BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Prepare Walls for Painting

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

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

Step1

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

Step2

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

Step3

Dust the walls, especially around any newly repaired areas.

Step4

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

Step5

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.