For smooth walls with a streak-free coat of paint, here’s how to prep walls for painting—the right way. Spend the time on painting prep now to avoid painter’s remorse later. Start by vacuuming to suck up dust or pet hair along the baseboards, trim, and molding. Then, working from the top down, dust the wall with a barely damp cloth. Make sure the surface is dry before you begin taping or painting. It’s best to remove the tape while the paint is slightly tacky. This way, you avoid ripping off dried paint later.
