5 Essential Things to Do Before Painting a Room
Painting a room seems like a straightforward task, right? You pick a color, grab a brush, and go to town. Well, not so fast! As professional painters, we at D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper know there’s a lot more that goes into painting a room than just opening a can of paint. When hiring a paint contractor to do the work or doing it yourself; prepping the room is crucial for getting that high-quality, flawless finish you’re aiming for.
So for today’s article, we are going to walk you through the five most common questions people ask before painting a room.
For the purpose of this article, we are speaking about homes and businesses that we come in contact with in the greater Chicagoland and greater Fox Valley Area. Homes in Geneva, Huntley, and Crystal lake are different from other areas of the country- type of wall finishes, types of wall surfaces etc, so keep that in mind when reading this article..
Clean the Walls?
Never heard of this one? Most people think, “Why bother cleaning when I’m just going to paint over everything?” Great question!
When we say clean walls- I don’t mean a bucket of water and wash them down ..fyi
The truth is, dust, dirt, and grease can ruin your paint job. Even small particles that are invisible to the eye can make your fresh coat of paint look uneven or cause peeling later on.
How to Clean the Walls:
- For light cleaning: You usually can do this by dusting walls of dust/cobwebs easy and fast. If there is dirt on the walls-A damp cloth with warm water and mild dish soap should do the trick.
- For heavy grease or grime: Use a mix of water and trisodium phosphate (TSP), which is a strong cleaner designed for tougher jobs, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.
Don’t forget to let the walls dry completely before starting to paint. Any moisture left behind can interfere with the paint’s ability to adhere properly.
This is an easy step to skip, but trust us—it’ll make your final results look much more professional.
Patch Holes and Fix Imperfections
You wouldn’t bake a cake in a dented pan and expect it to come out perfectly shaped, would you? The same logic applies to painting walls. If there are cracks, holes, or dents in the walls, painting over them won’t make them disappear; it’ll just make them stand out more.
You can learn more about wall repairs here
If you are not using a tool to sand and suck dust at the same time, you will wipe away any dust left behind. MAKE SURE TO PRIME the repaired areas as well! This step is often forgotten, but it’s crucial to avoid rough patches in your paint.
Protect the Room with Painter’s Tape and Drop Cloths
Unless you want your paint project to include unintended “decorations” on your floors, trim, or ceiling, you need to cover those areas up. Protecting your room before you start is key to achieving clean lines and avoiding a lot of extra cleanup.
Here’s What to Do:
- Use painter’s tape: clean trim and anything else you are taping for best adhesion. Apply it to the edges of baseboards, trim, windows, and ceilings to create crisp lines. Press it down firmly so the paint doesn’t seep under. (we Love Frog blue tape!)
- Cover the floor: Drop cloths or plastic sheeting can save you from hours of scrubbing paint drips off the floor later. Pro painters often opt for canvas drop cloths because they’re more durable and absorb paint better than plastic.
Don’t leave painter’s tape on too long after painting. Remove it while the paint is still a bit wet to avoid peeling off the fresh coat of paint.
Prime the Walls if Needed
Not every paint job requires primer, but sometimes it’s a must. Primer helps paint adhere better to the wall, ensures a more uniform finish, and can even hide stains and old colors. If you’re covering a dark color with a lighter one, or painting over glossy surfaces, primer is your best friend.
When to Use Primer:
- Dramatic color changes: Going from dark red to light grey? Primer will save you from having to do multiple coats. read more about painting light colors here
- New drywall or patched areas: These surfaces tend to absorb paint unevenly, but primer will seal them and create a smooth base.
Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore both have excellent primer options, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Multi-Purpose Latex Primer and Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start Primer, which can tackle various surfaces.
Using a primer can actually save you money in the long run. It might seem like an extra step, but you’ll likely use less paint and get a better finish.
Choose the Right Paint and Tools
This step might seem obvious, but it’s often rushed. The type of paint you choose can make or break your project. Whether you opt for latex or oil-based paint, the sheen (like eggshell, satin, or gloss) will depend on the room you’re painting and the level of durability you need.
Factors to Consider:
- For high-traffic areas: Satin or semi-gloss finishes are durable and easy to clean, making them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
- For bedrooms or living areas: A matte or eggshell finish offers a more sophisticated, softer look.
At D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper, we often recommend Sherwin-Williams Duration Home or Benjamin Moore Regal Select for superior coverage and durability. Don’t forget to invest in good-quality brushes and rollers. Cheap tools can leave streaks and make your job harder than it needs to be.
Avoid going cheap on paint. Higher-quality paints have better pigmentation, offer smoother coverage, and last longer, so you’ll likely end up needing fewer coats.
Best thing to take away- Prepping is Key to a Perfect Paint Job
Prepping before painting might feel like the boring part of a home makeover, but it’s the most critical step for ensuring you get the best results. Just like baking (because why not keep that cake analogy going?), if you don’t prepare your ingredients right, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
By cleaning, patching, protecting, priming, and selecting the right paint, you’ll make sure your walls are as smooth and flawless as you envisioned.
Related Resources:
- Which is the Right Paint for Your Room
- 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting a Room
- The Complete Guide to Hiring a Professional Painter
Ready to tackle your next painting project? Feel free to contact D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper for expert advice and services that guarantee a flawless finish every time! Whether you’re DIY-ing or need a professional hand, we’ve got you covered.
