Prep Your Walls Right Before Starting To Paint
Painting can be fun, but the hardest part is the prep-work before you can actually start putting your favorite color on your walls. Unfortunately, not preparing your walls correctly, could ruin your paint job.
Before You Get Started
First, make sure you cover your floors with a drop cloth. You will also want to cover your hardware, just make sure to take all the covers off your light switches and electrical outlets and then cover them up with some tape. Next, you will want to dust and clean your walls. When painting a bathroom or kitchen, wash the walls with a solution of approximately three teaspoons of laundry detergent to one gallon of water or any kind of de-greaser will work.
If you want a really nice paint job, get a drywall pole sander and give the wall a quick going-over with 200-250 grit paper before priming. Sanding the existing surface will help your paint grab hold. Just make sure to wipe the walls with a damp rag (use the pole sander if you like) or cheese cloth before applying any paint/primer.
You will also want to fill in holes and gaps. Don’t forget to scrape any cracked or flaking paint with a paint scraper.
Painting Over An Old Similar Color
Do you think your wall is still in great shape, or did you do the required prep work just a couple years back and only want to give it a fresher look? In that case, you may not need to sand your walls. If are not planning on giving your wall a completely new look, but will be painting over it with a paint that is close to the previous color, you may not need to prime it either. You will still need to wash and remove any grease from your walls to make sure the new paint will stick. After filling in any holes and cracks, you will want to sand and prime the filled areas. Get enough paint for at least two coats of your new color.
If you are not sure how you should get your walls ready ask the experts: https://helmpaint.com/consultation/
Helm, locally owned and operated, has been in business since 1970 and is an independent dealer of Benjamin Moore Paints and Finishes. Our trained specialists are available to assist you in selecting paint and supplies for your business.
We have 6 locations across the Metro New Orleans area, for your convenience, to serve you.
