Most paint problems start before the paint is opened: dust under the coat, cracks that show through, or fresh plaster painted too soon. Spend the time on the wall and the finish lasts far longer. This checklist follows the order the steps should be done in.
Key takeaways
- Most paint problems start before the paint is opened: dust under the coat, cracks that show through, or fresh plaster painted too soon.
- Brush off dust, wipe away grease, and scrape off loose or flaking paint before you start.
- Fill cracks and holes with a filler suited to the job, then sand until the surface feels even.
- Prime bare plaster, gypsum board and all new filler.
- Two thin coats usually look better than one thick coat, which can sag, crack or dry unevenly.
1. Clean and check the surface
Brush off dust, wipe away grease, and scrape off loose or flaking paint. Check that the wall is dry. Fresh plaster and filler need time to cure before they are painted, so do not rush it. Old walls can also carry damp or salt, which makes paint fail, so look for damp patches and deal with them before you paint.
2. Fill cracks and holes
Use a filler suited to the job. Interior fillers are for indoor walls. For outdoor walls, or any surface exposed to sun and rain, use an exterior-rated skimcoat or filler, such as the Terraco Handycoat exterior skimcoat we stock. Slightly overfill, then sand it flush once it has set.
3. Sand smooth
Sand filled areas and any rough patches until the surface feels even. Wipe off all the dust with a damp cloth or a dry brush before you prime. Dust left on the wall shows up as bumps under the paint.
4. Prime
Prime bare plaster, gypsum board and all new filler. A primer also helps a light colour cover a dark wall in fewer coats. Let the primer dry fully before you start the topcoat.
5. Paint in thin coats
Two thin coats usually look better than one thick coat, which can sag, crack or dry unevenly. Follow the drying time on the tin before the second coat. In the UAE, heat and direct sun make paint dry too fast and leave lap marks, so paint in the shade or early in the morning, and leave a wall alone if it is hot to the touch.
Common mistakes
- Painting over dust or grease.
- Skipping primer on fresh plaster or new filler.
- Putting on thick coats to save time.
- Mixing tins from different batches on one wall.
- Painting in direct midday sun.
Not sure which primer or topcoat your wall needs? Visit our shop in Bu-Tina, Sharjah, or call or WhatsApp +971 52 510 4678, and we will help you choose from National Paints, Terraco and Berger.
