How to Prepare Walls for Painting (Whitehouse Method)
Great results start with proper preparation—here’s the how to prepare walls for painting Whitehouse method that delivers smooth, durable finishes every time. At Whitehouse Painting & Decorating, we never skip prep, and this thorough approach is why our work in Northamptonshire lasts so long without peeling or uneven patches.
Poor wall preparation is the #1 cause of paint failure. Whitehouse shares the professional steps we follow—whether you're DIY-ing a single room or planning a full-house repaint—so your paint job looks perfect and endures.
Whitehouse Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Walls for Painting
- Clear & protect the room — Move furniture, cover floors with dust sheets, remove switch plates and cover sockets.
- Remove old wallpaper & loose paint — Strip wallpaper fully; scrape any flaking or bubbling paint; avoid damaging plaster.
- Wash the walls — Use sugar soap or TSP substitute to remove grease, nicotine, dust and hand marks—essential in kitchens and hallways.
- Repair & fill imperfections — Fill cracks/holes with flexible filler; apply in layers, let dry fully, then sand smooth.
- Sand for a key — Lightly sand glossy or uneven areas to create texture for better adhesion; wipe away all dust with a damp cloth.
- Prime & seal — Apply appropriate primer: bonding for glossy surfaces, stain-block for marks, mist coat (diluted emulsion) for new plaster.
- Final check & dust removal — Inspect in good light; wipe down again; ensure walls are completely dry and dust-free before topcoats.
Whitehouse Pro Tips for Wall Preparation
Never skip washing—grease is invisible but ruins adhesion. Use the right primer for the surface (new plaster needs mist coat; stained walls need block). Sand between coats if needed for ultra-smooth results. Whitehouse always works in a dust-controlled way for perfect finishes.
Common Wall Prep Mistakes to Avoid
Painting over dirty/greasy walls causes peeling; skipping primer leads to patchy coverage; rushing drying times traps moisture. Whitehouse eliminates these risks with systematic preparation every time.
See the difference prep makes in our Projects gallery or explore Services and FAQs.
Want professional how to prepare walls for painting Whitehouse standards? Contact us today for a free quote.