Prepping Surfaces for a New Pennsylvania Paint Job

Painting may be the fastest, best way to give your home or interior space a new lease on life. A simple paint job can make an entire space look brand new. It is important, however, to engage in the right processes to make sure that you get the most out of your supplies, and that your paint job is placed to last. Follow some guidelines, tips and tricks for preparing surfaces so that your Pennsylvania paint job gets done efficiently and lasts a long time.

Pennsylvania Paint Job – Good Preparation

The more you prepare your surface, the better off your Pennsylvania paint job will be. It also will make sure that you use less paint—both on this job and on repaints and touch-ups down the road. Make sure that you fill all gaps and holes with good materials. Scrape your loose paint thoroughly, leaving no trace of loose chips. Sand those walls smooth!

Thorough Cleaning

Make sure that you wash and clean your walls before you even put down the primer. If you’re looking at an exterior space, consider pressure washing. Pressure washers will conduct a fast, deep and complete cleaning so that you won’t have any underlying grime that can negatively affect the paint later. ServiceWhale can help you find the best service for your needs.

Sharp Scraper

Make sure that your scraper is sharp (and stays sharp). A dull scraper will not only create more work for you, but it can actually result in gouges to your walls, which is something nobody wants on their Pennsylvania home. A good, hardened steel scraper or carbide blade is ideal; it may cost a bit more, but you’ll be grateful for the work and potential for damage it saves. Remember that when you scrape, go with the grain and not against it.

Filling Gouges and Holes

Use a good, strong, two-part resin filler for wood surfaces and a high-quality caulking for plaster. Don’t skimp on your filler material, as you’re going to need it to last underneath the paint. Crumbling filler is one of the biggest causes of repaints and touch-ups.

After you fill the gouges and holes, make sure you sand them completely smooth. You don’t want any bumps or ridges that can act as a means by which paint can chip. Make sure all your seams and cracks are caulked and protected from moisture and leaks.

Use Good Primer

Again, don’t skimp on materials. A high quality primer is essential to making sure that your paint stands the test of time. Going with a stain-resistant primer can also help to keep your walls looking smooth and clean for many years to come. Having your primer tinted to match your topcoat is always a great idea, especially if you’re using a dark paint.

When the time comes to tackle your Pennsylvania paint job, you don’t need to do it alone. ServiceWhale offers a simple and painless process for finding qualified professionals in your area. Give us a call today to get started!