Preparing Your Walls Before You Paint

When people ask us why paint peels or shows marks after a few months, the answer is almost always the same: the preparation was rushed. On our jobs, a good share of the time goes into work you will never see once the job is finished.

The steps that really matter

A clean, dry, smooth wall takes paint the way it should. Here is the order we usually follow:

• Clear the room: move furniture, remove frames and switch plates, and protect the floors.
• Wash the surfaces: grease, dust and smoke stop paint from sticking, especially in kitchens.
• Repair: fill holes and cracks, let them dry, then sand lightly.
• Apply a primer when changing color dramatically or covering a repaired area.
• Protect the trim with masking tape laid perfectly straight.

Take the time to choose the right finish for each room too: a flat finish hides the imperfections of a ceiling, while a glossier finish is easier to wash in a bathroom or a busy hallway.

Hesitating between two shades? Stick samples on the wall and look at them at different times of day. Light changes everything. We are happy to come by and talk it over with you.