How Do You Repair and Paint a Scratched Wall?

It’s that time of year again. You’re left sitting on your sofa trying to recover from the stress of ALL those relatives in your home over the holidays! And you’re not the only one showing signs of post-holiday trauma ”“ your home feels it too. In the bustle of the holiday season, accidents are prone to happen: rearranging furniture, making room for the tree, accommodating large groups, etc. all tend to leave their marks on your interior paint. And, those marks should be taken care of.

Touching Up Your Walls in 4 Steps

1. Clean the area: Always make sure to begin by cleaning the damaged area. Leaving dirt, dust, smudges, or other residue on a surface prior to painting is analogous to putting a bandage over an uncleaned injury ”“ the paint may not adhere as well or dry properly if the area has not been sufficiently cleaned. Remember, no harsh cleaners are necessary. Mild soaps can be used but warm water and a soft cloth will also suffice.
2. Repair Damage: If the scrape or nick is severe, leaving a dent or impression, the damage must be repaired with speckling paste prior to painting. Lightly sand the area with a fine-grit sandpaper to remove any edges or raised portion of the wall. Apply the compound with a putty knife at a 45Ëš angle. Remove the excess by scraping with the putty knife at a 90Ëšangle, wiping with a slightly damp cloth when finished. Allow sufficient time for spackling compound to dry. Finish by sanding once more with the fine-grit sandpaper to bring spackled area flush with the surrounding surface.
3. Prime: For best results and optimal blending, a primer should be used on the damaged surface before the original color is re-applied. Keep primer confined to the damaged area.
4. Paint: Make sure you have the same color! If you are using older paint, test it on a small, inconspicuous section first before using it. Be careful not to apply too much paint as excess paint will create an uneven surface. And, use a small brush: if the scratch is very small, consider using an artist’s brush rather than a traditional painting brush.

If you need help with your next interior painting update, contact us at A.G. Williams Painting Company! We would love the opportunity to serve you.