I'm looking to refresh the interior of my home, which hasn't been painted since the '80s. The walls have that orange peel texture, and I'm wondering if I should sand them down before I start painting. Is that necessary, or can I just clean them and paint over them? Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
If you're not a fan of the texture, that could be a reason to sand it down or maybe apply a skim coat. But if it's just cosmetic and the texture doesn't bother you much, a light sanding can help the new paint adhere better. Just make sure to clean the walls first—getting rid of any grime will make a big difference when it comes time to paint!
You might not need to sand if the old paint is still sticking well. Just give the surfaces a good wash with TSP, and you should be good to go. If there are areas that need repair, consider using a spray-on orange peel texture afterward to blend it all nicely before painting.
Sanding is generally a solid step for better paint adhesion. Just remember to test for lead, especially in older houses. If you're okay with the texture and just want a fresh look, cleaning with TSP and applying a primer like Zinsser 123 should work well before your topcoat!