Redecorating the interior of your home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you are able to transform your house into a warm and welcoming environment. However, this does not mean that the process does not come with its setbacks, as there are countless obstacles that you will need to overcome to realize your vision.
For example, when it comes to painting your walls, you may discover chipped paint, which will need to be removed before the new coat can be applied. And while this may sound like a complicated process, we promise it can be done in an easy way with no error or fuss. So if you want to know how you can fix chipped paint, then you have come to the right place.
In the following article, we are going to teach you how to fix chipped paint, while also explaining our technique and the various tools and materials you will need to get the job done right. So, if you want to transform your home into a fresh and modern space, this article has everything you need to get started…
What You Will Need
Before we can teach you how to fix chipped paint, you must first understand the tools and materials you will need to complete the job. Fortunately, removing chipped paint does not require any professional equipment and you should be able to purchase the supplies you need from your local hardware store.
If you need to keep note of the tools and materials you will need, we have compiled a helpful list in the section below:
- Paint scraper (or 5-in-1 tool)
- Paintbrush
- Putty knife
- Sander with fine-grit sandpaper
- Paint
- Primer
- Wire brush
- Drywall compound
Before You Begin
When you have gathered all the materials needed, you can start preparing the painting area to protect it from any unwanted paint or spackle. To do this, you will need to use painter’s tape to cover any light switches or electrical outlets in the room.
You will also need to remove any furniture and cover the floor with old newspapers, a painting cloth, or bed sheets. Once you have secured the area, you can start the fixing process and work on the wall.
Step 1: Scrape The Edges
To begin fixing the chipped paint, take your paint scraper and scratch away the loose edges surrounding the offending surface. Continue to do this until it becomes difficult to pry away the paint and the edges are clean. While scraping the paint, you will also need to be careful, as paint scrapers can leave deep scars and gouges on your wall.
Step 2: Remove The Paint
When the edges are clean, take your wire brush and vigorously sweep away the remaining debris from the surface. During this process, you will need to make sure to work the edges of the damaged area until they are smooth. If more paint begins to peel, then you will need to go back and pry it away using your paint scraper.
Step 3: Apply The Spackle
For the next step in the process, you will need to apply a thin layer of compound to the surface you are repairing. To do this, take your putty knife and spread a coat of compound across the damaged area. While doing this, make sure to flex your knife so that the finish is even and flat. Don’t worry about any excess, as you will be sanding down the compound once it has dried.
Step 4: Let The Surface Dry
Once you have applied the compound, you will need to let it dry as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, the drying process will range from 45 minutes to an hour, although we don’t recommend sanding the surface until two hours have passed. If you attempt to sand the compound before it has dried, then the spackle could come off the wall and need to be reapplied.
Step 5: Sand The Compound
When the compound has dried, attach a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to your sander and grind down the patched surface until it is flush and smooth with the surrounding paint. During this process, you will need to make sure that you do not sand down to the bare wood, or you could risk severely damaging your wall.
Step 6: Check The Smoothness
After you have finished sanding the surface, run a bare hand over the area to determine its smoothness. For the best results, the patched area should blend seamlessly with the surrounding paint to create an even finish.
If you are unable to sand the surface down entirely, then you may need to consider alternative methods or replace the patch of the wall entirely. If the compound is not flush to the surrounding surface, then you will need to repeat the earlier steps.
Step 7: Paint The Surface
Now your wall should be ready to paint. However, before you can begin painting, you will need to decide if you are going to use primer or not. Adding primer before applying the new coat can help the paint adhere to the wall, although it is not always necessary and has little effect on small areas.
When you have made your decision, use your paintbrush to apply an even coat of paint to the repaired surface. Once the paint has dried, your wall will be complete.
Tips
- When using the compound, make sure not to apply a thick coat to the surface, as this will make more material for you to sand down later.
- During the application process, use enough compound to cover the damaged area and a small portion of the surrounding surface.
- If you are attempting this process on a wooden surface, then you will need to use an appropriate wood filler for the job.
- Wood fillers can take a long time to dry, so if you want to speed up the process, we recommend purchasing a water-based filler instead of an oil-based product.
- When working with wood, it is advisable to apply primer to the surface once it has been repaired, as this will help the paint adhere to the wall and reduce the chances of the patched area absorbing the paint at a different rate.
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