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How to prep a room for painting with premier

Learn how to prepare for a big paint job with step-by-step instructions.

How to prep a room for painting How to prep a room for painting

5 STEPS

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

STEP 1

Clear the space.

Start by removing as many furnishings as you can from the space, including lamps and rugs. Any remaining furniture should be moved into the centre of the room and covered with plastic drop cloths.

STEP 2

Prep the room.

Take down any artwork and the hardware used to hang them. Fill nail holes and cracks with spackle, let it dry and then sand it until it’s smooth. Remove all switch plates and electrical outlet plates. Don’t forget to put the screws and covers aside for re-installation. Remove all window coverings and light fixtures. If light fixtures cannot be taken down, loosen them, so you can paint behind them, and cover them in plastic.

STEP 3

Cover the floor.

Cover the floor with a drop cloth or plastic sheet. Use painter's masking tape to secure the plastic snug up against baseboards. Rub the tape down securely, so that paint will not creep under the tape. If the floor is carpeted, leave a little extra tape against the baseboard and push it under with a putty knife.

STEP 4

Tape the windows and other exposed areas.

Windows and doors need to be taped too. Apply tape around edges and use a putty knife or thumb to rub down the edges to prevent paint from seeping under the tape.
Cover the switches and outlets with painter's masking tape. Wrap any doorknobs as well.

STEP 5

Prep the walls.

Inspect the walls and take the time to repair and lightly sand any imperfection. This will give the new paint a good surface to stick to. Wipe the walls down with a damp rag or tack cloth to remove any dust.