Thorough preparation is the key to successful painting. If you neglect or skimp on the ground work, the finished surface will always suffer.

• All surfaces must be clean, dry and stable before you start painting. Any damage must be repaired and problem areas treated.

• Most preparatory work creates mess and dust which spreads even in the mildest breeze, so when working on outside walls keep all doors and windows closed.

• Indoors, isolate the room where you will be working before preparing the surfaces. Clear out everything reasonably movable, then place any remaining furniture in the middle of the room and cover it with dust sheets. Take down curtains and blinds where they are not absolutely necessary for privacy. Remove light shades and take off door furniture. Protect permanent fittings such as wall brackets, by tying plastic bags around them or masking them with tape.

• It is impractical to take up wall to wall carpets so protect them and polished floors with drop sheets, which should be laid right to the skirting boards. Rugs should be rolled up and stored.

• If you are papering the walls but painting the ceiling, do the ceiling first, even if you intend stripping off all the old wallpaper.

• As soon as old wallpaper has been removed get rid of it: you do better work in tidy surroundings. Fill any holes and repair damaged woodwork such as rotten window or door frames, scratched skirting boards or door panels.

• Patch holes and cracks in walls and ceilings. Punch any nail heads below the surface and cover with cellulose filler.

• Not so much advance work can be done outside, but cover porch roofs, tiled sills and even flower borders with protective sheeting. Use dust sheets or old bed sheeting: they hold fine dust and absorb spilt liquid, unlike polythene which becomes dangerously slippery when wet.

• Patch any holes, re-point mortar joints, punch in nail heads and paint them with a metal primer to prevent rust stains showing through the new paint.

[edit] See also

• Sanding And Preparation Tips - For more information on preparing your surfaces for painting
• Preparing Wood And Metal Reference Chart - A quick reference guide to preparing wood and metal.
• Preparing The Surface For Paint And Varnish - When you have stripped any old finish, it will be necessary to prepare the bare wood for refinishing.
• Glues, Adhesives, Sealants And Gap Fillers - For more information on repairing holes, dents and cracks in your walls