Interior Painting 4 - Preparing the Wall

Intro - Checklist - Prep - Wall Prep - Repairs - Apply - Cutting In - Large Surfaces - Trim

Margin of Error: Not applicable

Most of us believe we know everything we need to know about painting, an assumption that often leads to poor quality work This applies to both the preparation and the actual paint application. Be sure that you understand, and use, the proper procedures to assure a quality paint job.

If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time. And proper preparation is the key. Few of us really realize this, or even like to admit it, since it leads to more work It is a step that is all too often left out, and the final job reflects its omission. It is too easy just to start painting and not go through the necessary prep steps. Indeed, for a while the paint job may even look pretty good. But sooner or later the poor quality will show up.

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However, there are several basic things to do to prep for painting. These include:

Turn the electricity off and remove everything from the walls and ceilings, including electrical wall and ceiling light fixtures, switch plates, and outlet plates. After you have safely wrapped all disconnected light fixture wires, you can turn the electricity back on.
Use a drop cloth to cover the floor. Place any objects you are not removing from the room in the center and cover them with a drop cloth.
Remove all trim pieces using a pry bar and wooden shims so as not to damage the trim or the wall.
Once the surfaces to be covered are repaired, the walls and room must be thoroughly cleaned. The walls and ceilings should be washed with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and a large sponge. Use rubber gloves when working with TSP Rinse the walls with plain water before painting. Also vacuum and/or mop the floors and all ledges to remove all dust and debris.
A primer coat of paint is recommended in many instances, painted on prior to the color coat. Also, you can apply an adhesive "pad" to the wall. This is a liquid just like a primer, but it dries with a tacky feel to it. Ask your paint supplier which is recommended for your application.
Always apply a coat of liquid sizing to your surfaces before hanging wallpaper. The sizing gives a better adhesive to the wallpaper and also makes removal easier years later.
Mask off the woodwork trim, and windows with newspaper and 2" wide masking tape. Wider masking tape, 3" - 12", can also be used.
Although I do not recommend it, it is possible to paint over old wallpaper if it is well bonded and not vinyl, embossed, or textured. It is best to test a small section and allow it to dry. Sand any raised lap seams in the old wallpaper.
Assemble ladders, buckets, materials, and so on in the room before beginning. Aside from the above-mentioned prep steps, you may need to repair other problems with your walls or ceilings. No matter what repairs you make, be sure to apply your primers or sizing after the repairs are done. Let's take a look at several common conditions that require special prepping.

Peeling, Flaking, or Bubbling Paint

Most of these problems are caused by lack of proper preparation when the previous coat was applied. Perhaps oil-based paint was applied over new plaster, or enamel surfaces were not roughed up first. Or perhaps the coat of paint was not compatible with the one it was applied over. Also, dampness and leaks in the wall cause many of these problems. If these conditions exist on the wall, use a quality paint scraper and sandpaper. Rub the scraper back and forth across the problem areas until they are relatively flush with the wall. Then follow up with a fine-grit sandpaper (100-grit silicon carbide) to smooth out the areas and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust. If you leave ridges or dips, they will be visible once the wall is painted. If the dip or indentation is too great, you will need to fill it with drywall compound and sand. Be sure to prime or size any newly applied drywall compound before painting or papering.