When it comes to giving your living space a fresh look or expressing your artistic creativity, painting with acrylics is an excellent choice. Acrylic paint is usually bright, versatile, and tricky to work with. However, before you pick up that paintbrush, properly preparing the surface for acrylic painting is key to achieving a flawless finish. We have compiled a detailed guide to walk you through the surface preparation steps for acrylic painting.
Cover The Floor
Before you start painting, it’s essential to protect your flooring. No matter how careful you are, spills and drips can happen. Start by laying down drop cloths or plastic sheets to cover the entire floor area you’ll be working in. This simple step can save your flooring from accidental paint splatters. If you’re working in a smaller area or have limited drop cloths, use masking tape to secure newspaper or kraft paper along the baseboards. This creates a barrier between your painting space and the floor.
Remove Dust From The Walls
Dust and debris on the walls can affect the paint’s adhesion and appearance. Use a duster, microfiber cloth, or a broom with soft bristles to remove dust, cobwebs, and loose particles from the walls. Start from the top and then come downwards for a thorough cleaning. For textured walls or stubborn dust, consider using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for a thorough cleaning.
Clean Walls With A Damp Cloth
Once you’ve removed dust, it’s time to give your walls a good cleaning. You will need a bucket, warm water, mild dish soap, a sponge, and a clean cloth. Fill the bucket with warm water and mix the dish soap to make a solution. Dip the sponge into the soapy water and wring it out so that it’s damp but not dripping. Begin washing the walls, working in sections from top to bottom. Use gentle, circular motions to remove dirt, stains, or any remaining dust.
After cleaning each section, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the area and remove any soap residue. You have to make sure the walls are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Apply Primer Thoroughly
Priming is one of the most important steps when painting with acrylics, as it provides a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to. Select a primer that suits your surface. For most interior walls, a high-quality acrylic primer will work well. If you’re painting over a dark or uneven surface, consider a tinted primer that matches your paint colour to reduce the number of coats needed.
You’ll need a roller and a paintbrush for this step. Make sure they’re clean and in good condition. Begin by cutting in with a paintbrush, applying primer to the corners, edges, and areas around switches and outlets. Then, use the roller to apply primer to the larger sections of the wall. Roll vertically in overlapping sections, working your way across the wall. Follow the manufacturer’s drying time recommendations between coats if multiple coats are needed.
Go Paint
Now that you know how to prep canvas for acrylic paint, it’s time to unleash your creativity with acrylic paint. Dip your brush into the paint and apply it to your prepared surface. With the right surface preparation and a creative spirit, your acrylic painting project can transform your space or become a work of art. So, get ready to bring your ideas to life and enjoy the colourful world of acrylic painting.
Although these steps look simple, they require skill and expertise to paint a wall successfully. You can always trust the services of the local painters at Luxury Design Painting to make your walls outshine.