Scrape, Spackle and Sand Before Painting
Proper Surface Preparation Works Wonders to Hide Flaws
Sep 3, 2009
Walls, ceilings and trim should be as flat and smooth as possible. Not only should surfaces look smooth, but they should also feel smooth.
After removing all furniture or covering any stationary objects such as ceiling fixtures, apply protective covering to floors to prevent debris from grinding into carpets or causing scratches to wood or tile surfaces. Scrape and sand all loose, peeling and chipping paint. Use only quality sandpaper and sanding screens to smooth and even surfaces. Give extra attention to areas where paint has peeled or needed to be scraped away. Always wear a sanding insulation respirator to avoid breathing any paint dust.
Spackle Holes and Caulk Cracks
Spackle compound is used to fill nail and other small holes along with indentations. Sand the compound smooth after it is dry. Larger and deeper cracks and holes could require more time to prep, fill, sand.
Repeating the process may be needed. Caulk any cracks around the baseboard, windows and doors, and along ceiling moldings. Sweep and vacuum the work area and shake out drop clothes or other protective coverings before moving to the painting phase.
Painting Steps for a Professional Look
- Select a quality paint brush that delivers smooth and even coverage. It should be a brush that can be used with most kinds of paints, stains and varnishes, and suitable for interior and exterior surfaces.
- Trim-out the room. Apply paint to all corners, around doors, windows and other obstacles, and where the walls meet the ceiling. The flat surfaces can be finished by applying paint with a quality roller.
- While walls and ceilings usually are covered with flat water-based paint, trim around doors and windows, along with baseboards and closet doors, frequently are covered with gloss or semi-gloss paint. Sometimes the trim paint is water-based and sometimes it is oil-based. Know which kind of paint was applied previously and then use the proper primer and final coat to cover it. If the existing coat is impossible to determine, then proceed as if it is oil-based.
Undecided about how to use a primer coat? Follow these rules:
- When using the same color, a prime coat that covers the base paint may not be needed unless the wall is extremely soiled or weathered. However, any patched areas should be primed before adding a fresh coat of paint.
- If a different color is selected, apply a prime coat first. Have it tinted to match the color of the final coat to deliver the best appearance.
- Only one prime coat may be needed, but a second can be applied once the first is dry.
Give considerable thought and planning to every painting project. When extra time is taken to prepare surfaces correctly, the freshly covered areas deliver a more satisfying appearance and the quality of the work lasts longer.
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