In recent years, DIY home renovation has seen a boom thanks to the proliferation of self-help construction videos and blogs. There is no limit to what homeowners can do on their own today. From flooring upgrades to siding replacements, the possibilities are endless. Painting is one of the projects that homeowners are most comfortable tackling. Preparation is key to determining whether or not DIY painting is recommended. Commercial painters in Manukau, known for their expertise and professional touch, can also offer valuable insights into the importance of proper preparation before painting. Continue reading to learn more about this crucial step in achieving a successful paint job.
Preparation work promotes worker safety and efficiency
Preparation work for painting should be done in a way that will positively affect workers.
Workers can concentrate on painting by having everything organized. This includes ladders and buckets. It also includes PPE, tape and drop cloth. The workers won’t need to go back and forth to find items or complete urgent tasks mid-job. It is important to prepare the site in order to identify and remove any hazards which could endanger workers during their work.
Prepare the area and surrounding items for protection
Paint can be used in unexpected places, even though its potential to transform an area positively is undeniable. Expect paint to get into unexpected places, whether it’s residual spray or droplets from the end of a broom.
It is therefore important to prepare the area in order to prevent any problems. Remove all portable furniture and other items from the area. Remove any photos, posters or other wall decorations. Tape the corners of the wall and ceiling or any stone veneer facades on the interior and the area that will be painted.
In this context, it is important to also discuss the role of drop fabrics. It is important to cover the flooring as part of preparation, but be cautious about the material you choose. Plastic is popular due to its affordability and durability. It can cause problems with disposal and is hard to reuse.
Many people use old cardboard boxes. Reusing cardboard is an environmentally-friendly option. If the paint is not too bad, cardboard can be recycled. Cardboard is susceptible to damage from ladders, foot traffic, and sliding around when used. This material is not suitable for large-scale exterior projects.
Canvas dropcloths are a good compromise between the two options. However, they may allow paint to seep through if they’re heavily wet. Many professionals use a canvas-backed liner. However, you will need to determine the best material for your project based on its size and scope.
The Paint Prep Reveals Structural Issues
Never use paint as a masking material. Painting should only be used on surfaces that are in good condition and ready to receive a new coat.
Surface preparation is important to reveal any structural problems that were hidden by the previous paint layer. Some drywall corner beads, like metal ones, can dent and give a wavy or distorted look when painted. By properly scraping off the old paint, you can reveal any issues. This will allow for a proper renovation prior to applying new paint.
Prepping the area ensures a smooth, professional finish
Surfaces tend to accumulate debris over time. You don’t want paint to cover up mud, bird excrement, grease, or food particles on the wall. Even if it appears clean, the untrained eyes may not be able to see the small droplets. These particles, if painted over, will be an eyesore in the event that they break off on their own.
To achieve a professional, smooth finish, it is essential to clean the surface prior to painting. While power washing exterior walls can be a good idea, scraping or lightly scrubbing the interior surfaces will do.
Ensures Better Adhesion
Paint does not adhere equally to all surfaces. The paint will adhere differently to wood and masonry. It will also bond differently with the substrate surface than it would to old paint.
It is therefore vital to prepare the surface properly to ensure that the new paint adheres at its maximum capacity. It also ensures that the new paint will age evenly and won’t be affected by the old paint which cracks and peels off before the rest.
The Color You Want is Easy to Get
The color of the can may not match the actual color when you apply it if the preparation isn’t done properly. It is well known that it is not a good idea to try and paint a dark color on a wall without first removing the previous paint. Even then, it will likely take multiple coats of paint to achieve the desired result.
The difference between certain paint colors can be very subtle. * Those looking for a slightly off-white color can choose between Swiss coffee or white dove. The former, while they may look the same at first glance will reflect natural light better to create a brighter interior. The latter, however, will give an interior an earthier feel and a homely vibe. It can be difficult to capture the subtle differences in colors without the right preparation.
