Proper interior paint preparation of your walls and ceilings before painting will often encompass more work than the actual painting. Up to 75% of the work can be getting a surface ready for painting.

Wall preparation for painting is more than covering the floor.

The amount of painting preparation needed depends on three factors;

  • If the surface is in relatively good condition and previously painted.
  • If it shows signs of severe wear and tear
  • If unpainted and needing many steps before the finish paint can be applied.

Many of the basic interior painting preparation steps are relevant to all situations, whether a room is in good shape or needing extensive repair. Interior painting and the steps involved can release dust or particles into the air and there for onto all surfaces of a room. There are environmental concerns with any scraping or sanding of the existing finish.

Lead paint safety is a major concern when painting. Many painted or finished surfaces can contain lead and protecting yourself and your family needs to be a first priority.

Lead was used as a pigment and drying agent in “alkyd” oil based paint. “Latex” water based paints generally have not contained lead. About two-thirds of the homes built before 1940 and one-half of the homes built from 1940 to 1960 contain heavily-leaded paint. Some homes built after 1960 also contain heavily-leaded paint. It may be on any interior or exterior surface, particularly on woodwork, doors, and windows. In 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lowered the legal maximum lead content in most kinds of paint to 0.06% (a trace amount). Consider having the paint in homes constructed before the 1980s tested for lead before renovating or if the paint or underlying surface is deteriorating. This is particularly important if infants, children, or pregnant women are present.

Follow those links to learn more about different situations about interior room preparation before painting.

What Did You Do To Get It Ready for Paint

So many surfaces can be painted! We are showing many of the basics but you will eventually find a situation that is unique. What did you do? We would love to know.