How to Prime Walls for Interior Painting

Priming interior walls is essential before painting.

Painting interior walls is one of the easiest ways to improve the look and value of your home. Whether you've decided to go with a new décor, a different color or simply need to repaint because of your home's age, the process can be messy if the proper precautions aren't taken. According to Francis Donegan, you should "always use high quality paint, brushes and primer when painting the interior of your home." The extra money spent saves time and effort in the long run.

Things You'll Need

• Primer
• Cleaning solution or soap
• Brushes
• Paint roller
• Painter's tape
• Sandpaper
• Spackle (dry wall)
• Ladder
• Paint stripper
• Scraper
• Drop cloth

Instructions

1. Remove all furniture and fixtures from the area that's being repainted. Use painter's tape to cover the edges of windows and doors, and put plastic over any fixtures (or small things like light switches) that could conceivably get paint on them. Cover the floor with a sheet of plastic or a drop cloth.

2. Take down wallpaper or old paint. You can paint over some wallpaper and paint, but removing them will lead to a better and easier job. Use paint-stripper and a scraper for tough jobs.

3. Clean the wall after everything has been taken off. At the very least use soap and water, but some walls may require a more hardy and abrasive cleaner. Let the wall dry for 24 hours.

4. Fill in holes or chips in the wall with drywall or spackle; if you're working with wood, purchase a commercial wood-filler. Sand down the wall using a basic sandpaper to even out bumps and newly spackled areas. Rinse the entire wall with water afterward.

5. Select a primer based on the type of surface you'll be painting and the sort of paint being used. Read the instructions closely or consult a salesman for advice on choosing the proper primer for the job.

6. Apply primer to the wall in the same manner you would paint. Use brushes, a roller and possibly a ladder to reach higher areas. In the event you're painting over a previous paint job, you'll only need to prime the spackled and repaired areas; otherwise, prime the entire stripped and cleaned wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Failure to purchase the correct primer may result in damage to your walls. Be sure to read the product specifications carefully.

References

• "Paint Your Home"; Francis Donegan; 1997