How to Prep for Painting: Surface Cleaning

Written by Expert Contributor Tom Rafferty, Owner of Rafferty Painting & General Contracting

If you ever had an interior paint estimate given to you by a painting contractor, you know that multiple estimates can vary a lot. Anyone can pick up a paint brush and roller and paint a room, but an inexperienced painter will miss steps along the way. Doing the proper prep work is the most important thing you can do to ensure a quality job. Here are some prep work steps that you should have done with every job.

Clear the Surface

Before any painting begins, the first step is to clear the surface. Skipping this step will most likely cause the paint to crack and peel soon after painting. Fortunately, prepping the wall for painting is a straightforward process that anyone can do. Materials such as sawdust, pet hair, and dust can be wiped off with a cloth, whereas things like grease will need to be washed off. When you begin working on the walls, make sure to follow these steps:

• Dust and clean the walls so there is no debris left when you start painting. A cloth towel or duster will work well for this.

• If you are going to be painting a kitchen or bathroom, a combination of three teaspoons of laundry detergent and one gallon of water will help wash tougher stains off of the walls.

• A paint scraper will help to remove any cracked or flaking paint that is still on the wall. For other small imperfections on the wall, smooth them away with sandpaper. Sanding can be done manually with extra pressure, or with an electric sander. Any imperfections in the wall will then become textures underneath the new paint job when you are done, which will be much harder to remove later.

• Always spackle any imperfections on walls and ceilings before painting. A spackled wall will make for a clean, smooth surface with a coat of paint that will last.

• Don’t forget to screw in any screw pops and hammer in any nail pops so you don’t paint over them and leave spots on the wall.

These tips are incredibly important to make sure that the surface is prepared for painting. Skipping a step will lead to imperfections and a shorter lifespan. When you receive an estimate, always make sure the prep work is detailed, and that your painting contractor understands the importance of prepping before painting.

Rafferty Painting & General Contracting

Interior/Exterior Residential Painting Specialties: Custom Colors, Wallpapering, Waterproof Coatings

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