Prep Before Painting to Ensure a Beautiful, Long-Lasting Finish

The key to a great paint job is proper paint prep, but different surfaces require different kinds of preparation. If you’re painting drywall, you’ll need to patch any holes first with drywall compound. Sanding and priming are also essential to ensure good adhesion. Plaster walls are more prone to moisture retention and require an oil-based primer. Use paintable latex caulking to fill small cracks, and mesh tape with spackling for larger holes.

If you’re going to be painting wood, you’ll need to use paint stripper to remove the old paint, varnish, or shellac finish. Any nicks or scratches can be filled in with wood putty and then sanded smooth. Paintable wallpaper can be painted over, but vinyl, fabric, and cork wallpapers need to be removed with wallpaper stripper and a putty knife. Exterior brick and masonry require a good power wash to blow off any dirt and dust. Paintable masonry patching compound is available for use on both outdoor and indoor walls. Remember to mask off anything you want to protect with painter’s tape and drop cloths before getting underway.