Prepping walls is a crucial part of the painting process. It removes flaws, dings, and dents that prevent paint from adhering well. It is a step that is often overlooked. It should always be done before you begin painting. During the prep stage, moving furniture away from the walls and covering floors with plastic or paper is essential.
Cover the Floors
Whether painting just one room or your entire home, protecting your floors should be a top priority of Residential Painting Denver; they prevent paint splatters and spills from damaging your carpets or hardwood floors. You can purchase canvas drop cloths or rosin paper at stores in the painting aisle. Lay the sheets on the floor and secure them with tape to keep them in place. It would help to cover electrical plate covers with painter’s tape. It makes it easier to paint around outlets and switches. Also, remember to put down a piece of plastic over any appliances you want to protect from paint splatters.
Remove All Debris
Before you can start cleaning your walls for painting, removing any debris accumulated on the surface is essential. It can include dust, cobwebs, and other materials that prevent the paint from adhering to the wall. You can use cleaning tools to remove these materials from your walls.
Remove Any Wallpaper
Some wallpapers are peel-able, but those hung with paste require special care. A solution of water and a little soap will loosen them, and you can then pull them off in sheets. After removing the wallpaper, you’ll want to ensure all the wall surfaces are free of cracks, holes, and flaky plaster. You should also remove any curtains and any electrical outlet covers to make it easier to paint around them.
Clean the Walls
A new coat of paint can make a space appear brand-new, but only when applied correctly. The first thing that should be done is thoroughly cleaning the walls and trim. It will remove grime, cobwebs, dust, and stains that prevent the paint from adhering correctly. Washing the walls can be done with a solution of warm water and soap or, for tough stains, trisodium phosphate (TSP). Most hardware stores have TSP, which the directions on the container should dilute. Any cracks or holes should be filled after washing the walls and letting them dry. It should be done with a good quality filler and once again dried; the area should be sanded and primed to ensure the filler doesn’t show through the new paint.
Repair Any Damage
If you neglect to repair any damage on your walls before painting, the blemishes will most likely bleed through your new paint. Washing your walls is an excellent way to eliminate any grime and cobwebs that could prevent the paint from adhering. If your walls have minor dents or scrapes, apply a small amount of spackling paste with a putty knife and smooth it out. Then, sand the area to level it and let it dry. You can also use drywall compounds to fill in cracks or holes in your walls. Just clean the surface with sugar soap, as any dust will stop the filler from sticking to the wall. You should also prime the area if necessary.
