How Do I Prepare Walls For Painting?

Last Updated: October 28, 2011

Hand holding a putty knife, applying spackle to a wall, blue material visible.

In the painting process, it is vital to properly prepare the surfaces to get optimum results. When you paint on poorly prepared surfaces, oftentimes the paint will fade much more quickly and will not appear as sharp and fresh.

Follow these steps for the best results:

  1. Check the walls for any nicks or holes, and fill them in with a good interior spackle.
  2. After the spackle dries, smooth out the surface with a light buffer or sandpaper. Examine walls for any old paint drips or ridges and gently “flatten” with sandpaper for a nice even finish.
  3. Clean the walls thoroughly with a sponge and slightly soapy lukewarm water (use an all-purpose cleaning product for any tough spots). Also wipe down the baseboards to clear any dust or cobwebs, then apply painters tape around the surface edges.
  4. Finally before painting, it is important to apply a good primer. Working as a binding layer between the wall and paint, primer allows paint to better adhere to a wall. Using a high-quality, tinted primer will create a smooth appearance and will also reduce the number of necessary paint coats by providing a solid base color.

After you have done these steps, your walls will be ready for a good quality, long-lasting paint job. If you have any questions, call the professional painters at Chism Brothers at 858-454-3850.

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