Get the long-lasting results you want with the right primer and room preparation techniques.

House Painting - Preparing

1. Prepparing
2. Surface Preparation
3. Surface Type Preparation Steps

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Prepparing

To get a great-looking finish coat and the beautiful, long-lasting results you expect, take the time to ensure that the surface to be painted is clean, dry and smooth and coated with the correct primer.
Paint Depot USA paint expert can provide additional advice about which primer is right for your project.  And remember, we also carry all the tools you'll need for surface preparation - such as ladders, wire brushes, paint scrapers, putty knives, wood filler and spackling paste - to prepare a surface for painting.

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Surface Preparation

Preparation. It's the key to good-looking, long-lasting results. A properly prepared surface is clean, solid and dry, without cracks and imperfections.

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Surface Type Preparation Steps

Surface Type Preparation Steps

Bare Wood

• Fill nail holes, joints and cracks with patching paste. 
• Sand smooth and remove sanding dust with a tack cloth.
• Prime all bare wood and patched areas with a primer.

New Plaster Walls

These must be clean and completely cured. 

Textured or swirl types and soft, porous or powdery plaster must be:

Treated with a solution of one pint household vinegar in one gallon of water. 

Repeat the treatment until the surface is hard.

Rinse with plain water.

Let dry and apply primer.

New Drywall

Panels must be securely nailed or glued in place.  All panel joints must be taped and filled before painting.  When joint cement and/or patching materials are thoroughly dry, sand smooth, wipe away dust, then prime.

Wallpaper

Always remove wallpaper before painting. Use a chemical wallpaper remover or rent a steamer, if necessary.  Once the paper is removed, wash off old adhesive. Rinse with water and allow the wall to dry before priming.

Previously Painted Surfaces

Wash off dirt, grease, soap and oil buildup with the appropriate cleaner. Rinse thoroughly.  Remove loose paint and powdery substances.  Patch holes and cracks with spackling or patching compound. Allow to dry, then sand smooth.  For glossy or nonporous surfaces, lightly sand to a dull finish or use an abrasive cleanser.  Remove sanding dust or cleanser residue.

Make sure to prime all bare areas prior to applying topcoat. (Avoid "spot priming," which can result in a nonuniform appearance between primed and non-primed areas.)

Masonry, Concrete, Cement, Block

All new surfaces must be cured according to the supplier's recommendations- usually about 30 days.