Paint job prep: It's all in the preparation

It’s true too! Paint is only as good as the surface it’s going onto so if you want a long lasting finish to your paint job, take the time to get the preparation right.

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Previously painted surfaces

If the paint is in good condition, all it will need is a wash with sugar soap to remove any dirt and grease. Glossy surfaces should be given a light sand to remove the shine before cleaning.

Paint that is peeling or flaking will need to be scraped to remove all the loose paint and get back to a sound surface. Sand the edges of the remaining paint to blend it with the surface where it has been removed. On plaster, a thin coat of topping compound over the edges of the paint will help blend them. Sand lightly and remove dust before painting.

Where the grain has opened up in timber causing a crack, fill with exterior timber filler before sanding.

On lightly rusted metal surfaces, remove as much of the rust as you can with a wire brush before treating with a rust converter to stop further corrosion.

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New Surfaces

New plasterboard should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove all dust. Cement render should be given a once over with fine sandpaper to remove any loose particles on the surface. Follow with a brush down with a stiff broom before painting.

Timber should be sanded to make it smooth then cleaned with a damp cloth. Don’t forget to sand lightly after you’ve applied the undercoat. The first coat raises the grain and a light sand will ensure that you get the best finish with your final coats.

Metal should be lightly sanded to remove any shine and then primed before applying suitable finishing coats.

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Fill the gaps

Any gaps around skirtings and architraves should be filled with an acrylic gap filler. Wipe off any excess with a scraper then smooth off with a damp rag. Cracks in walls should be filled with a rigid filler before sanding and cleaning. Undercoat any areas that you’ve filled before applying final coats.