Painting Tips
How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling Safely (Asbestos Test First)
Quick answer: Before you touch a popcorn ceiling, test it for asbestos. Popcorn ceilings installed before the 1980s may contain asbestos, and some also contain…
Painting Tips
How to Use Painters Tape for Crisp, Clean Paint Lines
Quick answer: To use painters tape well, pick the right tape for the surface, press it down in a straight line, and seal the edge…
Painting Tips
How to Remove Wallpaper Before Painting: A Complete Step by Step Guide
Quick answer: To remove wallpaper, first identify the type, then peel any strippable paper dry. For traditional paper, score the surface, soak it with hot…
Painting Tips
How to Caulk Before Painting: A Step by Step Guide
Quick answer: To caulk before painting, use a paintable acrylic latex or siliconized acrylic caulk (never pure silicone, since paint will not stick to it).…
Painting Tips
How to Sand Walls Before Painting: Grit, Tools, and Tips
Quick answer: To sand walls before painting, use 120 to 180 grit on patched spots and rough texture and up to 220 grit for a…
Painting Tips
How to Clean Walls Before Painting: A Room by Room Guide
Quick answer: To clean walls before painting, start by dusting and removing cobwebs from the whole wall, then wash problem areas with the right cleaner:…
Painting Tips
How to Skim Coat a Wall for a Smooth Finish
Quick answer: To skim coat a wall, spread thin layers of thinned joint compound over the whole surface, usually with a roll and knife method…
Painting Tips
How to Fill Nail Holes Before Painting the Right Way
Quick answer: To fill nail holes, press lightweight spackle into the hole with a putty knife, scrape it flush with the wall, and let it…
Painting Tips
How to Repair Drywall Cracks That Keep Coming Back
Quick answer: To repair drywall cracks, rake the crack open slightly to give the filler something to grip, then bridge it with tape. Use paper…
Painting Tips
How to Patch Drywall Before Painting (Holes by Size)
Quick answer: To patch drywall before painting, match the fix to the hole size. Fill tiny nail holes with spackle, cover small to medium holes…