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Paint prep essentials for buttery smooth walls.
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items There is only one way to get those buttery smooth painted walls! Proper preparation! It’s true in almost everything, but over 20 years experience has taught me that taking the extra hour or day to prep before painting turns into professional and last...
Sections
2
Wall Prep
Clean Up
Wall Prep
Many imitators but only this masker holds up and the only one pros use. Sharp blade, straight lines, works with paper and plastic, and all the popular table rolls….oh and survives even the highest falls from ladders.
3M Hand-Masker Dispenser M3000
crisp lines and easy to apply, control and remove. Various widths available
Painter's Tape
For smooth clean walls, hit them with this pole sander attachment and you’ll be amazed at the results.
3M Drywall Pole Sander 3 1/4 in. x 8-3/4 in. (1-Each) DRPS-009
As a former professional painter, I’ve tried every caulk out there. DAP is my favorite. Just stay away from the quick dry ones. Any of “Alex” lines are great!
Caulks of Choice: DAP Alex Ultra or Flex
I’m not a huge fan of sanding blocks for paint prep. But sanding sheets are my go to. Last longer, can be folded to any shape, don’t clog as fast, and are just plain effective for stubborn corners or tight places.
Sandpaper Sheets
Don’t waste your time with the plastic sheets. Invest in a drop cloth and it will last a life time. Also awesome for spray paint projects, kids school projects, carving pumpkins etc!
Drop Cloths
Don’t waste your time your spackle or other fillers! Dries hard, doesn’t shrink, sand smooths.
Bondo 12 oz. Wood Filler 30081 - The Home Depot
Please don’t skimp on roller covers. For
a buttery smooth rolled finish, go with 3/8” or 1/2” nap, and pay the extra dollar or two for premium, go budget roller cover and you’ll get a budget result.
Paint Roller Covers - The Home Depot
These are worth the weight in gold. Almost a must if you are staining or applying a clear coat.
This is how professionals get that dust free finish on clear coats
HDX 18 in. x 36 in. Tack Cloths (3-Pack) HDTC-3PK
I’ve tried them all, seriously all of them! Kill 2 is the most consistent base primer and cover primer i’ve used.
KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal. White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface ...
Clean Up
For cleaning tools like spray tips or your five in one painters tool, or for really tough paint overspray, or for oil based stains or coatings, lacquer thinner is the old school but proven solution. Just don’t use it on your latex paints, it’s not t...
Klean-Strip 1 Gal. Lacquer Thinner GML170 - The Home Depot
Pro tip: water based paints (latex, acrylic latex, even latex enamel like SW Emerald enamel) are easily cleaned with dish soap and a rag. Use a sponge with a scrubby side for dried paint. Carpet will be your toughest, but dish soap is still the go ...
Dawn Dish Soap in Dawn - Walmart.com
Sort of joking with this one but also not! If you are used to prep work and painting then this is your best friend.
Ibuprofen in Pain management - Walmart.com
Seriously this is my go-to for pre, during and post painting pick me up!
Ultra Sunrise | Monster Ultra Zero-Sugar Energy Drinks