This depends on the condition of the surface you are painting.  As a general rule, walls should be clean, dry and dull.

Walls that have never been painted should have a primer applied before painting. For previously painted walls, thoroughly wash them with a mild soap and water solution, then rinse with clean water. If your existing surface was painted previously with semi-gloss or gloss paint, the surface should be lightly sanded* to a duller finish, and all sanding dust removed.

If there is loose or peeling paint scraping and sanding* of the affected area is needed. Scrub all surfaces to remove all dirt, grease, oil, etc. Rinse surface well and allow to dry. Apply appropriate patching material to cracks, nail holes, or other surface imperfections, sand* smooth, and remove sanding dust.

If the walls have not been painted in five years or longer, or if they are stained, a primer should be used.

Mictel's® primers are formulated to seal porous surfaces, block stains, as well as to insure the proper adhesion of the topcoat and produce the best possible coverage.

Learn more about Primers.

When painting a room,

• the ceiling should be painted first,
• followed by the walls,
• then the trim (including doors and windows)
• and finally the baseboards.

Painting over wallpaper is not recommended.

However, if you need to paint over a wall covering it is very important to properly prepare the surface. Be sure to remove any loose wallpaper, scuff sand* the surface, then apply Mictel interior oil-based primer.