Wallpapers are a great solution to a dull and mundane home interior – they are easy to apply, durable, and come in tons of design variations.
However, one downside to it is they are incredibly difficult and tricky to completely remove off your walls once you decide that you want them out.
While it will take a whole process to remove them off your walls, they are not completely impossible to do – with the right mindset and determination, paired with great tips and tricks to do so, one could successfully do the daunting task of removing wallpapers off your wall!
So, if you’re planning to paint your walls after removing the wallpaper, here’s something to help you out.
To help you in your latest painting project, here are Tips on Painting Your Wall After Removing Wallpaper in Anchorage, AK.
1. Remove Stubborn Glue on Surface
You’ll probably still notice some adhesive residue on the wall even after you’ve successfully removed the wallpaper, which you’ll want to clean up and remove before applying a coat of paint.
Giving your walls a good scrub will help remove some of these stubborn adhesives, but for a more thorough cleaning, use TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a vinegar-water mixture to remove them and leave a smooth, muck-free surface completely.
However, because TSP may be harsh on your hands, remember to use gloves when doing this.
Always remember to stay safe first!
2. Give The Surface a Good Sanding
You’ll want to sand the whole surface after making sure it’s clean and muck-free to obtain a more even and smoother finish.
This ensures that all dirt and residue from the wallpaper glue is gone and that the surface is clean, smooth, and overall ready for painting.
But be cautious not to overdo it, or else you’ll sand down your surface and produce an uneven surface, which will be a completely different problem for you to deal with.
3. Inspect For Any Damages
A wonderful tip to remember is that before painting your wall after removing your wallpaper, you should examine it for any holes or cracks first, and, if there are any, you should repair them accordingly.
This is critical because paint alone cannot and will not hide these defects or cracks, and if you do not fix them soon, they will just cause further problems later on.
In doing so, you must fill up any holes or gaps on your surface with a joint compound and a wide putty knife or a drywall knife.
However, if you’re not entirely sure how to do this, you should contact a professional to do the job for you – an expensive but high-quality job is better than a cheap DIY project, which will just deteriorate sooner than you think.
4. Use Primer Before Painting
When you’re done cleaning and inspecting your surface for any residue and cracks, you’ll now want to apply a coat of primer to your surface.
Painting over a primed surface will ensure that your paint is in top condition: it will make your paint color appear brighter and more brilliant, and it will help your paint stick to the surface better, allowing it to look better and stay longer.
Most known paint issues are caused by faulty primer application or neglecting primer completely, so don’t forget to prime first if you want your paint to stay bright and crisp for a long time.
5. Start Painting From The Top
Finally, after cleaning the muck and residue off your walls and priming the surface properly, you can start painting your walls – and it is ideal to start painting from the top.
Painting from the top enables a cleaner and more seamless painting job.
Painting from the bottom first will be difficult since paint drips will be inevitable, and these will drip down all over your fresh coat of paint as you make your way up, which will be tricky to fix.
This exact thing won’t be a problem when you start painting from the top, as drips won’t be a problem as you make your way down since you’ll essentially be covering them up as you proceed.
Additionally, you have gravity as your friend through this method – which is a valuable ally in painting!
If you need professional help with your interior/exterior painting, Painting Alaska is here for you.
Our interior/exterior painting and washing services are available in Anchorage, AK.
Call us today at (907) 444-3657 for a FREE painting estimate.
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The Ultimate Guide to Painting Two-Toned Walls in Anchorage, AK
Ben Campbell is the proud owner of Campbell Painting LLC, a successful painting company based in Anchorage, Alaska. As a third-generation member of the painting industry, Ben has a deep-seated passion for his profession that started with his grandfather, who came to Alaska to sell paint. Born and bred in Alaska, Ben’s connection to his community is genuine and strong. Since 2006, he has been providing top-quality painting services, enhancing the beauty of Anchorage one building at a time. He also studied at Santa Barbara City College, solidifying his industry knowledge. Ben’s journey, including overcoming adversity, is a testament to his resilience and commitment to his craft, which is reflected in the success and reputation of Campbell Painting LLC.
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