Interior Painting Prep

One of the easiest projects for homeowners is painting. With proper preparation and a little time, you can transform a room with a mere gallon of paint. The preliminary steps may keep you from slapping on paint as quickly as you would like, but this checklist will help your job go smoother in the end.

Gather the appropriate tools:

• Applicators – rollers; trim, angle, small brushes; paint pan
• Paint – purchase enough to apply two coats; generally, a gallon covers 400 square feet
• Other – a stirrer, pry bar or screwdriver, mask, sponges, spackle, sandpaper, and a drop cloth

Protect
Move furniture and items away from the walls. Cover items with a drop cloth. Remove pictures, switch covers, and light fixtures (if needed). Sweep or vacuum and cover the floor with a large drop cloth. Provide for proper ventilation and keep pets and kids away to avoid accidents.

Tape
Mask off what cannot be moved. Tape around radiators and trim. Cover electrical outlets with tape for safety. Mask off corners if you aren’t going to be “cutting in” the corners with a small angled brush.

Clean & Repair
Wash the walls to remove any dust or dirt that may hinder the application. Allow the area to dry completely before applying paint.  Use spackle or drywall compound to cover imperfections or to fill holes. Sand and wipe down the area before continuing. Check and repair baseboards or re-caulk where needed.

Paint
Pick your wall and begin to apply your paint. Work in small sections and overlap between the areas while still wet. Clean any drips that may miss your drop cloth along the way.