How to Prepare Walls for Painting

The first step to a good paint job is preparing your walls. Taking the time to clean and prime your walls will make your paint job look better and last longer. In fact, it may take longer to prepare your walls than it does to actually paint them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Primer
• Paintbrush or roller for applying the primer
• Trowel or other tools for applying the joint compound
• Joint compound
• Sponge or cloth dipped in a water-detergent mix for cleaning the walls
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth for dusting the wall

1. Repair any small dents, scrapes, dings, gouges or holes in your drywall. Fill the area with joint compound, then sand and smooth it.

2. Put a piece of screen in any large hole. Then fill the area with joint compound, and sand and smooth it.

3. Dust the walls, especially around any newly repaired areas.

4. Clean the walls using a cloth or sponge dipped in a mild detergent and warm water.

5. Prime any new or repaired areas and any stains you could not remove. You can prime the entire wall if you want to. If you use tinted primer, your topcoat will cover better.