Wall Preparation

Before applying paint, make sure to fill old nail holes, cracks, and larger holes to walls you intend to paint.  Depending on the type of wall, use appropriate size knife to spackle, plaster, or fill.  Be sure to sand to a smooth finish.

Primer--A primer is a surface preparation coating applied before painting. Priming improves paint adhesion, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted.

Primer is a paint product that allows finishing paint to adhere much better than if it were used alone. For this purpose, primer is designed to adhere to surfaces and to form a binding layer that is better prepared to receive the paint. Because primers do not need to be engineered to have durable, finished surfaces, they can instead be engineered to have more aggressive filling and binding properties with the material underneath.

In practice, primer is often used when painting many kinds of materials, such as concrete and especially wood (see detailed description below). Priming is mandatory if the material is not water resistant and will be exposed to the elements. Priming drywall is also standard practice with new construction because it seals the wall and aids in preventing mold. Primers can also be used for dirty surfaces that, for some reason, cannot be cleaned, or before painting light colors over existing dark colors.

Cutting in. Using a 3" or 4" brush to paint corners and edges where wall meets wall and wall meets ceiling and next to the trim. These places cannot be covered by a roller.

Feathering. A series of light strokes with brush or roller, lifting the applicator lightly at the end of the stroke to blend in the paint.

Sash brush. A 1 1/2" angled brush made for detail painting of windows and narrow trim pieces.

Trim brush. A 2" brush for painting door trim and other wide moldings.  Click here to find a verified licensed, and insured painting contractor.