90% of paint failures trace back to poor prep. Here's exactly how we prepare walls before every paint job — and what shortcuts to avoid.
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Grease, dust, and mildew prevent paint adhesion. Kitchen walls get wiped with TSP substitute to cut grease. Bathrooms get a mildewcide wash. All walls get a once-over with a tack cloth or damp sponge to remove dust. Glossy surfaces get a light sanding (120 grit) to create mechanical adhesion for the new coat.
Step 2: Repair Everything
Fill all nail holes with lightweight spackle. Larger holes (up to 4 inches) get mesh patch and joint compound. Cracks in plaster get V-grooved, primed with PVA, and filled in layers. Popped drywall screws get reset and dimpled. Tape any open seams. Let everything dry completely before sanding.
Step 3: Caulk, Sand, Prime
All trim-to-wall joints get recaulked with paintable latex caulk. All repairs get sanded smooth (120, then 180 grit). Spot-prime all repairs with primer that matches the wall type. On bare drywall, PVA prime the entire surface. On surfaces with stains (water, smoke), shellac-based primer blocks the bleed-through. Skip any of these steps and you'll see it in the final result.
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