Painting Prep: Prep Time

Hey Guys,

Once everything has been evaluated on the who, what, when, why, and how it is time to get rocking on your project.

This is probably the single most important step after evaluating the project is preparing for paint so DO NOT RUSH the prep work.  I know most of you like me want to rush and start transforming your project, but slow down as it will create a costly mistake. These general steps will help you make the most of your project and eliminate mistakes.

This example is focusing on previously painted walls, other surfaces may require additional steps in prep. 

1. Moving obstacles such as furniture out of the way to provide easy access to the area being painted: (Do not move something already secured like a toilet.
2. Clean the area: Often times we need to clean or remove any dirt/debris from the surface as these will show up in the paint.  
   1. Dry or damp rags work great in picking up dirt.
   2. Be sure to hit the base boards, window ledges, and other trim as well.
3. Covering Furniture: Before we start anything lets go ahead and cover the furniture to minimize any dust, dirt, and paint that will get on these.  Painters plastic works great as you can reuse it.
4. Filling holes: A little bit of 5 minute drywall mud, or spackle to fill holes in the wall.  Once dried a sanding block to quickly make the repair smooth with the wall.  
5. Cleaning AGAIN: If you have done a lot of repairs in the drywall please take the time to clean the area by removing any dirt and debris from the area.  If you generated a lot of dust go ahead and vacuum it up.  
6. Drop Cloths: If you have not already put down the drop cloths in the area you are going to paint.  If the entire room is covered great, if not be sure to move the drop cloth.
7. Tape & Paper: In my honest opinion you can never tape off enough.  Be sure to cover light fixtures, electrical plates, trim, doors, windows, base board.  This will most likely be the most time consuming aspect, but it will give you the most desired result.
8. STOP: Now double check EVERYTHING to make sure you are satisfied with the prep. I guarantee you missed something. 
9. After double and triple checking you are now ready to prime/paint.

Next Step: Cutting In!!!