Preparing Walls for Painting

A lot of preparation is needed if a wall is to be painted. Every hairline crack will require filling carefully and sanding. If the wall has lots of cracks, it may be wise to cover the wall with lining paper or a heavy wallpaper before painting. Woodchip is ideal wallpaper for this purpose as it will cover a mass of lumps and cracks. If your wall is newly plastered, the wall should be left for a few weeks to dry thoroughly before painting.

Top Tips
• Always use a primer on newly plastered walls as the plaster needs to be sealed before the top coat goes on.
• A previously painted wall must be washed down and rinsed first.
• Remove any old wallpaper with warm soapy water or a steamer.
• If there is mould, ensure that you wash it down with bleach and rinse well with water. Then treat with a fungicidal product. Use a heavy primer before you start your main coats.
• Surfaces must be free from dirt, stains and dust before you apply your paint.
• Always ensure that surfaces are dry before painting.