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One of the best ways to perk up a home’s interior is giving it a fresh look with new paint. Whether you are doing the job yourself, or calling in a certified painting professional, these simple tips will help you get the job done right.
Preparing the Room
Though it may seem like extra effort, it is well worth while to remove the furnishings in the room you are planning to work in. This extra effort pays off in keeping your furniture paint free and also clears the area so that you can see flaws more easily. Next, loosen light fixtures and wrap them with plastic bags. Plastic grocery bags with handles work well because you can use the handles to tie the bag securely. Remove all window coverings and their hardware. Keep some zippered baggies handy to store the hardware in and tape to the curtain rods. You will thank yourself later.
 Preparing the Walls
Take some time to go over the surface and look for any peeling paint and use the edge of a putty knife to scrape it off. Sand the area until it blends well with the surrounding area. It may be impossible to blend some areas depending on the extent of the damage. In those cases, apply a light coat of joint compound. After it is well dried, sand and blend well. Next, thoroughly wash the surface with warm water and a wall-cleaning soap. The best way to do this is too use a new, clean sponge mop to rub down the wall. Keep the soapy water clean by wringing the dirty residue into a bucket or sink and then rinsing the mop clean. This way, you avoid re-depositing the dirt back on the wall and ceiling. Once the dirt and oil is removed, be sure to remove the soap residue. Do not be tempted to skip this process as having a clean wall assure that your paint will properly adhere to the surface.
Dealing with Glossy Finishes
A glossy surface does not provide enough adhesion so additional steps must be taken. To prevent your paint from peeling off the wall as soon as it is dry, you must cut the gloss with either TSP or a commercial deglosser. Wash the wall with TSP and then rinse clean with a sponge. Most deglossers only require that you swab on and let dry before painting.
Masking
Mask the areas you wish to protect, such as doors, windows and shelves. It is important to remove the masking before the paint dries completely as it will cause the paint to peal away from the surface.
Primer
Using a primer assures that paint adheres to the surface properly and increases the durability of the paint and can be the most important step in your painting process. Primers can be tinted at your local paint or home store which further assures that you get an even color throughout. If you are painting the switch plates and electrical outlet wall plates, you can prime them as well once they are off the wall.
Getting a room ready to paint may seem like a rather tedious task. However, all of the effort you put in to the front end will show in the finished product in a well done job that you will enjoy for years to come. There is time involved, but the time you, or a certified professional put in is well worth the effort.
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