - paint always looks patchy as it dries and a second coat is often needed to give the desired depth of colour.