Prepare to Paint in 6 Easy Steps
by Karl CrowderOne of the most essential parts of interior painting is the prep work. Professional painters learn early that the key to a successful paint job is the interior preparation. Without careful preparation, mishaps are likely to occur.
Follow these painting preparation steps for the best results.
1. Empty the room out as much as possible. Take out large furniture and make sure nothing can obstruct the preparation and painting process.
2. Clear the walls and ceiling of decorations such as paintings and posters. Also remove nails, tacks, tape and other kinds of hangers. Patch the holes if they are not needed later with light weight spackle.
3. Cover every inch of the floor and what ever else you do not wish to paint. This will help with avoiding getting paint in places you don't want it. Paint can be sneaky and get to places you could not imagine. Make sure everything is securely covered to avoid messes later. Cover floors with drop clothes and furniture with plastic.
4. Clean all the walls before painting. If walls are excessively dirty, paint will not stick as well and it can cause the paint to look messy. Try using a mild house hold cleaner for moderate cleaning or trisodium phosphate for heavy grease deposits. When cleaning entire walls is necessary use a sponge mop to make the work easier and faster. Rinse well with fresh water and allow to dry.
5. Remove any and all electrical covers and light fixtures. Reinsert the screws so they won't become lost and they are easier to find later. If the light fixtures are not removed they should be wrapped with tape and paper in order to be protected from paint splatter and make cutting-in easier.
6. Protect all windows, trim and doors from excess paint. You can do this with blue painter's tape, which is especially good if you are leaving the tape on for more than one day. You can also use masking paper or plastic. More you do to protect these areas in which you do not wish to paint, the less time you will spent for the clean up. Remember that at least 75% of the work involved with interior house painting is in the preparation of each room.
Karl Crowder has been a professional house painter for over 20 years and writes for http://www.house-painting-info.com, your house painting guide. Visit http://www.house-painting-info.com/interior-preparation for all the interior preparation techniques needed for a successful paint job.