Preparing your interiors for painting might seem like a tedious task, but if done right, it can last you for years. There is more to painting than buying superior quality paints and doing away with multiple coats. In fact, the spark of your walls is very dependent on how well your interiors are prepped. Incorrect preparation has often been the cause behind
Buying products is just 10 per cent of the job while hiring labour makes up for 90% of what one pays for. Professional interior painters know what they are doing; after all, it is their job to make sure the paint looks great over the years. Still, many questions linger around surface preparation and we are here to answer those for you, starting with why it is so important.
What Is Surface Preparation?
Surface preparation includes the various types of techniques employed to make sure that the surface is spotless before painting. It is important to ensure that the surface is smooth, devoid of any chipped patches, dust or mildew before painting.
One way to start with surface painters is to get rid of all the furniture in the interior spaces. This will make it easier for you to find the flaws which are otherwise easy to miss. You can also bring all your furniture into one cluster and cover it with a cloth. The alternative to this is hiring local house painters who will take care of everything for you.
Why Is It Important?
Adhering The Paint
Paint does not adhere to greasy and dirty surfaces. So what might seem like a clean interior can be packed with dust, dirt or have mould growing on it. We tend to overlook this as a layman but it is important to make sure that the wall is spotless as well dry before you paint. This is because paint does not stick to damp surfaces.
An Even Coating
In order to make sure you apply even paint on your interior, surface preparation is crucial. If you do not prime the surface, it can look uneven and dark patches might stand out after painting. Processes including sealing and priming make sure there is an even touch on the entire surface.
Durability
What seems like a longer route but avoiding surface prep can shorten the length of the paint. Even the best quality paint will be a waste and would not last you long enough if the surface is damp, dirty or greasy.
Aesthetics
Most of all, you will have the perfect aesthetics! Is that not why people paint their houses anyway? You will have a visually appealing space because there will be no uneven surfaces or imperfections.
But how can you prepare for your flawless space?
You can hire exterior and interior specialists and there are many professional painters in Melbourne who will come to your rescue. However, you can take the matter into your own hands. A little research can go a long way and we are here to help you with it.
● Wall Cleaning
This is the first step and the key to surface prep. You can always grab a sponge and use some warm water and that will clean your walls enough for painting. However, greasy surfaces like the kitchen walls which tend to collect grime, using detergent followed by clean water will be very effective.
Just remember to dry the walls properly as paint does not adhere to damp walls. Applying paint to damp walls can also result in blistering.
● Get Rid Of Peels, Dents And Every Other Imperfection
Check for any loose paint, dents, rust or peels before you get into the process of painting. If you find any such imperfections, it is important to get rid of them by using sanding paper or a wire brush. Also, hammer down all the screws and nails before painting.
● Remove Mildew
It is important to take care of mildew before you prep your room. Do not paint over mildew as it will manage to grow through it, giving a very repulsive appearance on top of being a nuisance to deal with. You can use bleach and a sponge to clean the mildew off the walls. You can let the solution settle for a few minutes before rubbing it with a soft brush and then rinsing it with clean water. As mentioned before, letting the walls dry after that is extremely important.
● Sand Surfaces Before Painting
If you have rough spots on the wall, you need to even those out with sanding paper and it will get rid of the uneven patches. If you do not get rid of uneven surfaces, they can show up after painting in the form of cracks or flakes. If you have used high-gloss paint in the past, smoothing the wall is important. In the end, wipe away the dust with a damp cloth and leave it to dry.
● Rinse The Surface And Keep An Eye Out For Environmental Conditions
Rinse the surface with clean water after sanding it so that there is no dust or grime on it. Also, be mindful of environmental circumstances before painting. All the paint products come with guidelines that have suitable instructions related to the ideal environment one needs for painting.
● Priming
Priming is a crucial step for prepping the surface, especially if the interiors have been exposed to a lot of moisture. It facilitates the adhesion of paint on the wall and forms a strong foundation for your home. There is a range of primers you can choose from including acrylic primer and epoxy primer. Primers are ideal for hiding imperfections and they give a uniform and smooth finish to your interiors.
Remember
On average, people paint their houses every 5-10 in an Australian household. So the next time you pull your sleeves and grab the brushes and rollers, make some time for surface preparation. It can help you save some years of painting.
