Ever wonder why professional paint jobs look better, no matter how careful you try to be with your own? The right tools and technique are important, but more often than not the time and effort taken to prepare the surface is what gives that great-looking result.

As tempting as it is to just "get painting", don't fall into that trap! Invest "prep time" up front and the pay-off will be a high quality, durable and beautiful paint finish.

Prepare
Start by loosening cracking or peeling paint on surfaces such as concrete using a Dynamic wire brush. On wooden surfaces or drywall, use one of our bent or flexible metal scrapers.

Next, use a flexible putty knife to apply Dyna Patch Premixed Patching Compound to repair cracks, holes and other damage. This compound makes fast work of plaster and drywall repairs and can even patch metal doors. It dries quickly, won’t shrink, sag or crack if applied correctly and clean-up is easy with soap and water.

Caulk all gaps and seams in the surface before painting with Dynamic's Siliconized Acrylic Caulk - with the quickest paint-over time on the market, it sets in only 30 minutes! Be especially careful to check around window and door frames for areas where caulking may need to be replaced.

Once all patching compound and caulking has dried completely you are ready to prepare the surface for paint. Use Dynamic sandpaper and sanding sponges. Use 120 -180 grit for initial sanding purposes, followed by a 220+ grit (which is very fine) to produce a smooth surface ready for paint. Sand all patches smooth and lightly sand glossy areas to dull the finish so new paint can adhere. Finally, wipe all surfaces with a Dynamic, anti-static tack cloth to remove all dust and particles clinging to the surface.

Paint Like a Pro
Start by thoroughly mixing paint using a paddle to stir it. Place a Dynamic disposable tray liner in your paint tray (they can simply be removed when the painting job is finished and thrown away, leaving little or no clean up!).

Be sure to choose the right paintbrush for the job and the type of paint you are using – look to our handy brush guide for help. Begin by dipping the paintbrush into the can, loading the bristles with paint about half way. Never dip the brush further into the paint! Touch the brush lightly to the surface and use back and forth motions and zigzag strokes to spread the paint evenly. Use long, leveling brush strokes to finish each area.

Avoid creating ridges by ensuring that you stroke into wet paint as opposed to away from it. This allows you to blend the new paint you are applying into the wet paint you applied previously for a smooth, professional finish. When painting with a roller, begin by making crisscross strokes, and then roll up and down to spread out the paint evenly.