How to Prep a Room for Painting
A few simple steps can make a world of difference no matter what kind of paint you're using
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Paint projects are an inevitable part of homeownership. And if you’re a renter, giving contractor-beige walls a splash of color could be the perfect way to personalize your space. But painting requires much more than picking up a brush. It calls for readying paint surfaces to ensure they’re in optimal shape.
In the case of paint prep, a little effort goes a long way. And you’ll be glad you took the extra time when the project is done. Preparation makes way for smooth surfaces and uniform paint coverage. It can also prevent moisture from damaging the job.
Below, we’ve provided five secrets to great paint preparation. Follow these steps for a top-notch paint job and walls that look their best.
If you need help choosing a formula before you get to the prep stage, check out our paint buying guide, as well as our primer on how to pick the right finish. For details on the most popular paints on the market, CR members can check out our interior-paint ratings.
5 Essential Steps for Paint Prep
1. Eliminate imperfections. Ready the surface by scraping away cracked or peeling paint with a metal putty knife. Also use it to remove bumps, paint, and edges around nail holes. Taper any sharp edges where old paint remains by sanding very lightly with very fine sandpaper.
Top Interior Paints From CR's Tests
These standout formulas are recommended for your next paint project. You’ll notice a couple of them have Greenguard Gold certification, meaning they emit lower levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs—particularly formaldehyde—than the industry standard. VOCs are chemicals that can easily become airborne and affect your health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Low levels of VOCs—some paints even come with a “zero VOCs” claim—are ideal for interior paint projects.
