If you can, use a canvas-backed, plastic-lined drop cloth. A simple plastic drop cloth is effective at protecting furniture from paint, but on the floor, a thin plastic drop cloth may tear or be slippery. [2] X Research source
If you want to avoid sanding, consider using a chemical deglosser. Apply the chemical deglosser to the surface, then wipe it away. [4] X Research source
You may need to sand the surface after the spackle dries. Use a damp rag to wipe up any remaining dust after sanding. [6] X Research source
Make sure to wear protective glasses and gloves when working with TSP. [8] X Research source Cleaning the surface before priming will ensure there is no dirt, grime, or paint chips left on the surface, which will make it easier for the primer and paint to adhere. [9] X Research source You can also add the TSP water solution to a bucket and use a stiff scrub brush or sponge to apply the mixture to the painted surface. Want to avoid the harsh chemicals? Fill a bucket or spray bottle with a mixture of half white vinegar and half warm water. Use the spray bottle or a sponge to apply the mixture to the painted surface and scrub clean. Rinse the surface with warm water. [10] X Research source
It is important to use an oil-based primer because a water-based primer won’t adhere to the oil-based paint. However, a water-based paint will adhere to the oil-based primer. Essentially, the oil-based primer acts as a “bridge” between the oil-based paint and the water-based paint. [12] X Research source You can use a paintbrush or a paint roller to apply the primer to the surface you want to repaint. If you use a brush, the bristles should taper slightly from the ferrule into fine tips. [13] X Research source If your primer dries unevenly or you see any bumps or drips after it dries, you can sand over it to make it smooth. [14] X Research source If necessary, add a little paint thinner or mineral spirits to thin your primer. Open windows to ventilate the room and be sure to don PPE. Add a little paint thinner at a time, trying to maintain a general ratio of 4:1 or 3:1 primer to paint thinner. [15] X Research source
Be sure you are using latex paint (i. e. , water-based paint) rather than acrylic paint (i. e. , chemical-based paint). Acrylic paint is more frequently used on exterior surfaces, whereas latex is more common for interior paint jobs. [17] X Research source You can use the same paint roller or paintbrush to apply the latex paint that you used for the primer; just make sure you thoroughly clean the roller or brush first.
It is important to properly clean your painting materials before the paint dries because it is harder to clean a brush with dried paint on it.
If you are painting over multiple days, it isn’t necessary to clean your roller every night: simply cover it with plastic to keep it wet and ready for the next day of painting. [20] X Research source
Many professionals use a canvas-backed, plastic-lined drop cloth. A plastic drop cloth is adequate to shield furniture, but a thin plastic drop cloth on the floor may rip or become slippery. [22] X Research source
When interacting with harsh chemicals, be safe: wear PPE while you work with TSP. [24] X Research source If you don’t clean the surface prior to painting, you risk bits of dirt and grime getting caught under the new coat of paint and either staining or leaving an uneven surface. [25] X Research source
You can also use a putty knife to scrape away peeling paint or drywall fragments.
After the compound dries, you may need to sand the surface again. After sanding, wipe up any leftover dust with a damp cloth. [28] X Research source
To test the thickness of the paint mix your paint with the brush and lift it up, if it takes more than five seconds for the paint to drip off, then it’s too thick. If your primer is too thick, add a bit of paint thinner or mineral spirits. Maintain a general ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 primer to paint thinner. When working with solvents, be sure to wear PPE and make sure your room is properly ventilated. [30] X Research source
For large surfaces, use a foam roller brush to apply the paint smoothly. [32] X Research source If your paint is too thick, add some more of your paint thinner or mineral spirits, maintaining a general ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 paint to paint thinner. [33] X Research source Go slow thinning your paint: if it becomes too thin, the finished paint color will be too light. [34] X Research source
After rinsing the brush in solvent, use a comb to rid it of any excess paint. It is important to clean your paint brushes properly after using oil-based paints, as oil-based paint can permanently damage your brush if it is not properly cleaned.
Stand the roller on end to dry it. If you lay the roller down, the fibers on the bottom of the roller will become crushed as they dry, and the roller will not roll evenly the next time you use it. [36] X Research source
