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Careful painting preparation makes for faster cleanup and longer-lasting results. Learn about painting preparation, from scrubbing to sanding to masking.

Featured Painting Preparation Article

Scrubbing and Sanding Surfaces

Prep work is essential to any good paint job. Learn tips on scrubbing and sanding surfaces on this page. More »


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PAINTING PREPARATION LIBRARY

Covering Shrubs

Trees, bushes, and ornamental shrubs can get in the way of painting the exterior of your home. Find tips on covering shrubs only at HowStuffWorks.

Exterior Painting Preparation

Learn all about exterior painting preparation, which includes removing light fixtures and other accessories, in this home improvement article.

Interior Painting Preparation

Before you begin to paint, it's best to have a clean, flawless surface. Learn about interior painting preparation, and how to wash and make repairs to get a surface ready for paint.

Masking Surfaces

Before you take on a paint job, learn tips on masking surfaces to make the task go more smoothly in this helpful article.

Removing Old Paint

Check out this home improvement article for tips on removing old paint by using such techniques as scraping, sanding, and others.

Scrubbing and Sanding Surfaces

Prep work is essential to any good paint job. Learn tips on scrubbing and sanding surfaces on this page.

Estimating Interior Paint

Various factors go into determining how much paint you'll need for a job. These tips will help you estimate interior paint. Learn about them here.

Resetting Popped Nails

Preparing the exterior of your home for painting may expose some popped nails. Learn about resetting popped nails in this helpful article.

Scraping Surfaces

If you live in an older home, you may want gather tips on scraping surfaces before painting to get rid of any peeling paint. Learn more here.


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