Paint Preparation

Great Paint Prep / Quality Finish Preparation is the most important determining factor in achieving a quality paint job. The painting is done in a neat and professional manner always using drop cloths to protect your property. View Interior and/or Exterior prep

Interior Preparation

Few improvements can increase the value and appearance of your home as inexpensively as painting. However, there is far more to a quality paint job than simply applying paint to a surface. As with most projects, proper planning and preparation are the keys to successful interior painting.

Below are some of the procedures we use before starting an interior paint job.

1. Cover the furniture with a drop cloth to protect it from dust and paint. 

2. Remove all pictures and other things that are hanging on the walls.

3. Remove and/or cover all electrical switch plates,  receptacle plates, cable TV outlets and/or phone jack covers.

4. Remove and/or cover all electrical fixtures on the wall or ceiling

5. Remove and/or cover hardware including window latches, doorknobs, etc.

6. Cover up things that can't be moved

7. Mask tape and plastic sheets to cover open receptacles, switches and other surfaces that will not be painted

8. Cover the floor with drop cloth or appropriate protection

9. Remove dirt, dust and other substances that can prevent your new coat of paint from sticking

10. Careful inspection of surfaces to be painted; looking for cracks, holes and other surface imperfections

11. Fill in holes, smooth out rough areas, patch cracks and minor drywall repair if needed

12. For  woodwork; remove any loose or flaking paint, sand to take the sheen or gloss off, patch any holes or gouges and/or replace or add any pieces needed

13. Finally vacuum up dust

Walls & Ceilings Preparation

• Light sanding to alleviate minor blemishes
• Scrape all loose debris in cracks, bad seams, holes, or in any other major imperfections
• Nail-pops are repaired adding drywall screws where needed
• Seal any exposed paper
• Patch using drywall compound followed by a thorough sanding
• Patches and water stains are then primed

Woodwork Preparation

• Previously painted doors, windows, baseboards, and frames are scraped removing any chipping paint
• Trim is thoroughly sanded before all gaps and trim seams are caulked together
• Exposed bare wood is primed before the first coat of paint is applied
• Last gentle sanding the surfaces are cleaned using a tack rag and prepared for a final coat

Exterior Preparation

With the ever-changing weather it is crucial that your home is correctly protected with quality paint job. When the exterior of your home is prepared correctly, a paint job can guard your investment from the heat, cold, rain, and snow for years to come. The steps below are taken to assure your property is well protected.

Below are some of the procedures we use before starting an exterior paint job.

2. On wood siding, fill in any gouges or holes with an exterior-grade patching compound If damage is more extensive, replace the area with a new piece of siding.

3. Remove even small areas of loose, flaking, chalky or blistered paint thoroughly

4. Remove larger areas of damaged paint, or multiple layers

5. Caulk all cracks, seams and gaps with a top-quality, paint able exterior caulk. This includes areas like the perimeter where siding meets windows and doors, corners and the edges of exterior trim.

6. Mask off areas that are not to be painted. Masking tape along the edge of house trim, and around window and door frames and trim, since this is likely to be painted in a different color or with a higher sheen paint.

7. Tape plastic drop cloth material over windows and doors, including sliding glass doors, to protect them from drips.

8. Place plastic drop cloths over plants and shrubs, or where paint may drip on porches, roof sections, sidewalks, driveways or other surfaces.

© 2003 Double H Paint & Stain
Design by Light Of Mercy

Since October 21, 2003