REAL ESTATE TIPS...10 Steps to Take Before You Paint

by Courtney Soinski

The single most important stage in tackling a home improvement project is through preparation. After all, can a masterpiece be created without a prepped, clean canvas? I think not.

First, you should understand how to properly prepare a room to be painted, because you and I both know that the last thing you want is to end up feeling frustrated and overwhelmed before you even begin.

To help save your time, money, and sanity, follow these painting preparation steps for your next home project!

1. Clear the room.

Do your best to clear the room of all furniture, décor, as well as any light switch covers and outlet covers. This will make it much easier to move around the room, without the chance of ruining any of your belongings with paint splatters.

2. Use plastic to protect large items.

If there’s anything that is too large to be removed, move them to the middle of the room. Then, cover them in plastic to provide protection from paint.

3. Clean and dust.

Give the room a deep cleaning. This includes vacuuming and mopping the floors, and getting rid of dust and cobwebs. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down any woodwork or molding on the walls.

As a general rule, walls should be dry and dull before applying any paint or primer.

4. Line the room’s edges with paper.

Complete this step with either leftover newspaper, or a simple purchase of a disposable paper roll from any home improvement store. You also use large pieces of plastic, typically found at a dollar store.

5. Spackle and sand.

If there is loose or peeling paint, be sure to scrape and sand that area. Use Spackle or any patching material to fill in any cracks, holes, or dents. After applying the Spackle, allow it to dry according the instructions on the package (normally about 2-4 hours). Lastly, use sandpaper to create a smooth surface. If necessary, you may apply a second coat and repeat the process.

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6. Wash the walls.

Thoroughly wash the room’s walls with a mild soap and water solution. Then, rinse with clean water and allow them to dry completely.

7. It’s primer time.

A primer must be used in order to protect bare, unfinished drywall. Applying a primer is also beneficial for walls that were previously painted with a darker color, stained, or are generally in need of repair.

8. Apply painter’s tape.

This step is essential in keeping paint off the windows and trim. Using the tips of your fingers, press the tape firmly onto the wall’s surface while ensuring there aren’t any air bubbles or folds that paint could get into.

9. Always paint from the top down.

Paint the ceiling first. After that, go ahead and start on painting the walls, but be sure to start in a corner. Throughout the project, you should always try to keep a wet edge. Next, you’ll want to paint the trim, followed by the cabinets, and finish it off by painting the doors.

10. Remove the painter’s tape.

Once your project is finished and completely dry, slowly pull the tape off in a continuous and steady motion, all the while keeping a 90-degree angle to the painted surface. Sticking to that angle will give your walls the cleanest possible paint line.