How to prepare wall for painting? Painting walls is not easy. You need to make sure that the surface is clean and dry before applying any paint. If you are using latex-based paints, then you should wait until the weather gets warmer. This way, the paint won’t crack or peel off.
Once you apply the primer coat, let it dry completely. Then apply two coats of paint. Let them dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step. Keep on reading to find out more about preparing for wall painting!
How to prepare wall for painting?
The first thing you will want to do when preparing your wall for painting is to remove all of the old wallpaper. Use a razor blade or utility knife to cut away the paper. Make sure to get rid of as much of the glue backing as possible too.
When removing the wallpaper, be careful not to scratch the plaster behind it. Remove any staples or nails from the wall before removing the wallpaper.
Cleaning the Walls
Before beginning any work, it is necessary to clean the wall thoroughly. A dirty wall will affect the overall appearance of the room. Therefore, it is advisable to use a mild detergent solution to wash off all the dirt and grime. After washing, dry the wall completely.
Using Paint Strips
After cleaning the wall, apply a coat of primer over the entire wall. Use a roller brush to spread the primer evenly. Make sure that the wall is completely covered. Once the primer has dried, apply two coats of paint. Apply one coat of each color on the wall. Wait for the paint to dry completely.
Sanding Down the Surface of the Wall
Once the paint has dried, remove the excess paint from the wall using fine-grit sandpaper. Remove the old paint using a putty knife. Do not scratch the wall.
Priming the Wall
Apply another coat of primer after removing the old paint. Let the primer dry completely.
Applying the Basecoat
First, apply a good primer coat to all surfaces before applying any paint. Primer coats provide a smooth surface for the next layer of paint to adhere to. They also seal the wood against moisture damage. More on preparation for painting walls.
Adding Texture
Next, use a roller brush to apply light sanding over the entire wall. Sanding removes some of the roughness of the wall, making it easier for the new paint to stick. Use fine-grit sandpaper such as 400-grit paper.
Finishing Touches
Once the wall has been lightly sanded, apply two coats of semi-gloss latex paint. Semi-gloss paints are ideal for walls because they dry quickly and resist chipping and peeling.
Washing Off the Paint
After the paint dries completely, wash away the dust using a damp cloth. Be sure not to scrub too hard, since you want to keep the original color of the wall.
What should be avoided when painting a wall?
Things that should be avoided when painting walls are:
- Avoid touching the freshly painted area with bare hands. The paint may still be wet and could cause skin irritation.
- Do not spray water directly onto the newly painted wall. Water can seep into the cracks in between the bricks and leave stains.
- Use a soft bristle brush instead of a sponge to wipe up spills. Sponge brushes tend to soak up too much water and leave streaks.
- When painting the ceiling, avoid getting paint on the furniture below. The fumes from the paint can irritate the airways and cause breathing problems.
Conclusion
In summary, painting the walls of your home can add value to your property. It is important to choose the right colors and materials for the job. If you follow these simple steps, you will have no problem completing the project on time and within budget. Thanks for reading this article! More on easy painting techniques.