You’re about to transform your home interior with a fresh coat of paint. But hold on, there’s prep work you need to tackle first! Don’t worry; it’s more manageable than it seems.
This guide will take you through how to prepare your interior house for painting. We’ve got you covered, from clearing the area to repairing surface damages.
You’ll also learn about how to paint the house interior yourself, the cost of interior painting, and how to remove the pencil marks from the wall.
Let’s roll up those sleeves and check out these 7 essential tips!
1. Clear the Painting Area
Before you start painting, you’ll need to clear the painting area of any furniture or items that could get in your way. Move them to a safe distance, ideally in another room. If this isn’t possible, gather them in the centre of the room and cover them with protective sheets to avoid paint splatters.
Next, ensure your walls are ready for a fresh coat by removing wall fixtures like socket covers or light switch plates. Here’s where painter’s tape comes into play: use it generously around window frames, door frames, and skirting boards. This safeguards these areas from unwanted paint drips or streaks.
2. Protect the Floor and Furniture
You’ll need to cover all furniture and floors to prevent paint splatter. Using dust sheets, plastic sheets, or old bed linen can ensure your items stay clean. Taping the edges of these covers will secure them in place and provide better protection.
You’re ready to start painting without worrying about ruining your floor or furniture!
3. Repair Damages on the Surface
Let’s tackle any surface damages next, ensuring all cracks and holes are filled and smoothed out before we bring in the paint. You’ll need your stripping knife to start. Use it to chip away any flaky plaster interfering with your smooth finish.
Once you’ve removed the loose bits, it’s time to push filler into those cracks and holes. Make sure you take advantage of this part – get right into every nook and cranny with the filler. It might seem tedious now, but trust us, you’ll appreciate the effort when you’re admiring your newly painted wall later on.
4. Clean the Walls, Ceilings, and Rooms
Cleaning the walls, ceilings, and rooms is a crucial step that should be considered. It’ll ensure a more long-lasting and quality paint job. Your best bet is to use sugar soap to ensure walls are squeaky clean. This powerful cleaner will remove any stubborn grime or grease spots that regular soapy water may leave behind.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions by diluting the sugar soap in warm water. Then, using a sponge or soft cloth, scrub your walls and ceilings thoroughly but gently to avoid damaging the surface. Rinse with clear water to remove any leftover residue. Take your time with this process; careful cleaning will produce superior painting results.
Now you’re ready for the next important task – preparing good ventilation for your painting project.
5. Prepare Proper Ventilation
Ensuring adequate airflow in the room is essential to any painting project. You’re preparing your interior house for a fresh coat of paint and setting up a safe working environment.
A well-ventilated area will keep fumes at bay and help the paint dry more quickly.
To prepare good ventilation, start by opening all windows and doors. If possible, use fans to circulate air throughout the room actively. Make sure they’re placed strategically – you don’t want them blowing dust onto your freshly painted walls! Also, consider wearing a mask if the fumes become overpowering.
6. Choose the Paint Type
After setting up a secure workspace, you’ll need to decide on the best paint for your project. You’re not just selecting any paint, but the one specifically tailored to your interior house.
Choosing interior paint type largely depends on which room you’re painting and its functionality. Opt for semi-gloss or gloss paints for areas with high humidity, like bathrooms or kitchens. They’re durable and can withstand regular cleaning.
For living rooms and bedrooms, eggshell or satin finishes work well as they have a slight sheen and are easy to clean.
7. Prepare the Safety Equipment
Before beginning the painting process, you must have all the necessary safety gear ready. Your preparation work for a successful paint job starts with appropriate safety equipment.
This includes gloves to safeguard your hands from paint and chemicals, goggles to protect your eyes from splashes, and overalls or old clothes to prevent paint from getting on your body.
Do not overlook the need for respiratory protection. A high-quality dust mask or respirator can protect you from inhaling harmful fumes and particles. It is essential to work in a confined space with limited ventilation.
How to Paint the House Interior
Now that you’re equipped with all the safety gear let’s dive into how to paint the house interior. Applying the first coat of paint is a crucial step. It sets the base for your wall’s final look.
Use long, even strokes and maintain a wet edge to avoid visible lines on your walls. Please wait for it to dry before applying the second coat. This layer enhances the depth of colour and coverage, ensuring a smooth and professional finish.
It’s essential to use quality paints for this task; they offer better coverage and last longer than cheaper alternatives. Remember, patience during application leads to excellent results in interior house painting.
Up next? We’re going to answer an important question – how much does it cost for interior painting? Stick around!
How Much Does It Cost for Interior Painting?
You’re probably wondering how much you’ll need to fork out for the cost of interior painting project.
The cost of interior painting can vary greatly depending on several factors. Typically, professional painters charge between $20 and $40 per square metre. For an average 3-bedroom house, you can expect to pay between $2,500 to $5,500 for professional house interior painting. But remember, this is just a rough estimate.
Before those numbers make you hesitate, think about what it takes to prepare your interior house for painting. It’s more than just slapping paint on walls – priming and prep work is also involved.
How to Remove Pencil Marks from the Wall?
Let’s learn how to remove those annoying pencil marks off the wall.
Start by gently rubbing a fine sandpaper over the marks. Make sure you’re not too rough, as you want to avoid damaging the wall surface. It’s all about applying just enough pressure to lift the graphite without scratching your paint.
Next, wipe away any dust from sanding with a clean damp sponge. Be careful not to wet the wall too much, and always use clean water – otherwise, you might spread dirt around instead of cleaning it off.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a pristine wall ready for painting in no time! Remember, preparation is vital to flawless results in home improvement tasks like this one.
How to Prepare Your House Exterior for Painting?
Preparing your house exterior for painting is important to ensure a long-lasting and professional finish. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the surfaces to remove dirt, dust, and cobwebs. Use a pressure washer or a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to achieve the best results.
Next, inspect the exterior for any damages or imperfections. Fill cracks and holes with an appropriate filler, and sand down rough areas to create a smooth surface. Pay special attention to windowsills, as they are prone to rot and may require repairs.
Remove any loose or peeling paint using a paint scraper or wire brush. For stubborn areas, consider using a heat gun or chemical stripper. Once the surface is clean and smooth, apply a quality exterior primer to ensure better paint adhesion and coverage.
Protect areas that you don’t want to be painted by covering them with plastic sheeting and masking tape. This includes windows, doors, and any exterior fittings. Trim back any vegetation that may interfere with the painting process, allowing easy access to all areas of the house.
Finally, check the weather forecast and choose a period of dry, mild weather for painting. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or when rain is expected. By following these steps, you’re well-equipped to prepare your house exterior for painting that will enhance your home’s appearance.