Ensure Proper Surface Preparation

Clean, dry, and properly prepared surfaces are essential for paint adhesion. Most premature paint failure is caused by painting over dirty, dusty, greasy, or damp surfaces. Thorough preparation before any paint job prevents cracking and peeling from the start.

Preparation Steps

• Wash walls with a solution of warm water and TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a TSP substitute to remove grease, smoke residue, and grime
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the surface to dry completely -- at least 24 hours for exteriors
• Remove any mildew with a 3:1 water-to-bleach solution, rinse, and dry before painting
• Sand glossy surfaces lightly with 150-grit sandpaper to give the new paint a surface to grip
• Fill cracks, nail holes, and imperfections with spackling compound, then sand smooth once dry

Tips

• Never paint over a damp surface -- use a moisture meter if uncertain
• On exteriors, pressure washing is effective but allow 48 hours of drying time afterward
• Kitchens often have invisible grease films that cause peeling; TSP cleaning is critical in these areas
• If painting over bare wood, always apply primer first to seal the grain and ensure proper adhesion