Homeowners who are planning on painting the interior of their homes need to prepare their surfaces properly. If they don’t, their paint job will be a disaster.
A paint job can only last long if it sticks to the surface. This depends on the quality of paint used and the quality of the surface itself.
Remove Any Debris
Whether it’s dry leaves, bird droppings, dust or dirt, any foreign substance on the surface of the wall can prevent paint from adhering to it properly. This is an important step before you begin any painting project, both inside and outside of your home. Dry debris like dust can be wiped away with a microfiber cloth, while tackier material will require a scrub brush or sponge and a good rinsing. This is especially important for exterior surfaces that are subject to harsh weather elements and dirt buildup, as it can cause the paint job to crack or peel over time.
For indoor painting, it’s best to clear your walls of any art or other items, including the nails or screws used to hang them. This creates a space where the painters can work efficiently, and it ensures that any items you want to rehang once the painting is done won’t get covered in wet paint. It also allows the painters to make any necessary repairs on the walls before painting, such as fixing cracked or damaged areas of wood.
If you’re planning on using a powerful cleaner, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP), for cleaning your walls before painting, make sure that any items in the room are moved elsewhere or protected with plastic sheeting and drop cloths. You should also cover any furniture in the area with a tarp or blanket, to protect it from paint drips and splashes that can occur as the cleaning process gets underway.
Managing clutter is a simple task that can make all the difference in how your house looks once the painting is complete. It’s a quick and easy task that can make a huge impact on the finished product and how long your new coat of paint lasts. This is a great way to prep your home for a professional painting job and ensure that the results look their best!
Cover Your Floors
Painting is a messy job, and if you’re tackling a large project, it can easily spill or splatter on your floors. While protecting your floors might seem like an afterthought, it’s crucial for a successful interior paint job.
Before you start painting, swiffer or vacuum the floors in the room you’re working on to remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated over time. Then, cover the floors with canvas or plastic drop cloths to shield them from any potential damage. If you’re using a canvas drop cloth, use a long, narrow sheet to create a barrier across the center of the room where the majority of your work will take place. This prevents the drop cloth from shifting and creating tripping hazards.
Depending on your flooring type and the amount of furniture in the room, you may also need to cover any light fixtures or electrical outlets. These fixtures and outlets are susceptible to paint drips, splatters, and dust that could harm them over time.
It’s best to move any furniture out of the room you’re painting if possible. This will help you clear the space and allow you to work faster with fewer obstacles in your way. If moving your furniture isn’t an option, cover it securely with plastic sheeting or canvas drop cloths.
If any stray drops of paint do fall onto the floor, clean them up immediately before they dry. A wet cloth or paper towel can absorb the paint and prevent it from drying on your floorboards and causing staining. It’s also important to check for lead in the floors and walls before you begin any prep work if your home was built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned. This isn’t a prep step that impacts the paint job, but according to Harpenden Painters, it’s essential for your safety and the safety of others in your household. You can purchase a test kit from your local hardware store or paint supplier to determine if your home has lead-based paint in the floors and walls. If it does, you’ll need to follow a different set of prepping steps.
Cover Your Furniture
Painting is an integral part of homeownership and can add a bold touch to your living spaces, dining rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. However, there’s a lot more to a painting project than simply picking up your brush and getting started. Proper preparation is key to ensure that you’re creating a smooth surface, uniform paint coverage, and eliminating moisture from damaging your paint job.
Furniture Prep
Before you even think about breaking out the brushes and rollers, it’s important to cover your furniture. This will not only protect it from paint spills and splatters but will also help you keep it clean during the paint job.
You’ll want to use plastic sheets or blankets to cover any furniture that you don’t plan on moving, and bungee cords or straps to secure these coverings in place. This will help you avoid damage to your furnishings as well as allow you to work more easily and efficiently.
If you can, it’s a good idea to move your furniture away from the walls or at least push it to the center of the room. This will allow you to better access the wall surfaces and eliminate the possibility of accidentally bumping your furniture or knocking it loose during the painting process. If you’re unable to move your furniture, try to cover it with the sheets and blankets mentioned above or a dropcloth.
You’ll also want to wipe down your furniture’s surface with a duster and a rag or washcloth soaked in water to remove any dust, dirt, and cobwebs. You’ll need to use a low-suds detergent to ensure that you’re not leaving behind any lingering mildew. This will help to make sure that your furniture is ready for a new coat of paint and will create a more even finish that lasts longer. Lastly, you’ll want to check for any cracks or chips in your furniture’s existing finish and any areas that need wood filler. It’s best to do this before you start painting as it’s easier to fix these problems at a later time than during the actual painting process.
Create a Working Checklist
Painting your home’s interior can transform it, but it’s a project that requires a great deal of time and patience. It’s important to make sure your surfaces are properly prepared to ensure the paint adheres and is long-lasting. Creating an ultimate painting checklist can help alleviate some of the stress of the project by providing you with a clear roadmap to follow.
Before you get started, it’s also helpful to create a list of all the supplies that you’ll need for the job. This includes vinyl gloves, a screwdriver (ideally both Philips and flathead, depending on your switches), and spackle to fill any holes left behind by old hardware. You’ll also want to have some household cleaner, sponges, a respirator mask or dust mask, and a drop cloth on hand.
If you’re working in an open space, be sure to remove any furniture from the room before beginning the painting process. This not only makes the area easier to work in but it will prevent any potential damage from paint drips or scuffs. It’s also a good idea to move anything from the walls that you plan on rehanging when the painting is complete so it’s not in the way while you work.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you’ll need a ladder for the job. If you’re working in a large room or a high ceiling, you may need a ladder or scaffold system to reach all the surfaces that need to be painted.
Finally, you should take the time to remove any smaller objects from the wall, such as curtains and wall hangings. This will not only make it easier for the painters but it will also allow you to clean up any areas that you haven’t gotten around to cleaning in awhile, as well as give you a chance to reorganize the area if necessary.
Preparing your home for an interior paint project is an important part of the entire process, but it can also be a bit intimidating for homeowners that have never done it before. Taking the time to carefully follow these tips can help make your project more efficient and successful, so you’ll be happy with your new look for years to come!