Pre-painting considerations from our hallman/lindsay paint experts

 
No matter what type of surface you are preparing to paint, proper preparation includes a few things.

Good paint performance depends on good paint adhesion, and paint adheres best to surfaces that are clean and sound.

Accumulated dirt, dust and grime should be removed from walls, ceilings and trim with a detergent-water solution. After washing, the surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed with water and allowed to dry completely.

Next, a putty knife should be used to fill cracks, holes and other surface imperfections with either spackling compound or a quality acrylic caulk. If spackling is used, once dry it should be sanded smooth and flush with the surface; caulk should be smoothed and feathered as it is applied.

Finally, if walls or ceilings have water stains or other serious discoloration, it may be necessary to coat them with a latex or oil-based stain-blocking primer to prevent the stains from bleeding through the new paint.

WARNING:
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE PAINT IF YOU SUSPECT IT CONTAINS LEAD.

This can cause an extreme health hazard. Lead paint was common until 1950, but was not outlawed in the U.S.A. until 1978. If you think you may have lead paint, contact the EPA hotline for information: 1-800-424-LEAD or visit the EPA website.

If you are preparing to paint an exterior surface, we recommend one extra consideration.

Before application, cover outdoor plants and other surfaces not to be painted with tarps. If you are painting the body of a house, dig a small trench around the house so you are able to paint to ground level.