Prep Surfaces (Fill, Sand, Clean)

What happens in this clip

Before priming, identify any small holes in the molding or trim. Apply spackle to these holes using a putty knife, ensuring they are adequately filled. Once the spackle is dry, use sandpaper to sand the patched areas smooth and flush with the rest of the trim. Also, lightly sand all molding and trim surfaces to improve paint adhesion and ensure a smooth finish. After sanding, remove any dust with a vacuum or damp cloth.

Goal: Smooth out imperfections and create a surface ready for painting.

What's used

Tools

• Damp Cloth
• Putty Knife
• Sandpaper
• Spackle
• Vacuum

About the full video

This project provides a step-by-step guide to properly prepare and paint interior moldings and trim to achieve a clean, polished look. It covers filling holes and cracks, sanding for adhesion, masking adjacent surfaces, priming, and applying paint, along with tips for a smooth finish and proper tape removal.

Step 3 of 10: Clean and Prepare Wall Surface

Wipe down the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Inspect the wall for any dents, gouges, or loose paint. Use a drywall putty or wood filler to fill any nail holes left from the old trim. Once the filler is dry, sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Scrape away any loose paint and feather the edges.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Prepare Wall and Locate Studs
• Fill Nail Holes and Dents