Last week we covered tools and supplies for painting a room; this week, we’re showing you how to prepare walls. Proper wall prep is essential if you want your paint job to look perfect. You’ll have visible patches and rough spots if you skip this step.
Start by washing walls with Selleys Sugar Soap; this will remove any dust that could stop filler from adhering.
Clean the Walls
Like building a house, interior painting Louisville is only complete once the walls are clean. It’s a simple step often overlooked, leading to an uneven finish that doesn’t do your paint color justice.
Use a mild cleaning solution and a sponge to wash your walls. If you need help determining what kind of cleaner to use, a quick chat with your paint company or visit the home center should give you all the information you need.
Once your walls are clean, protect any furniture or other objects in the room with plastic sheets. This will prevent accidental paint splatters on things you don’t want to get dirty. You may also need to sand rough patches on the wall before you can repaint.
Repair Any Cracks or Holes
Whether you have recently plastered walls, old wallpaper, or a wall previously painted, it is essential to repair any cracks or holes in the surface before you paint. This will ensure that the new coat of paint adheres properly to the walls and that you have a smooth finish.
Depending on the severity of the cracks or holes, you may need to widen the gap slightly with a utility knife or use a filling compound. For small cracks, a spackling combination will work well. For larger cracks, a setting-type mix is recommended.
A common problem is dents in the walls from nails and picture hangers. A quick fix for these is to use a flour paste. This will fill the ding and will not sink or shrink.
Sand the Walls
If you want your walls to look smooth and professional, sanding them is necessary. Lowe’s says you should still file the walls to create a smooth surface, even if you have yet to fill any holes or cracks.
Clean your walls before sanding, and ensure they’re dry. You can usually wash drywall with a sponge and water, but if your walls have exposure to grease or oil, mix water with a detergent that cuts through grease and wipe the surfaces clean.
Next, you need to seal any torn paper on the drywall. It would help if you always did this before painting because it ensures your paint will stick to the wall. It also protects your family from breathing in paper dust, which could cause respiratory problems.
Clean the Trim
You’ll need to clean the trim before you start painting to minimize the likelihood of paint leaking underneath the tape. Wash your trim with lukewarm water and mild soap, then rinse it well.
It’s worth putting the time in to ensure your paint job looks showroom-new for years. These tips will give you the best results for your next room painting project.
Before you break out the rollers and brushes, ensure all obstructions are removed from the room or at least moved to the center and covered with protective sheets. Lay down drop sheets to catch any debris or drips. And, of course, remember to protect your floor from paint splatters by covering it with plastic or paper.
Clean the Ceiling
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room, but it’s essential to prepare walls and ceilings properly before you start painting. This will ensure the paint adheres to the surface and creates a smooth, even finish.
Start by cleaning the ceiling and removing any cobwebs using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a soft-bristled brush. Next, wash the roof with soapy water to remove any grime. This will also help to remove any mildew, which should be wiped away with bleach or a degreaser.
If you have grease spots, mix table salt with warm water to create a paste and scrub them. Rinse the area thoroughly and wipe it with clean water to prevent drips.
