How to prep walls before painting: cleaning, sanding, and repairs

If you don't want your paint peeling off in two months, the secret isn't the brush—it's the prep work. In Lloret de Mar, with the Costa Brava humidity, skipping this step gets expensive. Here is what you need to do before opening that can of Blatem paint.

1. Deep cleaning Painting over dust or grease never works. For indoor walls with finger marks or scuffs, use water and mild soap. In kitchens, grease is your main enemy. If you don't remove it, the paint won't stick. If you see mold spots—common in La Selva—use a specific cleaner first. Let it dry completely before moving on.

2. Sanding to open the pores If the wall already has satin paint or you are working on varnished furniture, you must sand it. You don't have to remove everything. Just take off the shine so the surface can breathe and grip the paint. Use hand sandpaper or sanding blocks from [Pentrilo](/categorias/herramientas). If the surface leaves dust on your hand, wipe it with a damp cloth after sanding. If old paint is falling off, scrape it away with a putty knife.

3. Fixing cracks and holes Use filler to plug holes from old pictures or thin cracks. A quick tip: open the crack slightly into a 'V' shape with the tip of your putty knife before filling. This helps the filler stay inside. Press it in well and smooth it over. Once dry, sand the excess so it sits flush with the wall. For deep cracks, you might need a reinforced product or mesh tape. Ask us at the shop for the best Blatem option.

4. Protecting with painter's tape Now it's time for the tape. Use a good one, like Accured Mask Premium from [Pentrilo](/categorias/herramientas), so it doesn't pull up the old paint when you remove it. Protect baseboards, door frames, and outlets. Press the edge of the tape down with your finger to keep paint from leaking under.

5. Priming: the step everyone wants to skip Primer acts as the glue between the wall and the paint. Use it if the wall is new, if you did a lot of repairs with filler, or if you are switching from a very dark color to a light one. It helps the final finish look even and saves you paint later. At Suministros Barrero, we will recommend the right one for your [esmaltes](/categorias/esmaltes) or plastic paint.

Scents for your renovation A freshly painted house feels better if it smells good too. Scent marketing isn't just for shops in Lloret de Mar; it works at home. Match the freshness of your new walls with the [Air-Bosq air fresheners](/categorias/ambientadores) line.

• If you chose a clean tone like RAL 9010 Pure White, it goes well with AQUA because of its citrus and bergamot notes.
• For a room in NCS S 2005-Y20R (a soft sand), the ET fragrance adds a floral touch of lavender and amber for a calm feel.
• If you went with a bold choice like RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey for an accent wall, pair it with KILATE. It has sophisticated notes of leather and mandarin.

Stop by our shop in Lloret de Mar to pick up the right tools and get your paint in the exact NCS code you need.

FAQ

Do I have to sand before painting?
You must sand if the surface is glossy, varnished, or if the old paint is in bad shape. It ensures the new coat sticks.

How long should I wait after applying filler?
It depends on the thickness and humidity. Usually, you wait until it is completely white and hard to the touch before sanding.

What does primer actually do?
It seals the wall, helps the paint stick, and prevents spots or shadows from showing through the finish.

How do I stop tape from pulling off the paint?
Use quality tape like Accured Mask by Pentrilo. Pull it off before the paint is fully dry or very carefully at an angle.

What do I do if the wall has mold?
Clean it with a specific fungicide product before repairing or painting. If you don't, it will come back fast.