Painting the inside of your house can dramatically alter the look and feel of any room. Whether you are applying a new coat of the same color or going with something completely new and different, the one thing is constant – preparing the walls properly before painting.
Too often, people get excited about choosing colors and buying supplies, but overlook the importance of how the surface is prepared, which makes a huge difference in the finished result. A wall that is not cleaned, repaired, or primed will show imperfections, cause paint to peel, and give you a finish that won’t hold up.
The actual step of interior painting in Atlanta, GA, is certainly the fun part of the process, but it is important to think about what happens before you start. Like building a house, you wouldn’t want to start decorating before putting up a strong foundation, and the same applies when you prepare the walls, as the paint will stick better, look smoother, and last longer.
Here is how to prepare your walls for interior painting.
Complete the Necessary Repairs
Even the slightest imperfection in a wall can show once it is painted. That is why it is important to be sure to address any damage first. Check your walls carefully and see if there are any nail holes, dents, cracks, or places where the surface is uneven. If necessary, you can mark the imperfections with a pencil or a piece of tape.
For small holes or cracks, you will need a wall filler or spackling paste. You can apply the filler using a putty knife. Spread and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which could take a few hours or overnight, depending on the product.
For larger cracks or deep holes, you may have to apply more than one layer of the filler. Once it has dried, lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper to make it level with the surrounding wall. This is one of the most crucial steps to complete when preparing your wall for interior painting in Atlanta, GA.
Cover the Surrounding Areas
Before you open your paint cans, take a little time to protect the areas you don’t want painted. This step will save you a lot of frustration later. Use painter’s tape to cover edges, trim, outlets, light switches, window frames, and door frames. It creates clean lines and prevents paint from getting where it shouldn’t be.
Also, use drop cloths or old sheets to cover the floor and any furniture that’s staying in the room. Paint can drip or splatter, and it’s much easier to prevent a mess than to clean one. If you’re painting the ceiling too, consider using plastic sheeting to protect everything underneath.
Even if you’re careful, accidents happen during interior painting in Atlanta, GA. Taking time to tape and cover now means the job will be completed without you worrying about the floors or fixtures being ruined.
Keep the Room Dry
While it might seem like painting can be done at any time, the condition of the room affects your success. Rooms that are too humid or too cold can cause the paint to dry poorly or streak. Before the process, make sure the space is well-ventilated and at a comfortable, steady temperature. Open windows if the weather allows, and use fans if needed to keep air moving.
It’s also important that the walls are completely dry. Don’t paint right after cleaning; give the walls time to dry fully. Paint that goes on damp walls may peel or bubble later. A little patience now can make a big difference in how your walls look when the job is finished. Also, hire a reputable company that provides painting services in Atlanta, GA, to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
Preparing your walls for interior painting may not be the most exciting part of your project, but it’s definitely one of the most important. If you’re updating one room or repainting your whole home, proper preparation is something to focus on. Your walls and your future self will thank you.
If you want to achieve the best possible results in terms of painting, The Painting Group can help you. Our team of experienced individuals prioritizes attention to detail and handles each job with utmost care and precision.
