6 Handy Painting Prep Tips

PHOTOS Micky Hoyle PRODUCTION Liezel Norval-Kruger

Painting can be a tough job, especially if you’re not 100% sure on where to start. Here are some top tips to consider when re-painting your home.

1. Before you start, check the condition of the surface you want to paint. There may be various surface problems, such as cracks.

2. Never paint over a problem. Once you’ve checked your surface, always remember that preparation comes first.

3. To determine what kind of paint (water-based or solvent-based) was previously used on a surface, conduct a test patch on a small area using a cloth and methylated spirits. If the coating is removed, then it is water-based; if no paint is removed then it is solvent-based.

4. Choose your product according to its quality, the benefits you require, and its all-round match to the task at hand.

5. When deciding to tile first or paint first, this will depend on personal preference. Our advice would be to tile first and allow the tile cement and grouting to completely cure. Then cover the tiles with drop-sheets and masking tape before painting. It would be much easier to cover a floor when painting than to cover walls while doing the tile work.

6. Whether an existing paint coating is water-based or oil-based, the sheen level influences the preparation and paint system. New paint coatings do not adhere to any existing coating where there is sheen. For example, if you have an existing coating of water-based Double Velvet and would like to apply a new coating of the same, sanding of the sheen to a flat/matt finish would be required.