This will prevent them from shifting as you work. Laying out protection saves your floors. Then tie the bag tightly with a rubber band, string or tape. It can take a bit of practice to get the hang of taping off ceilings and trim, but once you've got it down, you'll find that your paint jobs look dramatically better. Wipe away any excess putty to avoid an uneven surface when it dries. You don't need to have every detail sewn up—that will come as you gear up the prep. Last Updated: February 10, 2021 If you skip this step, the paint will not adhere properly to the surface and will likely peel off. See, The last interior paint prep step before breaking out the, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), protect your entire home during construction, make sure you don't lose your wet edge while painting, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Dry debris such as dust, pet hair, or sawdust can be wiped off with a microfiber cloth, while tackier material such as grease will need to be washed off with a solution of dish soap and water. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Painting 2-3” outward from the trim will allow you to easily go over the rest using a roller. When it comes to achieving a quality appearance on ceilings, ProMar® Ceiling Paint is a top performer for budget-conscious projects. Or better yet, two workarounds in case the first one doesn't pan out. What can I do? If you're painting a wall, it's a good idea to provide cover at least 3 feet away from the wall. Painting a wall is a great way to bring new life to a room when you want to revitalize an old paint job or completely change the look of the room with a bright new color. A great tip is to do a "W" pattern to paint walls. This in turn allows you to work faster and with fewer restrictions. Set up the scaffold before you need it, to. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. To learn how to fill cracks and holes in your wall before painting, read on! Blue painter’s tape is different from regular masking tape because it is specifically designed to be easily removed from walls after painting. Always patch walls after you cover the floors, this is interior paint prep 101. Normal drips and splatter won't soak through canvas, but heavy spills will. But it also allows you the freedom to spread your painting tools out more than if they're constrained to a single area. Try to remove tape as soon as possible after painting, while it is still drying, to avoid taking any dry paint off with it. Assuming, that is, that you've taken the time to apply it correctly during interior paint prep. Whether you've used painter's/dust sheets or tarps, they will have a tendency to move as you move about, dragging the ladder, walking, etc., and this can risk drips. This leaves a ragged and unprofessional look to these items that are often highly visible. Luckily, cleaning the surface is relatively simple interior paint prep. By using our site, you agree to our. For a great and thorough review of tape techniques and tools, check out this Family Handyman article: This interior paint prep step is short but crucial. They're easy to spread out, and unlike plastic, they stay put without tape. If you've been involved in a home remodeling project, you understand the joy of laying your eyes on newly installed drywall -- a sure sign your project is just steps away from completion. Before painting, protect wall sconces and wall trim with painters tape. It's a good idea to start by cutting in around the edges because this is the most difficult part of painting. If you're getting ready to paint as part of a larger project, consider reviewing ways to, If you'll be painting anything more than a foot or so above your head, you should have appropriate platform support. It's easy to drip a glob of drywall patching compound and you don't want to spend time trying to clean that off of a carpet. With a small brush, apply the paint around trim and in the corners of walls where your larger brush can't reach. How can I clean down the ceiling before painting? If so, see Family Handyman's advice on how to, Lay out floor coverings in the area where you'll be working. If you leave any furniture in the room cover everything with old sheets, plastic, or tarps to protect it. Pick up the drop cloths and scoop up spills with a broad putty knife or dustpan. Kaloutas provides commercial painting, flooring, and maintenance painting services that include complete interior and exterior throughout the Northeast states. Canvas drop cloths are absolutely the best coverings for carpet. Identify the potential problem areas and put together a work-around. Cover furniture and carpet before cleaning and use waterproof covers if drips of water would damage the items below. If light fittings have bulbs, remove these before painting to avoid the risk of breakage or flammability. You can use a hose attachment on your vacuum to easily and thoroughly go over the walls. They are actually similar, but mineral spirits are often recommended for indoor use to keep fumes under control. Your biggest challenge will be dust, which drywall can conceal masterfully. Start with the trim closest to the ceiling… We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. If you're using latex paint, have water and rags on hand. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. Then, use a clean dry cloth to wipe off any dirt and dust on the wall. This article has been viewed 7,074 times. Also, when you do need to remove an outlet cover down the road, a paint covered outlet can lead to tearing and pulling loose the paint or drywall surface paper. To prepare a wall for paint, first remove any decorations and hardware, like pictures, shelving, curtains, and outlet covers. Be sure to hit all surfaces that you'll be painting. It is a good idea to have a clean dry cloth handy as well to catch any drips and avoid streaks. These drop cloths aren't cheap, but you don't have to cover the entire floor. Before getting started on painting in your home make sure to read our useful tips on how to paint your walls like a pro. Patching a wall will help your final job look crisp and professional. The transition line between wall and trim is especially tricky to get just right and even pros tend to rely on painter's tape. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Prepare-a-Wall-for-Paint-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-a-Wall-for-Paint-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Prepare-a-Wall-for-Paint-Step-1.jpg\/aid10452505-v4-728px-Prepare-a-Wall-for-Paint-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"