How to prepare walls

Cleaning down

Time spent cleaning and repairing surfaces prior to receiving their finish is time well spent. Careful preparation to ensure smooth surfaces yields a better quality finish.

Filling holes and cracks

1. Take out any loose material from cracks and holes with a filling knife and refill using an interior filler. The type of filler used can vary depending on the size and position of the crack, so read the manufacturer's instructions before purchase.
2. Press the filler into the crack with a filling knife and smooth off with the flat of the blade. Build layers where cracks are deep and use a little water to ensure the filler remains pliable. Leave the filler a little proud of the wall to compensate for any shrinkage as it dries.
3. Smooth down excess filler with abrasive paper until the repair is flush with the surface.

Newly plastered walls

Bare plaster should be sealed either with a dilute mixture of PVA (according to manufacturer's instructions) or with a mix of 50% water and 50% emulsion. This seals the surface and prevents rapid absorption of subsequent emulsion coats. At least two further coats will be needed depending upon the quality and colour of the paint being used.

Previously painted surfaces

As long as the surface is sound, painting over previously emulsioned walls or ceilings requires no sealing process, though several coats of emulsion will be required if you are making a significant colour change.

Papered walls and ceilings

If required, strip wallpaper by hand with a stripping knife or use a steam stripper where several layers of paper have built up.

The most suitable paper to overpaint is lining paper. It is common practice for slightly inconsistent or rough walls to be papered with a thick grade lining paper. This improves the surface quality and the finish that can then be achieved by painting.

Before you start

Surfaces should be washed after stripping/repairing and before any new paint or wallpaper is applied. Wash thoroughly with sugar soap or a weak solution of warm water and washing-up liquid.