How To Prep It Before You Paint It
A well-prepped job is a job well done. Check out these quick tips on how you can save time and money on your next paint job.
Creating a professional-looking painting project comes down to proper preparation — the better prepped you are, the more successful your outcome is bound to be.
Here are a few simple steps to prepare your room for your painting project:
Clear the walls
- Remove pictures and wall hangings, and the nails that hold them up.
- Remove electrical and phone/internet switch plates
Repair the walls
- Use spackle or drywall compound to fill larger cracks or rough areas of the wall.
- Allow this compound to dry and then sand smooth with 120 to 200 grit sandpaper.
Clean the walls
- Sponge the walls with a mild detergent solution, cleaning from floor to ceiling and rinsing the sponge often.
- Make sure the walls are dry before you start taping and painting.
Protect the furniture
- Get as much furniture out of the room as possible.
- If furniture removal is not an option, push it the center of the room and cover with a drop cloth.
Protect the room
- Use a pre-taped drop cloth, carpet masking tape, or a tarp against baseboards to protect your floors from paint splatter and spills.
Achieve Professional Results
- Apply painter’s tape to trim, windows, door frames, and baseboards for crisp lines and a professional finish.