How do I prepare walls for a painting project?

A successful painting project that you enjoy for years to come requires a little more preparation than just buying a couple gallons of paint and a brush. Let us show you what it takes to get your walls ready for a paint job that makes a room look like new and lasts a long time.

You’ve heard it thousands of times: A job worth doing is worth doing right the first time. Nowhere is this truer than when it comes to a painting project. It’s really easy to buy a few gallons of paint, go home, roll it on and call it a day. But if you spend a little extra time before you paint, you’ll be much happier with the final results.

First, remove all of your switch plates and outlet covers with a screwdriver. Then use spackle to cover up any nail holes or other small blemishes. Or use joint compound for larger areas that may need to be skim coated.

For large holes or recurring cracks, you can use self-adhesive mesh tape with a flexible patching compound. And caulk can come in handy where there are gaps between walls and window trim.

Whatever you use for spot repair, you’re going to want to let them dry and then sand them smooth. After that, clean your walls with sponge and water or TSP solution and let them dry. Then tape off areas where you’re not going to paint, like trim and ceiling edges.

Move your furniture to the center of the room and then lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting on your flooring and furniture. After that, you’re ready to go.

For more tips and tricks when picking up supplies, visit your local Westlake Hardware. We’re always here to help.