Here are 7 easy Steps to Prep.
1. Clear the room. Move out the furniture, accessories, and wall art. The more you can move out, the easier it will be to work in the space. For items that can’t be removed, place them in the center of the room and cover with plastic to protect. Set up a staging area for your tools and paint away from the area to be painted, so it’s not in the way.
2. Remove the light and outlet covers. Put them in a container to keep everything together for easy replacement when you are done. I like to mask the plugs and switches with tape so I don’t have to be so careful when rolling the walls.
3. Cover the floors. Use a large, leak-proof drop cloth to protect your flooring.
4. Clean the surfaces. The number one rule for painting is the surface needs to be clean, dry and dull. Wipe the baseboards with a damp cloth and dust the cobwebs from the corners. Wash any dirt or grease with a mild detergent. Clean mildew with a solution of OxiClean or vinegar and warm water. Be sure to rinse with clean water to remove any residue, and allow to dry thoroughly.
5. Fill the nail holes, cracks, and imperfections. Use a lightweight spackle for nail holes and cracks. For deeper gouges and imperfections, use a sandable spackling paste. Allow to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand lightly to a smooth finish. Spot prime larger repairs.
6. Caulk gaps between the woodwork and walls. Probably the best thing I learned as a pro is that caulk is your friend! Filling those gaps and cracks makes a huge difference in the finished paint job, and gives a crisp look. I especially like to caulk between the wall and ceiling, to make painting a straight line so much easier! Use your finger to smooth out the bead of caulk. Have a damp rag on hand to wipe the excess. Be sure to use PAINTABLE caulk.
7. Mask surfaces to protect from paint. Use blue painter’s tape to mask baseboards, window and door casings, and light fixtures. The key to masking tape is don’t overload your paint brush and slop it on. Paint will leak through the tape if you do. Applying a thin coat just along the edge of the tape is a better method. Or use our Sealing the Edge technique for a perfectly crisp line.
You are now ready to paint! Let the extreme makeover begin!
How To Remove Paint Stains On Wooden Floor Like A Pro
If, despite your best efforts, some paint does find it’s way to your floor, it’s still easy enough to wipe it off. But if your floor is wooden, standard wiping will not do! Here are some pointers on how to remove the paint in the best way possible.
Heat gun
Point the heat gun close to the stain, this will soften the paint. Simultaneously, gently scratch the paint layers using a putty knife. With a damp rag, wipe the affected area.
Rubbing alcohol
Scrape off as much paint as you can using a bladed tool, then soak a rag in rubbing alcohol. Apply the cloth directly to the stain and rub until the stain is not visible.
While it can be tempting to get painting as soon as possible when you want to decorate a room, it’s worth taking the time to make sure your room and surfaces are best prepared before you begin.
