Preparing the Painting Surface

Prior to beginning the painting of your home, it is advisable to first begin by preparing the paonting surface. One key fact to remember is that preparation of the painting surface requires the preparation of everything around the painting surface as well. This may include electrical outlets, the floor, and other wall fixtures or trim.

To begin a paint job that will result in added beauty to your home, the first step in preparing the painting surface is to remove all electrical plates, ceiling light fixtures and outlet covers. If it is necessary to remove fixtures that are wired into the room through the wall or ceiling, be sure to turn off the electricity before attempting this task.

The second step in preparing the painting surface is to remove all small furniture items from the room, and then place larger items in the center of the room, covered by a painter's drop cloth.

Preparation of the painting surface now requires you to repair any blemishes in the walls, such as nail holes. To create a painting surface that will allow the paint to adhere to the wall smoothly, the painting surface should then be thoroughly cleaned.

Then assemble all of the materials that will be required for the painting the surface of the walls, to include ladders, paint, brushes, rollers and painter's tape.

Next, using painter's tape, tape off any sections of the painting surface that should not be painted. Typical areas of the painting surface that require this procedure are woodwork and trim in the room.

A primer coat of paint is often applied to the painting surface prior to the application of the room color selected. However, applying an undercoat to the painting surface will depend on the painting technique that you will be using in the room.