Key Takeaways:
- Preparing to paint your house is a vital part of the process. It ensures that surfaces are clean and smooth and that you won’t accidentally damage any furniture or belongings.
- Move all your furniture out of the room before you start painting.
- Cover your furniture with a drop cloth to protect it from paint.
- Remove all ornaments and wall hangings from the room before painting to prevent them from getting damaged.
- Remove all appliances and electronics, including televisions, computers, stereos, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and other large appliances.
- Unplug small electronics like toasters and coffee makers and put them in a box or crate.
- Remove old paint before adding new paint unless the current paint is in good condition.
- Do a thorough sweep of the areas you’ll be painting, including ledges, window sills, floorboards, and any other surfaces that might have accumulated dust or debris.
Painting your house can be daunting. It’s a huge project that can take much time and effort. But it’s also a very rewarding experience and can completely transform the look and sense of your home. If you’re thinking about painting your house, it’s important to prepare properly. It means taking the time to clean and sand surfaces, tape off any areas you don’t want to be painted, and cover any furniture or other belongings you don’t want to be damaged.
This post will discuss how to prep before painting your house. We’ll walk you through the entire prepping process step-by-step!
Move Your Furniture
Before painting your house, you must move all your furniture out of the way. This includes couches, chairs, tables, and anything else that might be in the way. You don’t want to paint around your furniture, as this will make the job much harder and take longer. Make sure to put all your furniture in a safe place where it won’t get damaged. If you can’t move everything out of the room, try to push it to the center. Cover the furniture with a drop cloth to protect it from paint.
Remove Ornaments and Wall Hangings
Before you start painting, it is important to remove all ornaments and wall hangings from the room. This will prevent them from getting damaged by paint splatters. Also, remove all nails, screws, and other hardware from the walls. This includes door handles, switch plates, and anything else that might be attached to the wall. You don’t want to paint over these things, as it will make them difficult to remove later. If you’re unsure how to remove something, you can always ask a professional for help.
Remove Appliances and Electronics
It’s necessary to remove all appliances and electronics from the room. This includes things like television sets, computers, and stereos. Also, remove refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and other large appliances. You’ll want to unplug small electronics, like toasters and coffee makers, and put them in a box or crate to keep them safe. This will prevent paint fumes from damaging your electronics and protect them from potential spills.
Remove Old Paint
If there is already paint on your walls, you’ll want to remove it before adding new paint. This task can be difficult, depending on the type of paint that’s currently on your walls. If the current paint is in good condition, you may be able to sand it and apply a new layer of paint. However, if the paint is peeling or flaking, you’ll need to remove it completely.
There are numerous ways to remove old paint, including:
– Using a paint stripper
– Sanding the walls
– Using a heat gun
Each method has advantages, so you’ll need to decide which is best for your situation.
- Paint strippers are typically the most effective but can also be messy and time-consuming.
- Sanding is a good option when dealing with a small area, but it can be tedious if you have many walls to prep.
- Heat guns are fast and relatively easy to use, but they can damage your walls if you’re not careful.
Fill Holes and Cracks
Use putty or painter’s caulk to fill any holes or cracks in your walls. If you don’t, the paint will highlight these imperfections. Filling in the holes will ensure that the new paint has a smooth surface to adhere to. Also, patch up any nail holes. Be sure to smooth the filler to flush with the rest of the wall.
Sand the Walls
Once you have filled in all the holes and cracks, you need to sand down the area. This will help to create an even surface for your new paint. Use fine-grit sandpaper so that you don’t damage the wall. Sanding also helps to remove any residual spackle or caulk.
Clean the Walls
You want to remove any dirt, dust, or grease on the surface. This will help the paint adhere better and give you a more even finish. You can use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the walls. Use a little dish soap if there are any stubborn spots. Just rinse the wall afterward, so no soap residue is left. Once you’ve wiped down the walls, let them dry completely.
Do a Thorough Sweep
The next step is to do a thorough sweep of the ceiling. This will help you eliminate any cobwebs or dust that have accumulated over time. Also, you don’t want any paint chips falling into your paint and ruining the final product, so do a thorough sweep of the areas you’ll be painting. This includes all ledges, window sills, floorboards, and other surfaces that might have accumulated dust or debris. If you’re planning on using a ladder, now is also the time to sweep or vacuum the area around it to avoid making a mess.
Cover the Floor
You’ll likely spill paint at some point while painting your house. To avoid ruining your flooring, lay down a drop cloth or an old sheet before you start painting. If you’re working on hardwood floors, put down plastic sheeting. You can also use painter’s tape to secure the sheeting to the floor so it doesn’t move around while you’re working.
Covering your floors will also protect them from paint drips and splatters. When painting a ceiling, for example, paint can drip down onto the floor if you’re not careful. You can avoid cleaning up a big mess by covering the floor.
Prime the Walls with a Quality Primer
If you want the paint job on your walls to look its best, you must prime them first. This will ensure a smooth surface for the paint and help cover up any imperfections in the wall. You can use numerous primers, but it’s important to choose one that is perfect for the type of paint you will be using.
Conclusion
As you can see, it’s necessary to prep before painting your house. Once you take care of these steps, you’ll be on your way to painting your house like a pro! Just remember to take your time, use quality materials, and follow the instructions carefully. With a little effort, you can achieve amazing results.
Check out our blog post about picking exterior paint colors.
As a residential interior painting company, B.I.G. Painting, serving Milton, has the experience and knowledge to get the job done right the first time. We use high-quality paints and primers that stand up to wear and tear, and our professional painters will take care of every detail.
We’ll even clean up after ourselves when we’re done! If you’re thinking about painting your house, don’t go another day without giving us a call. We’ll give you a free estimate and answer every question you have. B.I.G Painting is the best in the business for residential interior painting services.
