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6 Steps To Plan To Paint & The Supplies You Might Need

Room being painted white with plastic drop cloth, a ladder in the middle of the room and buckets

The paint color is selected and you have acquired the paint. What are the next steps in the painting process? Let us look at a few processes or steps you can plan to paint. A paint supply store such as Crafty Beaver in Chicago and Skokie can assist with your questions on techniques and supplies to get you totally and suitably prepared for the DIY project.

1. Prepare the Walls:

First, remove all nails, electrical covers, and picture hangers from the walls you wish to paint. Dust and clean the walls and ceiling earnestly with a damp mop or rag, except in the kitchen or bathroom, where dirt, oil, or steamed on grease tends to accumulate on walls…these walls should be cleaned with detergent or a household cleaner that removes oil before re-painting. Allow the walls to dry totally.

Next, check the walls and ceiling for cracks and blemishes. Thoroughly fill hairline cracks with spackling material or caulk, using a putty knife. If you do not have one, you can use a regular kitchen knife, or maybe even your fingers to flatten it out. Bulkier holes or cracks should be filled with special patching plaster, that you can purchase from your local Crafty Beaver store. Don’t forget to verify that there isn’t any joint separation on the moldings around the windows, doors, and walls. Correct it by re-setting the strips or filling in the cracks with spackle.

Four main types of scrapers you can use:

  1. Hook scraper: This is good for scraping down bumpy 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.
  2. Razorblade scraper: Notably handy for scraping paint from glass. Available in multiple styles.
  3. Wall scraper: Knife-type wall scrapers are for clearing away paint and general cleaning and scraping. Available in size from 1 ¼” to 5” wide. 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.
  4. Putty knife: A knife with a bending steel blade used for applying and smoothing putty. This is also used for cleaning, scraping, filling other things as well.

2. Remove Hardware & Add Painter’s Tape

Next, remove all hardware from the room or building. Loosen the lighting fixtures or cover these areas with plastic, painter’s tape, or canvas. This will assist in making after painting clean-up a little less effortless, and hinder paint from getting on flooring and certain surfaces.

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 finishing all of step 2…paint around and by the painter’s tape and edges next. Use an angled or flat brush for accuracy. Paint 2 inch or 3 inch 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 seal and close the wall and help prevent mold. It is the most needed 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. See our store for details and questions on primer.

5. Don’t Forget to Sand the Primer

Once the primer has absolutely 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. Be sure to clean the walls again with a moist towel or sponge before moving on to “the paint”.

6. “Cut in” and Paint

Finally, working from highest to the lowest point, 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 covered. Wait 2-4 hours to completely dry before applying a second coat.

Now you are ready to paint!

Got some paint questions still? Visit our local Crafty Beaver location in Chicago and Skokie to talk to one of our 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 special paint or paint supply sales going on to help you save.