6 Procedures To Prepare To Paint & The Supplies You May Need

So…the paint color is selected and you have paid for the paint. What are the next steps in the painting process? Let’s look at some things or steps you can plan to paint. A paint supply store such as Schauer's Hardware in Forest Park can help with your questions on paint techniques and supplies to get you totally and rightly prepared for the DIY project.

 

6 Approaches to Prepare for Painting:

Initially, pull out all nails, electrical covers, and picture hangers from the walls you wish to paint. Clean and dust the walls and ceiling thoroughly with a damp sponge or mop, except in the bath or kitchen, where dirt, oil, or steamed on grease tends to pile up on walls…these walls should be washed with oil removing cleaners ahead of re-painting. Allow the walls to dry completely.

  

Second, investigate the walls and ceiling for holes and cracks. Attentively fill hairline cracks with spackling material or caulk, using a putty knife. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular kitchen knife, or even your fingers to flatten it out. Larger holes or cracks should be filled with different patching plaster, that you can ourchase from your local Schauer's Hardware location. A Reminder to verify that there isn’t any joint separation on the moldings around the windows, doors, and walls. Fix it by re-setting the strips or filling in the cracks with spackle.

Tip: To provide proper adhesion of the plaster filler, carve out a triangular channel in the wall, narrow on the surface and wider inside. Then feed the plaster into the channel through the narrow opening. Remember to remove extra spackling with a putty knife or flat knife. When the patching material has thoroughly dried, sand the surface smooth with sand paper or a sanding sponge. Then apply primer or undercoating to the patched areas as needed.

 

4 main types of scrapers you can use:

Hook scraper: This is suitable for scraping down irregular surfaces and can be used with paint remover or a blowtorch. Hook scrapers consist of a steel blade, with a hook at one end. Some hook scrapers have removable and reversible blades.

Razorblade scraper: Specifically handy for scraping paint from glass or smooth surfaces. Made in a variety if styles.

Wall scraper: Knife-type wall scrapers are for getting rid of paint and common scraping. Available in lots of sizes. It can have both flexible and/or a stiff blade. Generally a 2” to 4” width with a stiff blade works best, depending on the project.

Putty knife: A knife with a bending steel blade used for administering putty. This is also used for filling, scraping, and cleaning other things as well.

2. Apply Painter’s Tape & Remove Hardware

 

Note: Wait at least one hour after painting until you remove the masking tape. Run a razor blade along the edge of the tape first, so when you pull the tape up – it doesn’t pull any dry paint with it.

3. “Cut in” and Paint the Outlines of the Room with Primer

After removing hardware and preparing the room…paint around and by the painter’s tape and edges next. Use an angled or flat brush for accuracy. Paint 2 inch or 3 inch bands around edges, corners, and frames. Try to do one wall at a time so the paint matches when you fill in while rolling the paint on.

 

4. Prime the Walls

Primers are designed to help seal the wall and prevent mold. It is the most crucial part of the painting, specially if going from a darker color to a lighter color. Some of the paints we offer have a paint and primer in one. Call us with questions on primer.

  

5. Don’t Forget to Sand the Primer

Once the primer has totally dried, go back over it with sandpaper or a sandpaper sponge. This will help get rid of any unwanted bumps and ridges that you didn’t see before and “seal the deal” before getting the “real” paint on. Make sure to clean the walls again with a damp towel or sponge before moving on to “the paint”. 

 

6. “Cut in” and Paint

Finally, working from ceiling to floor, take the tips from above on “cutting in” and then fill in by rolling on the paint. Using a “V” or “W” stroke pattern until each section is coverd in paint. Wait 2-4 hours to dry before applying a second coat.

Now you are ready to paint!

Have some questions? Visit our local Schauer's Hardware location in Forest Park to talk to one of our department specialists. Have a unique project and don’t know which paint to choose? Our paint person can help with that too! While you’re here – find out if we have any supply or paint offers going on to help you save.