Preparing the support for Decorations

Preparation always begins with a thorough inspection of the walls . Cracks, flaking plaster, old, rigid filler, and unused nails and anchors must be identified and treated. Surface shrinkage cracks are opened, filled with elastic products, and, if necessary, reinforced with special strips or mesh. Structural cracks or significant movements require more in-depth technical assessments.

Removing old, loose paint is another crucial step. Flaking areas, powdery patches, or excessively smooth glossy enamels must be sanded or treated with primers. The goal is to achieve a stable substrate with the most uniform absorption possible, an essential requirement for consistent decorations, especially when using glazes or glossy finishes.

The next step is the smoothing and leveling phase. When the walls have many imperfections, small depressions, or signs of previous work, fine smoothing compounds are applied in one or more coats, sanded until a smooth, even surface is achieved. This step makes a difference in the final results, especially for walls that will be painted with intense colors or special effects.

Applying a suitable primer completes the preparation. Depending on the type of decoration, this may be a pigmented fixative, a primer for glazes, or a matte primer for wall enamels. These products stabilize absorption, facilitate the application of subsequent coats, and improve color rendering, preventing the substrate from absorbing the paint unevenly.

For decorations with stripes, geometric patterns, or painted paneling, preparation also includes tracing the lines : the height of the bands, the position of the panels, and the width of the edges are determined. Laser levels, tracing lines, and special tapes are used to achieve clean, precise edges.

A well-prepared wall allows you to work safely and obtain clean decorations, without smudges or surprises once the tape is removed.

In the end, the decoration appears simple and natural, but its quality depends largely on the invisible work done on the wall before opening the bucket of paint.