Ah, the thrill of walking into a freshly painted home! The look, the smell, the feel – they all come together to create a space that inspires, soothes, and energizes. However, every masterpiece begins with a blank canvas – and the interior walls of your home are no different.
Therefore, before you unleash your inner Michelangelo or hire pro interior painters in Timnath, CO to work their magic and transform your home, you need to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success – and this guide will help you do exactly that!
What should be done before painting interior walls?
Much like the exterior painting preparations, the interior ones focus on achieving three key goals: streamlining the workflow, protecting your property and belongings, and ensuring the quality of the finished product. Fortunately, these can all be accomplished in five simple steps:
- Clear the room(s):
- Move the furniture away from the walls and (preferably) into the center of the room to make navigation easier.
- Cover the moved furnishings and exposed flooring (especially hardwood) with nylon sheets (or drop cloths) to shield them from splatter.
- Remove outlet covers, switch plates, and doorknobs so you don’t have to clean them later. Alternatively, use painter’s tape to protect them.
- Clean the walls:
- Dust walls to remove dirt, grime, and cobwebs. If you have a vacuum with an appropriate attachment, you can use that to make the job easier.
- Wipe down walls with a mixture of mild detergent and water to remove grease, stains, or scuff marks.
- Fix those flaws:
- Use spackle or joint compound to fill in holes and cracks.
- Wait until the spackle or joint compound has dried, then sand the patched areas until smooth.
- Mask it up:
- Apply painter’s tape to edges, trims, and outlets (if you didn’t remove them).
- Protect baseboards, molding, and fixtures with nylon sheets or tape.
- Use the same principles for any area you don’t want painted (e.g., windows, doors, built-in shelves).
- Time to prime:
- If you’re using a dark color over a light one, covering bold patterns/stains, or if you’ve done extensive repairs to your walls, consider priming first to ensure even color distribution, better adhesion, and increased paint durability.
What should NOT be done before painting interior walls?
When it comes to painting walls in general (interior or exterior), taking shortcuts can only lead to sub-par results. With this in mind, here are some things that you don’t want to compromise on:
- Don’t skip the cleaning: While it can save you time, failing to give your walls a thorough scrub can lead to poor paint adhesion, resulting in a finish that’s more “meh” than mesmerizing.
- Don’t use the wrong cleaning products: Avoid using strong chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or high-alkaline substances, as they can damage walls or affect paint adhesion.
- Don’t paint over old wall coverings: This includes wallpaper, borders, or decals, and especially loose or flaking paint and cracks. This will only lead to a bumpy, uneven finish and make flaws more noticeable, creating real eyesores on your walls.
- Don’t forget to fix leaks: Water + Paint = Disaster. Paint can trap the moisture underneath, causing peeling and mold growth, resulting in a host of issues and costly repairs.
- Don’t paint in poor ventilation: Granted, not all paints are toxic, but that’s a risk you don’t have to take. Therefore, ensure good airflow to prevent inhaling fumes and to help the paint dry properly.
- Don’t rush the drying time: Applying paint before the primer or previous coat has fully dried will lead to uneven coverage and poor adhesion.
Who are the leading interior painters near me in Timnath, CO?
If you want some of the finest painters in the Timnath area – true professionals who can make your home look its best – you can never go wrong with Handyman Connection of Fort Collins. With years of experience beneath our belts, cutting-edge equipment, and dedication to deliver results that exceed your expectations, we bring everything you need to render your dream of a perfect home real. Our services are available in the entire region, so whether you’re near Old Blacksmith Shop or anywhere else, our expertise is within your reach. Call today!