From the page: A wall asking for a fresh start
Idea 1
Gentle removal of loose parts
Before any repainting, painters of the trade have always prepared the surface: paint only adheres where the support is firm. The physics is simple — the new paint pulls the old layer off when it is detached, so removing the loose parts creates a cohesive base that holds the paint for years.
What you need
- Putty knife or steel scraper (even a spoon works)
- Medium-grit sandpaper (120) and a fine one (220)
- Damp cloth
- Painter's tape
- Tarp or newspaper to protect the floor
How to make it
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1
Protect the floor with the tarp and run the putty knife at a shallow angle across the wall, removing everything that comes off easily — if it comes loose now, it would come off along with the new paint later.
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2
Do not force the firm edges: scraping beyond what is needed creates depressions that show in the final paint job.
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3
Sand the edges of the scraped areas with the 120 sandpaper, smoothing the transition between the raised and uneven parts so the new paint "glides" without leaving steps.
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4
Finish with the 220 sandpaper around the seams, which closes the scratches and leaves the surface uniform to the touch.
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5
Remove the dust with the damp cloth and wait for it to dry — residual dust is the enemy of adhesion, because the paint sticks to it instead of sticking to the wall.
Finishing touches
if while scraping you find soft plaster or a damp stain, treat that before painting; new paint over a hidden problem peels off within a few months.
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