How to Prepare Your Home for an Interior Paint Job
So, you’ve decided that you’re ready to take the big leap and spruce up your home with a new paint job. But what now? Before any brush hits the wall, it is absolutely essential to engage in proper preparation. Whether you’re contracting with a company like Lowcountry Painting LLC, or excited to try out a new DIY project, we have some steps for you that will give great paint results and make it a smooth transition. Here is a step-by-step guide to prepping your home before beginning your paint renovation.
Why Is Preparation Important before Painting?
A well-prepared space not only leads to a better finished product, but also protects your furniture from damage, saves time, and minimizes the risk of having to redo any work due to oversight. By taking some time upfront to prepare, you will be able to enjoy the transformation of your cozy space without the negative outcomes that come along with poor preparation.
Clear the Room
Before you start any painting job, the first thing you should do is remove as much furniture and decorations as possible away from the space. If you can, try relocating it to another room or a garage. This not only prevents possible paint splatter on your personal belongings, but also allows for more space to move freely and get a more precise paint job. If you do have any larger pieces that are more challenging to move, like couches, coffee tables, or bookshelves, move them all as close to the center of the room as possible. Drape them in tarps or towels – whichever you have available. Of course, remove any wall hangings, curtains, and blinds so you have a clean slate and don’t color things that shouldn’t be.
Not able to move the furniture yourself? Our team at Low Country Painting will help you get the job done.
Prepare the Surfaces
Starting any paint job with less than ideal wall conditions is a recipe for a poor-quality result. Take some time to sweep and dust off the walls, then patch up any holes, cracks, or dents. Make sure if you do need to repair any wall blemishes, you sand the surfaces smooth. Wipe all walls down with a damp cloth to remove any hidden dust, dirt, or grease. These could interfere with the paint’s ability to properly adhere to the wall. If you do use a damp cloth, make sure you do it at least 24 hours prior to the paint job to ensure the wall is completely dry before painting.
Protect Floors
While they can be easy to overlook, the floors are one of the most vulnerable spots to damage during any paint job. Heavy-duty tarps, cloths, or plastic sheets should be laid down to protect hardwood, carpet, or tiles from drips, spills, and swipes. To secure the tarps in place, use tape. This step is vital to every paint renovation.
Utilize Painters Tape
Painters tape will become your best friend when it comes to achieving clean and crisp lines during a paint job. Carefully use it to outline trim, baseboards, and other areas that you want to remain paint free. The tape must be pressed down firmly – if you don’t, paint may bleed underneath it and get into unwanted crannies. This is a small detail that makes the difference between an amateur and professional paint job.
Ventilation & Lighting
This is an important step that is often overlooked. Proper ventilation not only helps the paint dry more quickly, but also helps calm down the sometimes overpowering, chemical-like paint odors after a job is finished. During mild climates, open windows if possible and be sure to turn on fans.
Lighting is also important to give enough clarity to get a precise result, and to see the final result more clearly. Natural light is typically the best, but if you’re in an area of the house that doesn’t get much, warm lamps will do. Painting in poor lighting can lead to patchiness and uneven color distribution.
Plan A Schedule in Advance
Interior paint jobs can temporarily throw a wrench in your daily routines. Painting one room at a time is ideal, as it gives less space to avoid and more room to relax, despite the virtual shut-down of the painted room. Keep in mind drying times and avoid using freshly painted rooms until the paint has fully dried and settled. A good plan will allow you to enjoy your home’s new look without the unnecessary stress.
Hire A Professional Interior Painter with Low Country Painting in Charleston, SC
Following these steps may take a bit of extra time out of your day prior to painting, but they make the final results worth it. It takes proper prep work to achieve a professional finish that will both look better and last longer. At Lowcountry Painting LLC in Charleston, SC, we’re here for you every step of the way, from preparation to final completion. If you’re interested in transforming your home with paint, contact us today to receive a free estimate. Happy painting!