Painting is a great way to refresh and update the look of your home. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to give any room a makeover. However, many people underestimate the importance of preparing their walls before painting. In this article, we’ll discuss eight reasons why preparing your walls before painting is crucial and provide tips on how to do it from expert painters in Northern Beaches.
Paint Adheres Well
It helps the paint adhere better. Preparing the surface first is essential for a smooth and even paint finish. The walls should be free of dust, dirt and any other debris. If you skip the step, the paint won’t adhere properly and may start to peel or chip over time. To remove dust and dirt, vacuum the walls or even wipe them down with a damp cloth. Use a cleaning solution appropriate for your wall type for more stubborn dirt.
Damage Repair
Filling in cracks and holes Preparing your walls before painting also means repairing any damage. It includes filling in gaps and holes, which can be unsightly and affect the overall look of your paint job. Painters in Northern Beaches use the spackling paste to fill small cracks and holes. Use joint compound and sandpaper to smooth out the surface for larger ones.
Smoothens Rough Surfaces
If your walls have uneven surfaces or texture, it’s essential to smooth them out before painting. It will ensure a smooth and even finish. Sandpaper or a sanding block helps smooth out rough surfaces, and a sanding sponge helps get into tight corners.
Enhances Durability
It makes the paint job last longer. Preparing your walls before painting can help your paint job last longer. Ensuring the surface is clean and smooth reduces the paint’s likelihood of peeling or chipping. Additionally, a clean surface is more resistant to mould and mildew, which can cause paint to deteriorate quickly.
Prevents Fading
Preparation can also help to prevent fading. The sun’s UV rays can cause paint fading over time. By preparing your walls properly, you can create a surface that is more resistant to fading. It can help your paint job look fresher for longer.
Smooth Finish
Preparing your walls before painting can help to create a smoother finish. By filling in cracks and holes and smoothing out rough surfaces, you reduce the appearance of flaws and imperfections. It can help to achieve a more professional-looking paint job. Additionally, a smooth surface minimises the appearance of brush or roller marks, making the finished product look even more polished.
Save Resources
It helps to save time and money in the long run. Preparing your walls before painting may be an extra step, but it can save you time and money in the long run. Properly preparing the surface can avoid needing touch-ups or repairs later on. It can save you the cost of buying more paint or hiring a professional to fix any problems. Additionally, a smooth surface reduces the paint needed, saving you money on materials.
Helps Use Less Paint
A primer is a type of paint used before the topcoat of paint. It helps to create a smooth surface and improves the adhesion of the topcoat. Using a primer can also help to reduce the amount of paint needed, as it helps to cover up any imperfections on the surface. Several different types of primer are available, so choosing the right one for your surface type is essential.
How to Prepare Your Walls Before Painting?
Now that you understand the importance of preparing your walls before painting, let’s understand how to prepare the walls. Below are the steps undertaken by the painters in Northern Beaches so that the paint adheres well and stays intact for a long duration.
Clean the Walls Thoroughly
The first step in preparing your walls is to clean them thoroughly. Dust, dirt, and other debris can prevent the paint from adhering properly. Vacuum the walls to remove any loose dust or dirt, then wipe them down with a damp cloth. Use a cleaning solution appropriate for your wall type if there are any stubborn stains or marks.
Repair Any Damage
Once the walls are clean, it’s time to repair any damage. Fill in any cracks or holes using spackling paste or joint compound. Sand down any rough surfaces using sandpaper or a sanding block. It will create a smooth surface that’s ready for painting.
Protect Surrounding Areas
Before you start painting, it’s vital to protect any surrounding areas. Cover the floor and furniture with a drop cloth to prevent paint splatters or spills. Use painter’s or masking tape to safeguard the areas you don’t want the paint to stain, such as trim or windows.
Consider Using a Primer
As mentioned earlier, using a primer can help to create a smooth surface and improve the adhesion of the topcoat. Using a primer is especially important if you’re painting an unpainted surface or if you’re painting over a dark or bold colour.
Concluding Words
Preparing your walls before painting is essential in achieving a professional-looking paint job. It helps the paint adhere better, makes the paint job last longer, provides a smoother finish, and can save you time and money in the long run. Following the steps in this article, you can ensure smoothly prepared paint where the colours glide and stay intact for years.
Contact the most reliable Sydney Wide Painters for a smooth finish and receive the best painting pieces of advice.