| Preparing Surfaces |
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Once you’ve selected the paint and tools you need, the next job is to prepare the surfaces for paint. Fortunately, many of the surfaces are new and relatively clean. However, masonry foundation walls will need a thorough cleaning and preparation to accept new paint. Even new bathroom surfaces will have dust and splatters from the work that’s been going on. Use TSP (trisodium phosphate) or other cleaner recommended by your paint supplier to thoroughly clean the surface. Note that most cleaners will need a final rinse with clean water. Remember to wear protective gloves when working with cleaners. If any patching is required to masonry, drywall, or other surfaces, now is the time to take care of it. Follow the directions on the masonry patch container, removing loose debris and applying the patch in layers until you have a smooth, dry surface. You can patch drywall with one of the popular patch kits and a container of wet patch. Some paint manufacturers suggest a primer coat before the paint is applied. A primer seals the surface and gives the paint a good surface to which to bond. In addition, primer can help transition from the wall color to the chosen paint color. A good primer can minimize the number of paint coats required, thus saving time. Painting a room typically means painting only specific surfaces—not window glass, door trim, flooring, and other surfaces. The best way to not get paint on an adjacent surface is to mask it, or use masking tape to cover the first inch or two of the surface that doesn’t need painting. A 2-inch-wide masking tape is most popular. If necessary, attach the tape to the edge of a plastic drop cloth to keep paint from larger surfaces such as flooring.
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