How to Prepare a Wall for Painting

Painting the walls is a great way to bring new life and color into your room. With proper preparation, the task of painting a room runs smoothly and efficiently. Moreover, painting preparation makes your walls look like they were professionally painted.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Putty
• Sandpaper
• Scrapper
• Dust brush
• Toothpaste
• Rag
• Painters tape
• Primer

1. Remove switch plates, pictures, curtain rods and anything else attached to your walls. A screwdriver helps with this task. Use the claw of a hammer to remove nails.

2. Fill any gaps, cracks or nail holes with putty. Follow up by sanding over your patchwork until it is even with the wall.

3. Use sandpaper and a scrapper to remove any rough edges or loose paint chips.

4. Brush cobwebs and other dust or dirt from the walls. Give special attention to the baseboards which are more likely to collect dust.

5. Remove marks, such as crayon or marker stains by applying a small amount of toothpaste to the stain and then wiping with a wet rag. Apply primer over any areas that are remain stained.

6. Line the ceiling with painters tape if you're not painting the ceiling the same color. Use painters tape to cover up the edges of molding or thermostat covers that can't be removed.

7. Apply a coat of primer to walls that are painted with bright colors.

[sittingduck2008]

on 3/30/2008 This is really helpful. I have been reading the "How to"'s of others and this one seems to cover all points, describing the work simply yet comprehansively.
Good luck!