i changed my brake rotors and the pads last night, and also repainted the calipers etc (which involved removing them) and i now have no brakes. Does that mean i need to bleed them? if so how do i do it and in what order?

You WILL have to bleed them as you took them off. You will need a litre of brake fluid, a friend to help, a small jar or plastic container (clean) and maybe a piece of plastic tube to put over the bleeder nipples.
You will need to fill the reservoir and start bleeding the brakes starting at the left hand rear, then the r/h rear, the front l/h and then the front right hand. you will need to make sure that all the air is out of the system.

If you are still unsure, buy yourself a workshop manual. The manuals usually give you a detailed step by step guide.

just downloaded the workshop manual then, and ive got it printed out ready to go once im finished doing the rears, ive got the brake fluid etc. so should be all good. will get my dad to give me a hand, hes an ex mechanic but hes been busy lately so havent had a chance to ask him about it.