Interior Preparation

Preparation

Preparing the surface correctly can add years to the life of your project.  Plus, proper preparation will make it easier to apply the final coat.  Follow these simple steps to help ensure a beautiful, lasting finish.

	Protect floors and remove furniture If possible, move all furniture away from the wall and into the center of the room. Cover everything with drop cloths. Drape or wrap any hanging light fixtures or ceiling fans in plastic if you are painting the ceiling. Remove all switch plates and outlet covers. Take down draperies and pictures, and remove any nails from the walls.
	Mask trim and windows Use masking tape to protect glass and trim.  Be sure to remove the tape before the paint dries, otherwise the paint may pull off.  Plus, it’s easier to clean up any paint that feathers under the tape.
	Troubleshoot and Repair If you don’t address problems now, they’ll continue to be problems – even under a fresh coat of paint.  With every problem area you fix, your goal is a smooth, clean surface. For specific problem solutions, please go to our Troubleshooting tab.  From there, follow the link to the Paint Quality Institute.  They provide photos of specific problems to help you identify issues, and best of all, they recommend solutions.
	Wash and Clean After you’ve finished sanding, scraping, and repairing, thoroughly wash the wall and ceiling with an all-purpose household cleaner, then rinse.  Allow the walls to dry completely before priming.  Even if you’re painting new drywall, or a surface that’s never been painted before, you’ll still need to wash and scrub the surface.  Any dust or dirt that remains can cause paint failures or ruin a smooth surface.
	Prime Priming provides great topcoat adhesion, helps prevent cracking and offers better color retention.  It is essential to prime any new or bare surface, or any surface you’ve exposed during repairs.  You’ll also want to prime when painting a light color over deep or bright colors.  It’s the only way to ensure topcoat performance and cut down on the number of topcoats needed.

To apply primer, follow the steps for painting, found under the “Paint Application” section.  Then, sit back and allow the primer to dry according to the label directions before topcoating.

Application

You’ve prepped.  You’ve primed.  Now, it’s time to reward yourself with a beautiful, durable topcoat (and a room you’ll love for years) – simply follow these steps:

Brush tips:

• Clear out any loose debris – strike the flat side of the brush against the palm of your hand.
• Dip the bottom 1/3 of the bristles into the paint and tap lightly on the side of the can.  This should load your brush with the right amount of paint.
• Always maintain a “wet edge” – in other words, paint from unpainted areas into wet, painted areas.
• If you’re using oil-based paint, drag your brush across the surface several times for a smooth finish; if you’re using latex, one or two strokes will do the job – anything more could leave brush marks.

• Before using new roller covers, remove any excess lint by running a lint brush or masking tape over the cover.
• If using latex paint, run your roller cover under water and shake off excess before you begin to paint.  This helps the new cover absorb the paint evenly.
• Pour a small amount of paint into a roller tray.  Dip your roller into the paint and roll back and forth to remove excess paint.
• Roll your first stroke in the shape of a 2-foot “W.”
• Fill in the “W” with strokes moving from left to right.
• Repeat the “W” shape until the surface is completely painted.

	Paint the ceiling If you’re painting the walls, don’t forget the ceiling.  You’ll be amazed at the difference a clean coat of paint or a new color can make. Using a brush, paint a 2- to 3-inch wide border around the parameter of the ceiling where it meets the wall. Next, use a roller with an extension handle to complete the project.
	Paint the walls Once the ceiling has dried, move on to the walls. Brush paint a 2- to 3-inch strip around the entire edge of the walls – at the floor and ceiling, where on wall meets another, around windows, doors and trim.  Use a roller to complete the rest of the wall.  Use the “W” technique outlined above, working from the top of the wall down. Once you’ve finished a section of wall, lightly re-roll over the area from ceiling to floor in a straight line.  This ensures a uniform finish.
	Paint Windows, doors, and trim Allow wall to dry completely To paint windows:   a) Use a quality, angled sash brush and move from the inside out.   b) Slide the window open.   c) Paint the inside crossbars and frame (or sash).   d) Close the window (leave about an inch or so).   e) Paint the outside crossbars and frame.   f) Finish with the entire window casing and sill.   g) If any paint drips on the glass, remove it carefully with a razor blade. To paint trim:   a) Tape off areas where the trim meets the wall.    b) Using a 1 ½ or 2 inch angled brush, paint trim at the top of the wall first, working around windows, then down to the baseboards. To paint doors:   a) Work from the center of the door out, painting any carved edges and panels first using an angled trim brush.   b) For flat doors, use a roller.
	Cleanup If you used latex paint, clean brushes and other tools using soap and warm water.  For oil, clean with an appropriate paint thinner following package directions.  If possible, hang brushes from the handles and allow to dry.  If you drip paint on carpeting, don’t try to wipe it up.  This will only smear it into the pile.  Allow it to dry, then snip out the drop of paint with scissors.