Preparing Walls for Painting: A Step-By-Step Guide

Deciding on a color to paint your walls can feel like the hardest part of painting. Many homeowners think that once they've selected their paint color, they can simply roll it onto the walls and call the job done. 

However, preparing walls for painting can affect the outcome as much as the quality and color of the paint you choose. Take time preparing your walls for your new paint color so you don't have to fix your mistakes after the fact. 

To begin preparation, you must assemble a few items you already have lying around your home. Whether you tackle the paint job yourself or want to hire Tampa's trusted painting company, consider these preparation steps for the finest outcome. 

Preparing Walls for Painting: Tools You Will Need

A paintbrush, rollers, and paint are just the bare necessities for painting a room. A professional-looking paint job will require a few more tools when preparing walls for painting:

• Soapy water
• Drop cloth
• Damp cloth
• Warm water
• Sandpaper
• Putty knife and filler
• Painter's tape

By clearing dirt, oil, spiderwebs, and mildew from your walls, you start with a "clean canvas," creating the perfect foundation for your new paint color to ensure the best adhesion and finish. 

Clear the Room

Start by moving as many items out of the room as possible to make enough space for you to work. Cover furniture items with a drop cloth to avoid unintentional paint spills. Push large items to the center of the room to give yourself a clear walkway to access the walls. 

Repair Damage

The first step in preparing the walls for new paint is filling and sanding over any holes. Use a putty knife with some filler to close gaps and small cracks in your wall. Smooth the filler as much as possible with the putty knife so you can keep sanding to a minimum.  

Sand Rough Spots

After filling holes and repairing damage, sand the surface to ensure a smooth canvas. Use fine sandpaper for sanding down any peeling paint or bumpy surfaces from filling holes to create the softest finish. Clean any dust left after sanding as soon as possible because the fine dust can disperse into the air, and you don't want to inhale it. 

Clean the Walls Before Painting

Cleaning the walls before painting is crucial to make sure your paint stays where you put it. Underlying dirt and oils on your wall can cause your fresh paint not to adhere as it should. A damp cloth and soapy, warm water can help you prepare your walls for a fresh coat of paint. 

Also, consider the surface where you will be placing your paint. If the wall had wallpaper or high-gloss paint, you may need to remove it before repainting.

Get Rid of Mold and Mildew

Without proper removal, mold and mildew will continue to grow underneath fresh paint. Mold can be hazardous to your health and affect the air quality in your home. Removing all traces of mold growth before painting allows your new paint to apply smoothly and maintains the air quality in your home. 

To remove mold, first put on gloves. Apply a solution of one part bleach to four parts water with a sponge to the area. Let it soak for ten minutes before scrubbing the spot with the sponge. 

Tape Ceilings and Trim 

You should apply strips of painter's tape to the crease where the ceiling meets the wall for a seamless paint job. Cover any trim on the floorboard, crown molding, and windows to avoid paint getting on the woodwork. Allow your paint to dry thoroughly before removing the painter's tape, as the adhesive could pull off wet paint. 

Apply Primer to the Wall

Applying your final coats of paint to a blank white wall allows your color to pop with fewer coats, especially if you choose a sheen paint finish in a light color. If you've already filled in holes, sanded, and cleaned the wall but still see imperfections, a primer will disguise them. Allow your primer to dry thoroughly before applying your new paint color to the walls. 

Reach Out to the Top Painting Company in Tampa, FL

A fresh coat of paint can give any room a new, refreshed appearance. Preparing walls for painting significantly impacts the finished product, making it appear like a professional paint job. Whether you need to spruce up your home on a budget or prepare it for the market, these tips will ensure your wall is ready. If you need assistance with residential painting or commercial painting, call Original Florida Painting Company for a free estimate today!