Readying your walls for paint
The most time consuming part of painting is preparing your room. Holes, cracks
and imperfections stand out and must be corrected before you can get the best
results out of your efforts. Read on to find some tips on getting your walls ready.
Common Mistakes
The single most common mistake in any project is failure to read
and follow manufacturer's instructions for tools and materials being
used. In regard to painting, the most common mistakes are:
1. Not preparing a clean, sanded, and primed surface.
2. Failure to mix the paints properly.
3. Applying too much paint to the applicator.
4. Using water-logged applicators.
5. Not solving dampness problems in the walls or ceilings.
6. Not roughing up enamel paint before painting over it.
Holes in the Walls
Holes in the walls will need special attention. The repair procedures differ
depending on whether it is an older wall with lath and plaster, or a newer wall
using drywall. Repairing holes in lath and plaster usually involves several steps.
First, clean the hole and the edges of the hole of any debris. The sharp end of a
can opener comes in handy here. If the lath is still intact, you can start to fill the
hole with compound. If the lath is missing or badly damaged, you will need to
stuff something into the hole to serve as a backing for drywall compound that
will fill the hole. You can either use steel wool or a wad of newspaper. Place
the steel wool or newspaper so that it is recessed about 1" from the finished
surface of the wall.
Moisten the edges of the hole with a little water. Using a drywall knife that is at
least 1" wider than the hole, spread the compound over the hole. Do this until
the compound is about 1/4" recessed from the finished surface of the wall.
Allow this coat to dry until it is tacky. Score this tacky compound with a nail to
rough it up so that is will receive the second layer. Let this scored layer dry,
then moisten and repeat the process, filling to within 1/8" of the finished surface.
(Two coats can be used if the hole is less than 4") Sand this coat and apply the
final coat, sanding this smooth with steel wool or a fine-grit sandpaper. Use
an orbital sander if you have one. To quicken the drying time between coats,
direct a fan at the patch. Also, fast-drying compounds are available. Always
clean your tools immediately after using this type of compound. And be sure
to prime any fresh compound after repairing, but before painting.