a more in-depth guide to painting preparation – Interior

  1. Clean and repair the surfaces:
  • Clean the walls with a damp cloth or sponge, and use a mild detergent if necessary. This will remove any dirt, grime, and oils that have accumulated on the surface.
  • Fill any cracks, holes, or dents with spackling compound. This will create a smooth surface and help hide imperfections.
  • Let the spackling compound dry completely, which may take several hours to a full day, and then sand the surface until it’s smooth. This will ensure that the primer and paint adhere properly.
  • Remove any dust with a damp cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment. Dust can interfere with paint adhesion, so make sure the surfaces are completely clean before you start painting.
  1. Protect furniture and flooring:
  • Move furniture, large objects, and any other items away from the walls. You’ll need plenty of space to work, and it’s best to avoid getting paint on your furniture or flooring.
  • Cover the furniture with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. This will protect it from drips, spills, and splatters.
  • Cover the flooring with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect against drips and spills. You don’t want paint ruining your flooring, and this step will make cleanup much easier.
  1. Remove switch plates, outlet covers, and hardware:
  • Remove all light switch plates, outlet covers, and any other hardware, such as door knobs, hinges, and locks. You don’t want paint getting on these items, and it’s much easier to paint around them if they’re removed.
  • Label each item and its location so you can easily put it back when you’re done. This will save you time and frustration later on.
  1. Sand and prime:
  • Sand any glossy surfaces to help the primer adhere properly. Sanding will give the primer a surface to grip to, making it stick better and last longer.
  • Apply a primer to the walls and let it dry completely. A good primer will improve paint adhesion, color consistency, and provide a uniform surface for the paint. Primers also help hide imperfections and make colors appear more vibrant.
  1. Caulk and tape:
  • Use a caulking gun to fill any gaps, cracks, or seams between the walls and trim. This will create a clean, seamless look and prevent paint from bleeding into the trim.
  • Let the caulk dry completely and then sand it smooth. This will ensure that the paint goes on smoothly and that the seams are invisible.
  • Use painters tape to protect the trim, ceiling, and other areas that you don’t want painted. This will ensure clean, straight lines and prevent paint from getting where it shouldn’t be.
  • Take your time with this step and make sure you apply the tape neatly and straight to avoid any bleeds. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with paint where you don’t want it.