6 Ways To Plan To Paint & The Supplies You May Need

So…the paint color is selected and you have purchased the paint. So now what do you do? Let’s view some processes or steps you can get ready to paint. A paint supply store such as Euston Hardware in Kansas City can help with your questions on paint techniques and supplies to get you perfectly and perfectly prepared for the DIY project.

 

6 Approaches to Equip Yourself for Painting:

Initially, extract all nails, electrical covers, and picture hangers from the walls you wish to paint. Clean and dust the walls and ceiling wholly with a damp rag or mop, except in the bath or kitchen, where dirt, oil, or steamed on grease tends to compile on walls…these walls should be washed with oil removing cleaners ahead of re-painting. Allow the walls to dry completely.

  

Next, investigate the walls and ceiling for cracks and blemishes. Carefully fill hairline cracks with spackling material or caulk, using a putty knife. If you don’t have one, you can use a butter knife, or maybe even your fingers to smooth it out. Bulkier holes or cracks have to be filled with different patching plaster, that you can ourchase from your local Euston Hardware store. A Reminder to look at to see if there is any joint separation on the moldings around the walls, door, and windows. Stabalize it by re-setting the strips or filling in the cracks with spackle.

Tip: To insure proper adhesion of the plaster filler, chisel out a triangular channel in the wall, narrow on the surface and wider inside. Then feed the plaster into the channel through the narrow opening. Remember to remove extra spackling with a putty knife. When the patching material has thoroughly dried, sand the surface smooth with sand paper or a sanding sponge. Then apply undercoating or primer to the patched areas when needed.

 

4 essential kinds of scrapers you can use:

Hook scraper: This is practical for scraping down rough surfaces and can be used with paint remover or a blowtorch. Hook scrapers consist of a steel blade, with a hook at one end. Some hook scrapers have removable and reversible blades.

Razorblade scraper: Especially handy for scraping paint from glass or smooth surfaces. May come in different styles.

Wall scraper: Knife-type wall scrapers are for clearing away paint and general cleaning. Available in small to large sizes. It can have both flexible and/or a stiff blade. Generally a 2” to 4” width with a stiff blade works best, depending on the project.

Putty knife: A knife with a flexible steel blade used for applying and smoothing putty. This is also good for scraping, filling, cleaning other things as well.

2. Remove Hardware/Fixtures & Apply Painter’s Tape

 

Note: Wait at least one hour after painting until you remove the masking tape. Run a razor blade along the edge of the tape first, so when you pull the tape up – it doesn’t pull any dry paint with it.

3. “Cut in” and Paint the Outlines of the Room with Primer

After removing hardware and preparing the room…paint around and by the painter’s tape and edges next. Use an angled or flat brush for closeness or accuracy. Paint 2” or 3” bands around edges, corners, and frames. Try to do one wall at a time so the paint matches when you fill in while rolling the paint on.

 

4. Don’t’ Forget to Prime

Primers are designed to help secure and seal the wall and prevent mold. It is the most essential part of the painting, especially if going from a darker color to a lighter color. Some of our paints offer a paint and primer in one. Call us with questions on primer.

  

5. Sand the Primer

Once the primer has totally dried, go back over it with sandpaper or a sandpaper sponge. This will help get rid of any unwanted bumps and ridges that you didn’t see before and “seal the deal” before getting the “real” paint on. Make sure to clean the walls again with a wet towel or sponge before moving on to “the paint”. 

 

6. “Cut in” and Paint

Finally, working from ceiling to floor, take the tips from above on “cutting in” and then fill in by rolling on the paint. Using a “V” or “W” stroke pattern until each section is coverd in paint. Wait a couple hours to dry before applying a second coat.

Now you are ready to paint!

Got some paint questions still? Visit our local Euston Hardware location in Kansas City to talk to one of our paint department specialists. Have a unique project and don’t know which paint to choose? Our store can help with that too! While you are here – find out if we have any paint offers going on to help you save.