How to paint/wash walls?

Question

My walls are stained, have holes that need to be filled, there a mess. I sanded and washed and tried my best to fill the holes. Washed the walls twice but I have tiny air bubbles and streaks on the wall. Is the paint cheap? Any suggestion for perfect walls? I've got about 3 more rooms to do.

Answer 1

As your finding out, prep is key to a good paint job. First wash you walls with a TSP substitute solution. Then fill your hole, if its just small nail holes then you can get away with just filling in the hole with a "Patch 'N Paint".  If its a larger hole, then you may need a mesh patch for the compound to hold on to. Make sure that you ally the compound evenly with the wall, or you may need to sand it down. If the walls are still stained, then use a primer such as Kilz 2. It serves as an underlayment for your paint for a good bond, and it covers stains well. Finally you are ready to paint. Ensure you use a good quality paint, A watery cheap paint will only cause you grief for having to apply many coats. Both Home Depot and Lowe's have good paint, HD's Behr brand is a consumer reports best buy.

Answer 2

You say your walls are "stained", that word popped out at me. If there is any chance these stains are from nicotine, you must use an alcohol based primer, such as "Zinseer".  In fact, just use this product for any stain, other primers can let stains seep through. After filling all of your holes and doing a light sand to smooth, use a high quality paint (I only use Sherwin Williams Cashmere Paint) and a 1" nap lambs wool roller to get those perfect walls.