Spring is coming already (though it might not feel like it outside!) and many of us are already thinking about the warm-weather projects we want to get done. In our experience, painting a room in your home should be first on this list.
t’s something you can do while it’s still a little chilly out but you’ll want to leave a window or two cracked to help rid of the fumes when you’re finished, so the bitter cold isn’t ideal. Late February or March is the “prime” time to get this indoor project done (prime, primer - get it?).
However, this doesn’t mean you should immediately run and buy paint today. You need to evaluate the space you’re planning to paint and often times you’ll want to sand it. There are a few ways to tell you should sand your walls, and a few secrets from the professionals we’d like to share with you!
- You want to be sure the surface is completely and perfectly smooth. After you wash your walls, is there dust, patches, or ridges from nail holes making the wall imperfect? Sand it.
- Sanding not only levels out the Spackle and flatins imperfections, it removes burrs and rough spots in your trim. If you’re going to sand, be sure to get every inch.
- Cover your furniture. Many people neglect to do this. Sanding can cause more dust and damage to your furniture than paint dripping on it could. Trust us, the last thing you want to do is clean everything you own after sanding and before painting.
- Use a fine-grit sanding paper on a sanding pole. This helps even pressure while sanding, helps you reach high places and corners, and your arms will thank you too.
- Sand starting at the baseboard and go up toward the ceiling. Then, sand horizontally along the baseboard and ceiling. If necessary, use a sanding sponge to get into crevices.
- Remember it’s not a race, it’s a marathon. Take your time and do it right the first time. Sanding can be tedious and tiring work. Use even pressure and be careful for the entirety of the process.
