Painting a wall looks simple — but the finish is made in the preparation. This is a practical, end‑to‑end guide from masking to the final stroke.
Materials and tools
- Roller (medium pile) and brushes (angled/edging)
- Masking tape, plastic/felt, filler, sanding block (grit 120–180)
- Acrylic caulk, primer/stain‑blocker as needed
- Topcoat (often sheen 5–10 for walls), tray/grid
Preparation
- Clean: Wash the wall to remove dust/grease. Let dry.
- Repair: Fill holes/cracks. Sand smooth. Vacuum dust.
- Mask: Protect floors and trim. Use quality tape.
- Prime: Prime patches, porous surfaces or stains (use blocker for nicotine/moisture).
Painting — step by step
- Cut in: Start with edges, corners and around fixtures.
- Roll sections: Work wet‑on‑wet from top to bottom. Slightly overlap.
- Second coat: De‑nib dust, remove dust and repeat for uniform coverage.
Dry times and number of coats
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance. Typically 2 coats. Extra coats/primer may be needed for color changes or stains.
Common issues — and fixes
- Roller marks: Use the right roller and keep a wet edge.
- Poor coverage: Prime appropriately and plan for two coats.
- Tape tearing paint: Remove tape while paint is slightly tacky — at a 45° angle.
Maintenance
Let paint cure for a couple of weeks before heavy cleaning. Use mild soap for spot cleaning.
DANMAG
15+ years experience as professional painter
Expert in quality painting work with focus on customer satisfaction and craftsmanship pride.
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