How to repaint walls?

Ellie Bentz
by Ellie Bentz

What do I need to do to repaint walls that have etching at the top if I want to paint each of the rooms a different color..,

  3 answers
  • 16999903 16999903 on Aug 21, 2018

    Hi Ellie.....can you explain what you mean by etching at the top of your walls? Do you mean trim or moulding along the ceiling? If that is what you are referring to, the general rule of thumb is to keep trim or moulding the same color throughout your house, unless it's a detached area, or on a seperate floor that does not carry the moulding down the stairs.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Aug 21, 2018

    Hi Ellie,

    If by etching, you mean molding, Sugarbaker has you covered. If by etching, you mean a carved in border on the wall, you'll want to fill in the depressions. Filling in any cracks or holes is part of getting a wall ready to paint. Prepping is actually the post important part. First wash down the walls, then fill in any dents or cracks with spackle, let them dry then sand so that they blend into the wall. Wipe up all of the dust from sanding, then paint a coat of a good primer. Let that coat dry - check the can for drying time - then start with your paint color. Do the edges first with a brush, then use a roller for the rest of the walls. Once that coat dries, do a second coat the same way. You can also use a combination paint and primer if you so desire, but you'll still need 2 coats. Once that is all dry, look to see if it needs a third coat. If not, you're done. Clean everything up with soap & water and enjoy your new room! Wishing you success with your paint project. - Linda

    • See 1 previous
    • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Aug 23, 2018

      Hi Ellie,

      You can use a damp cloth or a tack cloth after sanding. As far as getting an accurate color, it depends on the current color of the wall. If it's a light color, it should be okay to test your colors, just be sure to feather the edges. If it's a dark color, definitely wait until the wall is primed. Otherwise the color samples will not be true due to the dark background. I hope that helps.- Linda

  • Can you please explain "etching?" Here is how to prep and paint walls.


    https://m.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Wall

    • See 1 previous
    • If it is painted on, you can just wash the walls with TSP then prime with a good stain blocking primer like Kilz or Zinsser and paint as usual. If some sort of joint compound was used to have a raised design, then you need to gently sand reasonably smooth so that it resembles the same texture as the rest of the wall.


      As to removing wallpaper, I am a score and steamer from way back. Everyone has their preferred method, they all work, you just need to decide what works best for you. I score till my arms want to fall off. Then steam away. The more you score, the more steam gets underneath, hence, easier to remove.


      https://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/remove-old-wallpaper/project


      Hope this helps! Let us know if we can be of further assistance. 🖌