QUESTION: Painting and decoration: how to properly prepare and prime the surface?
High-quality painting and finishing of walls and ceilings directly depend on proper base preparation and priming. Such painting work requires a systematic approach, so it is best to start by drawing up a simple but detailed plan. Determine the main goal of the renovation, calculate the budget, set realistic deadlines, and make a complete list of necessary materials. After that, implement changes in small iterations and be sure to check the quality of the result at each individual stage.
The first step is the physical cleaning of the surface from old wallpaper, peeling paint, whitewash, dust, and grease stains. All cracks, chips, and irregularities must be thoroughly filled with putty, and after it dries, sanded to a perfectly smooth state. The presence of even minor defects under a layer of new paint will become noticeable, so high-quality preparation of the rough base determines half the success of all further work.
After completing the sanding and dust removal of the surface, it is time for priming, which must not be skipped under any circumstances. Deep penetration primer strengthens the base, binds residual dust, improves the adhesion of the finishing coat to the wall, and significantly reduces the consumption of expensive paint. Apply the primer in an even layer using a roller or a wide brush, avoiding drips and missed spots, and then let it dry completely for the time specified by the manufacturer.
Having completed the preparatory work and priming, perform a inspection of the surface under good side lighting. This will make it possible to detect remaining scratches or roughness in time and fix them before starting to paint. Such a meticulous approach will save you from having to redo all the work anew and guarantees an immaculate appearance of the finished interior.