Brush Up on Prep: How to Avoid a Painting Meltdown

I have painted many walls in my adulthood and prepping has always been the part I hate the most!

I learned a big lesson when transforming my dining room from a pale blue to a deep red.

Don’t laugh, it was in the early 2000s when chef décor was popular and French revolution themes were totally out of style. Painting the color red, which is one of the most temperamental colors on the palate, requires proper prep to avoid a streaky outcome. A lesson that took me multiple trips to the hardware store for supplies like sandpaper, brushes, and primer after I had already bought and had my heart set on having a red dining room.

When it comes to home improvement, painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to freshen up a room and give it a new lease of life. However, the key to a successful painting project lies in the preparation. Here are some essential tips to ensure the best outcome:

Primer

Primer is typically sold as white, but when transforming to a deep or rich color, tinting the primer with the color will help your mission. The paint color mixologist will help you with the ratio of color to primer.

Sanding

Each wall has texture from drywall or plaster finishing. In addition, the wall may have streaks from previous paint jobs or other blemishes from nail holes or wear and tear. Before painting the new color, look at the walls and sand any blemish you don’t want to be highlighted by the new color.

Fixing Holes and Gaps

A little caulk and spackle go a long way to making your wall look brand new. Take the time before painting so you have an even finish.

Cleaning

Wipe your walls before painting for a smooth finish not speckled by dust, dead bugs, and other trappings on your walls and trim.

Decluttering

It is always best to have a cleared area for your project. Also consider removing outlet covers, light fixtures, and any other wall attachment before painting. Only leave what is permanently attached and paint around it.

Supplies

Make sure you know the surface area size you’ll be painting so you buy enough paint. Brushes are important as are rolls of painting tape, plenty of rags to wipe drips, a tool to open and stir the paint, ladders to reach high areas, drop cloths to protect furniture and flooring, and of course, time to do the project right.

Remember, painting can be an inexpensive way to freshen a room and add life to an area that is repurposed. Follow these tips for preparing before you paint to lessen the hassle of wiping, repainting, and the shock of imperfections becoming more obvious with the new color. Happy painting!

What's your least favorite task when painting?

• Covering / Packing items in the room
• Prepping the walls
• Taping off edges

Note: Always remember to avoid common painting mistakes such as not taking the time to prep the walls properly. This can lead to a streaky outcome, especially with temperamental colors like red.