How to READY A ROOM FOR PAINT

The first steps in readying a room to receive a fresh paint job.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drop cloths, screw driver, step ladder.

1. First, we need to start with what I call pre-prep: What is that? Well, the first step we need to do when starting our basic room is to remove the objects that are, one, in our way, and two, not getting painted such as outlet covers and switch plates. Trying to paint around them will not work and it will look sloppy. Not to mention in the future if they need to be removed for any reason it will be difficult without causing damage.

2. On the same token, we also cannot put them back until we are sure our new paint is fully dry. Or yes, they will be glued down again if we do. Put the screws back in the holes after removing the plates so we do not lose them. If there are hard fixtures like lights mounted on the walls, it is best to leave them up and we will do a good job masking around them later. Do not put any covering over the bulbs of the fixtures if you plan to use them for lighting in the room. They will catch on fire; remember lights get HOT.

3. If there is anything else that can be removed safely, it should be done now. Just a note here if there are current holders or brackets, if you feel brave and think that they can be removed and remounted without driving you crazy then go ahead. If not, then we’ll just deal with them. After taking down the pictures or whatever, take out the nails, you’ll thank me later. That covers the pre-prepping of the walls in our room.
   The room is ready for the prep work: beginning with the ceiling, including the one in the closet. Take down the light fixture cover for the once-a-year cleaning and dust down the ceiling while you’re at it. Please remember to shut off the light and let it cool before trying to take it down. Wrap up any cords in the room and remove any furniture. Also, remove any shelves or clothes bars from the closet. It will be one less obstacle to step over or work around when the work starts. Put any items that are too large to remove in the center of the room. Take the drawers out of the dressers helps lighten them up for moving.

Tips & Warnings

• The items left need to be covered with something to protect it from the painting. Plastic works well for small jobs with little mess, but if you do a larger job, the dried paint will flack off and make a mess. Some people like to use old bed sheets; it is o.k. for small jobs. However, any large drips will soak right thru them onto what it is you are trying to protect. Knowing this, you can use your best judgment. Of course, there are some good inexpensive paper and plastic drops for sale at the paint store, and can be cut to any size you need. The best part is when You’re finished they can be thrown away.
• Always follow advice of your doctor before starting any work. This is a guide only.

[opalpearl3]

on 4/7/2009 Good article. Nice tips. 5*