For many homeowners, summer is the time to tackle those hard-to-reach spaces like the basement, attic, and garage. Whether transforming your garage into a workshop or an entertainment space, preparing your walls before you start painting is important.
This includes cleaning and priming the walls. Without primer, the drywall absorbs paint differently and will require multiple coats to cover any stains or imperfections.
Prepare the Surface
Cleaning the garage walls and floor is an important first step in any garage painting services. This will remove dirt and grime, allowing the paint to adhere properly. In addition, it will help the new coat of paint last longer and resist moisture and mold.
The floor must be swept clean and vacuumed using a shop vac or wet/dry vacuum. For stains that won’t budge, you may need to use a degreaser or trisodium phosphate cleaner and scrub with a brush. Once you have cleaned the floor and it is completely dry, it can be primed. The primer will help seal any small cracks and pores in the concrete, which will help your floor hold the paint better.
After priming, you can begin painting the walls and ceilings. Use a roller for most of the area and a brush for corners or hard-to-reach areas. Ensure you work in a well-ventilated area, using fans to circulate air and open windows.
Remove Debris
Garage walls tend to accumulate dirt, grime and cobwebs more than most surfaces in your home. If you want a professional paint job, you must clear out any debris from the feeling that you’ll be painting. This can be done using a Shop-Vac with an upholstery brush attachment, then using a broom or sponge and cleaning solution to wash the walls.
You’ll also need to sand down any rough spots on the walls and fill in any cracks with a concrete patch. This will ensure the fresh coat of paint sticks well to the surface and prevent future problems like water damage or concrete dust from ruining your garage’s new look.
When you’re ready to begin, don dust masks and protective goggles to protect your lungs and eyes. You’ll be stirring up lots of dust and other debris as you clean, sand and paint, so it’s best to wear these items from the beginning. It would help if you also started on a mild and dry day to give the paint plenty of time to cure.
Prime the Walls
As summer approaches, it’s a great time to tackle those neglected spaces around the house, like the garage. A fresh coat of paint can elevate the space and make it more enticing to keep it clean and organized.
Before you bust open your cans of interior latex, it’s important to prime the walls first. Doing so helps ensure a uniform look and a long-lasting finish. You’ll need a high-quality surface drywall primer (or PVA) that seals the pores in the drywall and makes it ready for paint.
It’s also a good idea to choose your paint colors wisely. Lighter shades can open up a garage and make it feel bigger, while darker tones provide a more cozy feeling. Finally, consider if you want your garage to be wipe-clean or oil-based, as this will affect the type of primer and paint you’ll need. Oil-based paints require thinner and will need more drying time between applications. A water-based paint will be much easier to work with.
Choose the Right Paint
Painting your garage might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it can make a big difference in how you use this space. Preparing the surface and choosing the right paint is the best way to get your garage walls ready for paint.
While it might seem tempting to save time by skipping the primer stage and applying a single coat of paint, this method can leave you with bumpy results. A drywall primer will help create a smooth, even finish and better protect you from future damage.
When choosing a type of paint for your garage, remember that it will be exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity changes throughout the year. For this reason, it’s important to choose a garage wall paint that can meet these conditions.
Interior latex paint is the best option for a garage wall, as it is durable, quick-drying, and easy to clean. It also has fewer toxins and fumes than oil-based paint, which can be dangerous in an enclosed space like a garage. ECOS Paints offers various interior paint options, including zero-VOC and eggshell finishes, that can be used for a garage.
Start Painting
Whether you brush and roll or use a paint sprayer, preparing the workspace for your garage painting project is important. Taking down any items hanging on the walls and covering any hardware, outlets or other areas that could be exposed to overspray is key to ensuring your paint job looks flawless. Wearing protective gear such as a mask, safety goggles and gloves is also important. Paint fumes are toxic and can be damaging to your health.
If you’re painting over a dark color or bare drywall, it is recommended that you prime the walls first. This will help the new paint better bond with the drywall and prevent future stains from appearing on the surface.
When rolling, use a “W” or “M” pattern rather than just a straight-down roller motion. This will minimize visible roller marks and ensure an even coverage of paint.
