What a Difference Painting Your Garage Walls Can Make!

Your garage can become a forgotten space in your home. Sometimes, it can become a catch-all for everything that does not go in the house. But why not extend the footprint of your home by taking the often forgotten garage and finishing it? Paint can do so much to make the garage feel like a room. It can act as an extension of your home with a little care and time. Painting your garage is an excellent way to give your residence a refresher!

Here are the steps to paint drywall in the garage.

Ventilate

Usually, garages tend to be less ventilated with few windows. When working with any paint, it’s important to keep the air flowing while doing the job. It is very important to use fans and open any available windows and doors. It can be very dangerous to work with paint with no air flow to the room. So be aware of the hazards from paint fumes before you begin.

Clean

Drywall is very, very porous. If you are shooting for a professional finished product, it all depends on the amount of preparation you put in. Sweep the walls down with a broom, and vacuum up any cobwebs, dust and debris. Use a drop cloth or cardboard to cover the floors. Be very careful if you are using a plastic drop cloth under a ladder. Plastic moves very easily and can trip up the ladder and other objects in the room.

Fill

Go over the walls for any chips or dings that need attention prior to painting. Use a light shining from above or below to create shadows on potential issues. Draw circles around the imperfections you find to go back and fill in with caulk or drywall mud.

Sand

You will need to rough up the walls with 200-grit sandpaper to go over the walls where you have made repairs. Then, using tack cloths, wipe down any new dust. Follow that with a good vacuuming.

Prime

Most drywall in garages is unfinished. But even if they are finished, you still will need to begin with a primer. First, apply painters tape to all trim, doorways and/or anything else that the walls touch. Then prime the areas against the trim with a brush for precision. Then you can paint the rest of the wall with a roller. Be careful not to rush the drying time, it can take up to 24 hours before you’re ready to move on to painting.

Paint

Time to paint! Painting follows the same method as priming. Begin by painting around the trim with a brush. Once that is done, you can move on to painting the walls. Use a w-shaped painting to ensure all areas are covered thoroughly. For a more durable finish, consider using a paint with a glossy finish. With this type of finish, it will be easier to clean and it will protect the paint with a harder finish. Self-sealing paint is also available but it offers a washable finish that is less shiny.

These are just a few suggestions for your garage painting project. Call Certapro Painters for more information and an estimate today!