Depending on the condition of the surfaces you're painting, the amount of prep work will vary. Here's a list of the supplies you may need:
- Screwdrivers: Both Phillips and standard for removing wall plates and door hardware. Masking or painting over such things can be done, but never gives the best-looking result. Your standard screwdriver also comes in handy for opening paint cans.
- Sandpaper: Make sure to have in coarse, medium and fine grades.
- Patching Compound: Either premixed or powder form, for repairing cracks and holes.
- Scraper/Putty Knife: Neccessary for applying compound, paint scraping, etc. on the walls.
- Masking Tape: For protecting non-painted areas and holding down drop cloths. (You might also consider painting tape with its microbarrier edge to help prevent bleed-through; it works especially well on edges or corners where two different colors or finishes meet.)
- Drop Cloths: Protect floors and furniture with plenty of these cloths. Choices range from inexpensive plastic "throwaways" to more durable plastic-coated paper to canvas.
- Caulk: For filling open crevices around doors and windows.
- Paint Tray: As well as disposable paint-tray liners to pour the neccessary paint to do the job without the hassle of a can.
- 5-Gallon Mixing Bucket: Perfect for stirring paint from multiple cans.
- Clean Rags: These are neccessary for quick cleanups during the paint job or after the project is over.
- Wall Cleaner and Sponge/Sponge Mop: Clean up surfaces of dust, cooking grease, soot or cigarette smoke prior to painting; thorough cleaning ensures the best result.
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