If I was to chop a tree down and I only had an hour to do it I would spend 45mins sharpening my axe. The same is said for painting and decorating. Preparation is probably 80% of it all and proper wall preparation is the cornerstone of a successful painting project. Skipping or rushing through this step can lead to a less-than-perfect finish and wasted time and money. To help you get it right, here’s
The Dos
Clean the Walls Thoroughly
Dirt, grease, and grime can prevent paint from adhering properly and can also come through the paint when it dries as almost all wall paints are waterbased. Sugar soap is good but any mild detergent like washing up liquid in warm water will do it.
Let the walls dry completely before proceeding.
Repair Any Damage
Inspect your walls carefully for holes, cracks, or dents. Use filler to patch up these imperfections, and smooth them out with a putty knife. Make sure to fill the holes proud or flat, never under fill.
Once the filler dries, sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s flush with the surrounding wall. Don’t forget to wipe away the dust with a damp cloth.
Sand Glossy Surfaces
If your walls have a glossy finish, lightly sand or scuff them to create a surface that new paint can adhere to. Use medium-grit sandpaper and work in circular motions, 120 grit will surfice. This step is particularly important for previously painted woodwork.
Prime the Walls
Primer helps create an even base for the paint, ensuring better coverage and durability. It’s especially important if you’re painting over a dark or bold color, a stained surface, or newly repaired areas. Use a high-quality primer that matches your paint type (water-based or oil-based).
Protect Your Space
Use painter’s tape to mask off areas like trim, windows, and outlets. Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect floors and furniture from drips and splatters. Take the time to ensure everything is securely covered before you start painting. You will be surprised where paint can get and that one area you dont cover.
The Don’ts
Don’t Skip Cleaning
Even if your walls look clean, they might still have invisible layers of dust or grease. Skipping this step can result in uneven paint application or peeling later on.
Don’t Ignore Mold or Mildew
Painting over mold or mildew is a big mistake. Treat affected areas with a mold remover and allow them to dry completely before moving forward. Painting over untreated mold can lead to health issues and further spread of the problem. Furthermore the mold will always come back, painting over it is not a fix as the mold will just grow back through it, clean the mold and treat it accordingly.
Don’t Forget to Sand
While it might seem like an optional step, sanding ensures your walls are smooth and ready for paint. Skipping sanding can lead to visible imperfections and for the sake of some elbow grease your missing out on a superior finish.
Don’t Leave Painter’s Tape on Too Long
Painter’s tape should be removed while the paint is still slightly wet to prevent peeling or damage to the edges. If you wait too long, the tape might pull off dried paint along with it.
Bonus Tips for Wall Preparation
Always start with a visual inspection in good lighting to spot imperfections.
For textured walls, use a sanding block to smooth out uneven areas without removing too much texture.
If you’re painting over wallpaper, remove it completely if possible. If not, sand and prime the surface thoroughly before painting.
By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll set yourself up for painting success. A little extra effort during wall preparation goes a long way in ensuring a flawless and long-lasting finish!
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