To get a great-looking finish coat and the beautiful, long-lasting results you expect, take the time to ensure that the surface to be painted is clean, dry and smooth and coated with the correct primer.

Your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint expert can provide additional advice about which primer is right for your project.

Getting Ready to Paint

Preparing the room before beginning your project not only makes it easier for you to paint, it also protects your home from inadvertent splatters or spills.

• Remove draperies, pictures, mirrors, area rugs, hardware (if possible), and switch and receptacle cover plates.
• Move all furniture to the center of the room, if possible. Cover all furniture with drop cloths.
• Tape off woodwork and tape down plastic drop cloths.
• Wrap plastic around light fixtures, and use masking tape to cover any hardware you can't remove.
• Open a window or door to ensure good ventilation.
• Clean the surface as needed.
• Gaps between walls, ceilings, crown moldings and other interior trim can be filled with the appropriate caulk after
  priming the surface.

Caution: When using oil-based coatings, keep paint away from heat, sparks and open flame. Do not smoke. Extinguish all flames, pilot lights and heaters. Turn off stoves, electrical tools, appliances and any other sources of electrical ignition. While painting and until all vapors are gone, keep the area well-ventilated.

Choosing a Primer

To get a great-looking finish coat and the beautiful, long-lasting results you expect, be sure to properly apply primer to the surfaces you plan to paint.

Sherwin-Williams primers are formulated to solve typical painting problems while helping to make your finish coat smooth and uniform:

• Achieve a smooth, professional finish
• Block stains, marks and odors
• Assure adhesion
• Speed top coating
• Prevent peeling
• Attain the truest paint colour in the fewest coats
• Improve touch-up performance of the topcoat