Residential Painting Blue Bell, PA: Tips on Surface Preparation
Before painting, it is essential to carry out an appropriate preparation for the best results.
Most paint jobs fail as a result of poor surface preparation –the paint ends up peeling, bubbling, or fading as a result of poor adhesion.
In this article, we share some of the most basic but critical surface preparation tips that will help you achieve flawless results and extended durability.
To obtain an impeccable finish of your new coating, the preparation of the surface must not especially be neglected.
Often, this step represents the majority of the total time needed to complete your new decor.
Therefore, the removal of your old coating may be essential, and the wall or ceiling must then receive a preparation suited to the new coating chosen.
All irregularities or cracks must be cleared, filled in and sanded.
Surface Prep Based on the Type of Surface
Painting on wallpaper, plasterboard, wood, or cement could mean different prep steps.
The professional painting contractor will be able to advise on the best approach for quality results.
Preparation work may also differ depending on the initial coating to be deposited or the condition of the raw substrate.
• On a new plasterboard wall, no preparation is necessary (except for painting which requires a smoothing plaster), an undercoat will suffice to apply the vast majority of coatings.
• Damaged wall –it will be important to fix it. It’s typically a matter of filling in the cracks or holes present on its surface. Any fungus or moisture problems should also be addressed.
A completely degraded wall on which the entire surface is to be recovered (e.g., after the demolition of earthenware) requires twice as much preparation time as painting.
The preparation work also depends on the coating chosen.
The application of paint, for example, requires a perfect preparation of the base to avoid differences in intensity. At the same time, for the installation of wall tiles or paneling, filling the most important cracks is sufficient.
Preparing a Painted Surface
If it is already painted, the surface must then be cleaned and sanded before receiving a new coat of paint.
This will allow for a better quality application. In many cases, it will also be necessary to start with a coat of primer.
Preparing a surface covered with wallpaper
In the case of a wall that has been covered with wallpaper, there are two options:
• The first is to remove the wallpaper if this operation can be done without a hitch. It can sometimes turn into a nightmare when faced with non-strippable paper or hiding another layer of wallpaper underneath. The surface may also undergo some degradation during this removal. Then you will still have to take the time to patch and sand the surface before moving on to painting.
• The second option is to paint the wallpaper. Although this method is not the best, and we don’t recommend doing that, it can be effective as long as the wallpaper accepts paint and is impeccably installed.
If the wall is in bad condition and you cannot apply your paint directly to it, it may be easier to apply paintable liner paper or install 1/4″ drywall over the walls rather than trying to even it out.
The application of smoothing plaster would be time consuming and laborious.
If it is a ceiling that is badly damaged, it will sometimes also be necessary to consider the implementation of a false ceiling.
As always, if you don’t have the skills or tools to handle your painting or choose a paint color, you should consider hiring a professional painting contractor in Ambler, PA.
Hiring on a professional painting contractor like Aspen Painting is the guarantee of a flawless, durable, and high-quality paint job.
We have years of experience in residential with a long list of happy customers in Horsham, PA, Ambler, Dresher, Ft. Washington, and Blue Bell, PA.
Call us today on 215-773-8422 for a FREE estimate to get started.
Ray is an inspiring leader with a strong work ethic stemming from his exemplary upbringing in a caring and loving family environment. His parents modeled the importance of integrity and hard work to him and his siblings, values which Ray now instills in his teenage daughter. As the owner of Aspen Painting & Wallcovering, Inc., he leads by example by expecting nothing but the best from himself and his employees. His primary goal is to provide superior service and quality craftsmanship to each of his clients so that they become enthusiastic ambassadors for the company. Ray is a passionate team player who always strives to exceed expectations.