PREPARE YOUR WALLS AND CEILINGS FOR PAINTING

As the old adage goes in many different walks of life, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Never has that been truer than when you are painting the walls and ceiling in your property.

It may look like the hard work starts when the paint brush is in hand and the first coat starts to be applied. But the preparatory work which is carried out before that stage can make-or-break the success of the latest project.

Here are a few tips to ensuring your surface is in the best possible shape before the paint is applied and the most professional looking finish possible is achieved.

CLEAR THE DECKS

It may seem a major hassle but it’s worth every second to take the time to remove as much furniture as possible out of the room you will be working in.

Anything that can’t be completely removed should be positioned in the centre of the room and well clear of any potentially hazardous areas, and cover with a dustsheet.

Protecting the floor by applying dust sheet is also advised. A lot more people are turning to a protective floor film or correx as the floor protector over dustsheets.

DO YOU HAVE WALLPAER TO CONTEND WITH?  

It’s a devil of a job but if there is paper on the walls, peeling it off will allow you to make the best possible job of painting,

Simply fill a bucket with warm water, apply to the paper with a sponge, let it soak in and use a scraper to remove it.

CLEANING AND CRACKS

Washing down walls will ensure the surface is in excellent condition for when the painting starts.

Removing any lingering dust and grease will ensure the surface is in the best possible condition to apply paint.

In many cases, a sponge and warm water will do the job but sugar soap, available in either liquid or powder form (insert links) will help with any particularly dirty walls or ceilings.

While you are cleaning the walls, keep an eye out for any cracks – large or small. These are more likely to appear in corners, around windows or between the wall and the skirting. Use caulk – for which we have a wide range of products (insert links) – to fill the gaps.

APPLY THE MASK

Masking tape can be a real friend to you when painting walls or ceilings. Taping around skirting, windows, door frames and any other accessories will ensure no drips fall into unwanted areas. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

SANDING – This should be done before cleaning the walls down

Most walls or ceilings will require sanding down before the painting process begins in earnest. Failure to do so will only ensure any blemishes get worse.

A fine grade paper will ensure you have the smoothest surface possible.

Once all these jobs are complete, you are ready to start painting. Good luck!