How to Properly Prepare Walls for Painting

Preparation is the unsung hero of a quality paint job. If you skip the groundwork, your new color will highlight every bump, hole, and smudge from the past decade. A wall that looks flawless under a fresh coat of paint starts with a surface that is structurally sound and completely free of contaminants. Investing an extra hour in prep work saves you from the frustration of paint peeling or bubbling later on. When you start with a clean, smooth, and dry substrate, the primer and topcoat can do exactly what they are designed to do. Think of this process as creating the perfect canvas; the more effort you put into the foundation, the more impressive your finished room will look.

1. Move Everything Out of the Way. Move all furniture to the center of the room and cover it with heavy-duty plastic drop cloths. Remove switch plates and outlet covers, placing the screws in a small baggie so they do not disappear.
2. Wash Every Trace of Grime Away. Wipe down walls with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap using a clean sponge. Remove all dust, grease, and cobwebs, then allow the walls to air dry completely.
3. Fill Every Hole and Dent. Examine the wall for nail holes, dings, or scratches. Use a putty knife to press lightweight spackle into the holes, slightly overfilling them to account for shrinkage as they dry.
4. Level Everything Flush and Smooth. Once the spackle is bone-dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to level the patches until they are perfectly flush with the wall. Gently sand the rest of the wall to remove any high spots or old drips.
5. Banish Every Speck of Dust. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a dry microfiber cloth to remove every trace of sanding dust. Wipe down the walls one last time with a slightly damp, clean cloth.
6. Tape Every Edge and Corner. Carefully apply painter's tape along the edges of the baseboards, window casings, and door frames. Press the edge of the tape down firmly with a putty knife to create a tight seal.