Proper Preparation for Wall Painting 

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Do you want to paint the walls of your house and… you have no idea where to start, what to do, what tools to use and what color to choose?

Painting a wall may not be a simple, easy and quick process, but that doesn't mean you can't do it! In fact, it takes time, proper preparation, proper materials and a good mood. 

With the right materials from Geosantro, scraping, plastering, sanding and painting a wall becomes a breeze! 

Follow the steps below, choosing the right tools, materials and colors for your own needs, and get ready for a perfect result. Together we will make painting walls easier than ever! 

Equipment and Tools for Proper Wall Painting

Is it possible to paint a wall only with paint? It's not possible! To properly and effectively paint a wall, you need to get the right tools and equipment. 

In the market, you can find many tools, such as complete painting sets, painting rollers, brushes, scraping tools, plastering tools, etc. 

Here are some essential tools and equipment for a proper wall painting: 

  • Paint Roller: It is the first and most basic tool you need to easily and correctly paint a wall. 
  • Paint Brushes: Brushes in various sizes are what will help you do the details. 
  • Boat: The special boat with the sloping surface on one side is ideal for draining the paint roller. 
  • Sandpaper: It is the most basic tool you need to sand the wall, putty and smooth the wall surface before painting. 
  • Friction Tool: For larger surfaces, an abrasive and sanding tool is recommended. 
  • Spatula: The putty is applied with a spatula. 
  • Plastic Protective Film: To protect the furniture and the floor, you need to get a plastic protective film.  
  • Adhesive Tape: To detail and protect every door and switch in the house, you need to get some duct tape. 

Don't forget of course... the staircase for the high points of the house!

Necessary Materials For Wall Painting  

Don't rush! Wall painting cannot begin if you have not also procured the following materials:  

  • Sponge and Detergent: Before painting, the wall should be cleaned. A little dish soap on a kitchen sponge with water will clean the wall surface. 
  • Stucco: If the wall has cracks or nail holes, use putty to putty (close) the holes so that you get an even result. 
  • Αστάρι: To protect and insulate the wall before painting, you will need a primer – a material that you apply to the wall before painting. It must be applied to walls that are worn or damaged. 

The Preparation of the Area Before Painting

Before you start painting, practically prepare your space!  

Move the furniture away. Move them to the center of the room and cover them with a sheet.  

Remove anything hanging, such as picture frames, paintings, hangers, etc., from the walls and pull down curtains and blinds. 

Cover the floor with the plastic protective film. Secure the membrane using tape. If you do not have the appropriate protective film, cover the floor with newspapers or cardboard from old boxes. 

Don't forget to cover me adhesive tape all frames, sockets and switches. 

Then, after you have prepared your space, it is the turn of the surfaces to be painted. For example, if it is a wall that is already painted, clean it with the sponge and detergent. 

After the wall is dry, sand it with sandpaper to smooth the surface. For a better result, you can use one cam sander. It is a lightweight air tool which helps speed up the grinding process. 

On a wall covered with wallpaper, first remove the wallpaper and sand it with sandpaper to remove the adhesive. 

In case the wall has cracks or holes, you should cover them using putty. 

And if you are wondering how to plaster a wall... Just apply the product with a spatula to the place you want, spread it in strips starting from right to left, from bottom to top. After the product has dried, sand the surface with sandpaper or sandpaper.  

Time to Paint

If you've followed the steps above, then you're ready to paint! It is important to know that painting begins when the walls are smooth and clean! 

Open the paint bucket and pour a small amount of paint into the boat. If necessary, you can thin the paint with thinner. 

Start by doing the details. By painting with a brush the corners, the points around the frames and sockets. Then fill the "inside" of the wall with the paint roller. 

Wait for the first coat to dry, then repeat the same process for the second and third coats. 

Finally, don't forget to remove the tape from door frames, outlets and switches while the paint is still fresh. 

Additional Tips: 

  1. The best way to paint a wall is in steady strokes – first up and down and then diagonally, crossing the roller paths to form capital M's or W's. 
  2. Whenever you take a break, wrap the brush and/or roller in plastic wrap. 
  3. After finishing painting, clean the tools by placing them in a bucket of water and fabric softener for 10 minutes. Then make sure they dry completely.

Types of Colors

Blue or green? Matte or satin? Plastic or acrylic paints? 

The choice of colors is equally important. There are different kinds of paints with different properties. For example, you can choose between branded, high-quality plastic or acrylic paints, eco-friendly, with or without a finish. 

In the market, therefore, you can find a wide variety of colors. Some of them are: 

  • Ecological Colors – Colors suitable for children and people with sensitivities. They are thicker and dry faster. 
  • Plastic Colors – Colors for interior spaces. They have a matte finish and are very easy to apply. They are divided into simple plastics and ecological (Eco). 
  • Acrylic Colors – Colors ideal for outdoor spaces. They usually have a matte finish and withstand severe weather conditions. They are divided into simple acrylic and ecological (Eco).
  • Watercolors – Water-soluble paints for ceilings, stairwells, warehouses, and areas where resistance to washing and staining is not required. It is an economical solution. 
  • Anti-fungal – Water-soluble paints for interior spaces. They are plastic paints that can withstand mold and moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. 
  • Thermal insulation – Water-soluble paints for outdoor spaces. They are acrylic paints with insulating substances. Ideal for areas with severe weather conditions, such as very high temperature in summer and very low in winter. 
  • Cement paints – Paints for painting plaster, brick and concrete surfaces. Ideal for outdoor spaces. 

Choose the most ideal color for you, according to your needs and your space.  

Color Quantity Calculation

To calculate how much paint is needed, measure the width and height of the walls and multiply the dimensions to calculate the square footage.

Subtract the space taken up by the windows and doors, then multiply that by the number of coats (of paint) you will need – figure at least two coats of paint. 

Finally, divide this total number by the m²/l number in the paint pot. According to the final number, you will be able to calculate the liters of paint you need. 

Remember that high-quality paints give a better result with fewer layers and less quantity. 

Weather and Correct Temperature for Successful Painting

Temperature plays an important role in the dyeing process. More specifically, avoid painting when it is raining or when the atmosphere is high in humidity, since there is a risk of moisture being trapped between the wall and the paint layer.

Start painting when the weather is nice so that the paint spreads and absorbs evenly. 

What Should I Do If the Wall Has Mold or Moisture?

Open windows and doors to ventilate the space. Wear plastic gloves and a mask to protect yourself from mold or moisture. 

Then clean the signs of mold and moisture. You can clean the area using water, lemon and oxygen. Specifically, fill a large container with water, add half a cup of lemon juice and a cup of oxygen. 

Stir the mixture until smooth and then fill a spray bottle with it. Spray the area and scrub well until the mold is gone.

If the mold is in its early stages, clean the area with warm water and dish soap or white vinegar. 

If you are tired of mold and moisture on the walls, then you should contact a professional who will examine the space and suggest the appropriate solutions.  

You Can Paint Your House Yourself! 

By following the above steps and tips, you too can achieve a "professional" wall painting. Whatever you need, Geosantro will be by your side offering you all the necessary products and tools for painting your home inside and out. Find what you need, benefit from free shipping over 50 euros, and make painting your home a breeze!

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