Preparing Your Walls Before Proceeding With the Paint Job

New paint can quickly transform a space. In fact, it’s one of the easiest upgrades you can ever make to any property, and it will bring significant results. However, preparation is crucial here to ensure you get your desired results. Here are ways to ensure you get the painting prep done well: 

Make Sure the Area Is Clear

Ensure the area you will paint is clear, or if there are items you can’t remove, protect them. The entire area must be protected as well to avoid damages during the painting process before you start working. Cover bigger pieces of furniture to protect them from paint and debris and to make the cleaning process go smoothly.

Clean Your Walls

An important part of preparing the area for painting is to clean the walls. There really is no wrong or right way to do this. One way is using a sponge and warm water to clean most walls. Some use water and grease-cutting detergent to clean areas that are exposed to oil or grime. 

Make sure the walls are completely dry before you move on to the next step. Otherwise, when you apply primer on damp walls, it can result in many issues, such as bubbling and uneven coverage. 

Get Rid of Mildew

Eliminate mould and mildew on your walls before you paint them. If you paint over mildew, it can spread into fresh paint, which will make cleaning and maintenance even more difficult for you.

Use a cloth or sponge dipped in a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water. Apply it on the walls and let it sit for a few minutes. You can brush the infected area with a soft brush and wipe it with clean water. Make sure you’re in safety clothing when you do this. Finally, ensure the areas are completely dry before you start painting.

Remove Old Paint

There are times when it’s not necessary to remove old paint. However, if the existing paint is flaky and peeling, you need to scrape them off to have a smooth surface. You can also use appliances to make the job easier, such as infrared heaters.

For older buildings, some of the older paints used may contain lead or asbestos. That’s why you need to be in safety gear when working in this type of condition.

Fill Holes and Cracks

If there are any holes made by nails or cracks, fix them before adding a fresh coat of paint to the wall. You can use drywall and other materials and procedures to correct these imperfections. Make sure to let them dry between applications.

Sand the Surface

Sanding isn’t required for every paint job. You only need to sand the surface if it's rough and uneven. Sanding is also recommended if the surfaces have been painted with high gloss or matte paint.

Conclusion

Whether you’re painting the walls of a residential or commercial property, preparation is important. These tips will help ensure you have smooth walls to apply fresh paint on. Prepping your walls will also help professional painters work on a paint-ready surface.

If you need top-quality painting services in Edmonton, iPaint Painting is the company you’re looking for. We provide interior and exterior painting services for commercial and residential properties. Contact us today!