DIY Network

Prepping Interior Walls for Painting Prepping Interior Walls for Painting From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-110

Taking a few preparatory steps before you begin can help make your painting job easier and more successful.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Cover the floor with a drop cloth (figure A).

2. Dust and clean the walls. Remove any marks that could bleed through the paint.

3. Spackle blemishes or holes in the wall; allow the spackle to dry, and sand until smooth.

4. Prime the repaired areas of the wall.

5. Tape off trim with painter's tape.

6. Use a 2-1/2" professional cutting brush for the trim work (figure B). This brush will hold a large quantity of paint. Dip the brush into the paint about halfway up the length of the bristles and paint around the trim in even strokes, keeping the paint wet (figure C).

7. Before loading a roller with paint, dip the roller in water and squeeze until damp. The water coating on the mat allows the paint to spread easily over the wall surface.

8. Start at the top of the wall and work downward with the roller, paint in a W shape, keeping the roller wet and working into the paint. Create an even coat, making sure not to drag the paint off the wall. Blend edges into the trim paint.
Audience Questions

Q: Can you use paint that has thickened?

A: No, throw the paint away after allowing it to dry first. To prevent thickening, put a layer of plastic wrap over the can before putting the lid on, then store the can upside down.

Q: Can paint that has formed scum on top be used.?

A: Yes, remove the scum, mix thoroughly and use. Reseal the can using the plastic wrap method listed above to prevent future scum on the paint.

Tip: Prevent white paint from yellowing with age by adding three drops of black paint per quart.