For most of your paint projects, you will need to do some prep work, and it is very important that you don’t skip this step. Adding a coat of paint without prep work may not remove all the stains and imperfections on your walls and may even make them more noticeable, so here is a checklist of steps you should take before you start painting.

Remove any peeling or bubbling paint with a scraper, then sand the surface smooth with a fine-grade sand paper.

Most surfaces should be washed with a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt and grime to insure the paint adheres well. Make sure you rinse off any leftover detergent, or you may just need to wipe the surface with a damp cloth to clean it.

If you have mildew stains on your walls or ceilings remove them with a mixture of 1/4 cup of bleach with four quarts water. You may have to repeat this step more than once.

Fill any holes or cracks with filler and use a cotton cloth or fine-grade sand paper to smooth the surface after the filler has completely dried.

Another step is to add a coat of primer before you start painting to help cover imperfections and create a smooth, uniform surface for your paint. Benjamin Moore has a series of primers for a variety of different surfaces including specialty primers for surfaces with water damage and severe stains.

Finally, before you start any paint project use drop cloths to protect your furniture and floors and use painter’s tape to cover areas you do not want painted like the edge of the wall where it meets the ceiling, for example.

If you have any questions about any of these steps, don’t hesitate to ask our staff here at Color Store Inc. We are glad to help.