How do you prep wall corners for painting?

To properly prep wall corners for painting, you need to ensure they are smooth, clean, and free of any damage. Here's a detailed guide:

Preparing Wall Corners for Paint

Proper preparation is key to achieving a professional-looking paint job on your walls, especially at the corners where imperfections are easily noticed. The process involves cleaning, repairing, and smoothing the surface.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Remove Existing Paint: Before you start, remove any existing paint from the corner areas you intend to repaint. This is important for the new paint to adhere properly.

   • Use a scraper or a putty knife.
   • For stubborn areas, consider using a paint remover.

2. Inspect for Damage: Closely examine the wall corners for any imperfections.

   • Look for nicks, dents, or uneven areas.
   • Check for holes or other damage.
   • If you identify any of the above they will need repair.

3. Repair Damage: Address any damage you have identified during the inspection.

   • Patch Holes: Use spackle or joint compound to fill holes.
   • Level Uneven Areas: Apply joint compound to uneven areas to create a smooth, level surface.
   • Smoothing: Use a putty knife to level any patched or uneven areas, this should be done while the compound is still wet.

4. Sanding: Once the patching compound is dry, it is now time to sand.

   • Use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any patched areas.
   • Be careful not to over-sand the areas and damage the surrounding wall.
   • Wipe down the walls to remove any dust from the sanding process.

5. Clean Walls: Before painting, ensure the wall corners are clean.

   • Use a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.
   • Ensure that the walls are fully dry before you start painting.

Summary of Preparation Steps:

Step	Description
Remove Paint	Take away any existing paint from the areas you plan to repaint.
Inspect	Look for nicks, uneven areas, holes, or damage on the corners.
Repair	Patch holes and level uneven areas with spackle or joint compound.
Sand	Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth repaired areas after the compound has dried.
Clean	Wipe down the corners to remove any dust or debris, ensuring they are dry.

By following these steps, you will have properly prepared your wall corners for painting, resulting in a clean, professional-looking finish.