A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room, or your entire home, but the secret to a flawless finish doesn’t just rely on the type of paint you use—it’s all about the preparation. If your drywall has dents, dings, cracks, scratches, rough patches, or other signs of wear and damage, you better believe that these imperfections will show through your paint! This is why taking the time to properly repair and prepare your walls before painting is absolutely essential. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you embark on your house painting project.
1. Always Carefully Inspect Your Surface
Before doing anything else, carefully examine the walls and look for any noticeable irregularities. This includes visible nail heads, small dents and holes (such as from picture hangers), cracks along seams or corners, and any scuffs, scratches, stains, or uneven textures. You’d be surprised at all the types of damage walls can sustain over the years! Identifying issues up front will help you gather the right repair materials.
2. Clean the Walls Beforehand
Dust, dirt, and even grease can prevent paint from adhering properly—and these particles can easily become stuck on your walls without you even realizing it. You can use a microfiber cloth or sponge with mild soap and water to gently wipe down the surface. Just be sure the walls are completely dry before you begin any repairs. Of course, it’s also wise to routinely clean your walls, ideally at least once a year, with spot-cleaning as needed, to minimize this buildup.
3. Repair Your Damage the Right Way
The type and extent of the damage determine what sort of repairs are needed:
- Small holes and dents can normally be corrected by applying a small amount of spackle directly into the hole, smoothing it flush using a putty knife.
- Medium-sized and larger holes may need a drywall patch or mesh tape for support; from there, they can be covered with joint compound in thin layers.
- For cracks along seams, reinforce them with drywall tape, and then apply joint compound on top.
- Sanding is critical for creating a smooth surface, so once you’ve addressed the primary damage, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove ridges and blend the repair with the surrounding wall. Afterwards, always prime the patched area before painting.
Even the best paint job can be ruined if the surface underneath is damaged; no matter what sort of damage is present, do yourself and your paint a favor by completing repairs beforehand!
About Platinum Painting
Our team here at Platinum Painting has been assisting homeowners in DFW and all across the North Texas metroplex for over 15 years. We proudly offer a wide variety of interior and exterior painting services for homes of all sizes, and each project begins with a careful walkthrough to ensure that, even before the painting begins, all damage is repaired, and your results are being set up for success. If you have questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a FREE estimate, you can get in touch with us online or call for assistance.
Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 697-2726.
Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (817) 993-4095.