Preparation is Key to a Good Paint Job

Interior painting is a job that you as a homeowner might choose to undertake yourself. And it’s quite possible to attain a great result — if you have the skills, time, motivation, and the proper tools. Keep in mind, however, that the time spent actually applying paint to your walls will be the shortest part of the job.

To understand what this means, take a close look at the walls or ceiling before you even get a paintbrush ready:

• Do you see nail pops raised from the surface?
• Are there rough patches from previous repairs that are visible?
• Are there cracks, ridges, bumps, flacking or stains present?
• Do you notice loose drywall tape or drips and runs from previous, less than careful painting work?

All these imperfections must be corrected before you open a can of paint. So if you want a great looking result from your efforts, you must begin with a clean, flat, perfect surface. Sanding and spackling will be the two activities you will spend most of your time on. With this proper preparation, and provided you apply the paint and primers in a smooth and even manner, your result will be flawless looking surfaces.

Keep in mind a few additional steps that should not be ignored as part of the preparation process and to make all walls accessible to the painter:

• Surfaces not getting work will have to be protected from dust, drips, and splatter.
• Furniture will need to be moved.
• Cabinets with dinnerware or glassware should be emptied in order to move them without the risk of breakage.
• Dresser drawers should be removed to reduce weight so they can be moved more easily.
• All pictures, paintings, furnishings, and decorations should be removed before work begins to prevent them from becoming damaged.

The bottom line — it’s your choice. Some people enjoy the process of painting and the satisfaction of a job well done. Bravo! Go for it. However if you are going to hire a painting contractor (Taormina Home Services would be a very good choice!) or handyperson to do the job, be sure to ask them about their process to see what work they will perform exactly. The level of preparation will directly determine the quality of the end result.