Sanding as part of Interior wall painting prep?

Questions & AnswersCategory: Painting Walls and CeilingsSanding as part of Interior wall painting prep?
Lynette asked 10 years ago

I am an Interior Decorator with 19 years experience. Recently I acquired a new client with a beautiful 3 year old home in need of decorating and finishes. My first suggestion was to paint and add warmth and neutral personality. My client is in the construction field and had a painter he was affiliated with and would prefer to use (in place of my painter). That’s fine- he’s the client. I met his painter and much to my surprise- he said he will SAND all the walls in preparation! What? I’ve never heard of this unless you had a high gloss finish on first or some glazing that would need scuffing. I advised him I’ve never in all my years seen or heard of sanding the walls (unless for the above noted reasons) and he basically told me I was uninformed! as were my painters.

Any thoughts out there folks?
This is going to cause a house full of dust!

4 Answers
Crowder Painting answered.

As you stated sanding walls before painting is only needed in certain circumstances. Some good reasons for sanding are;

# Old hard oil base paint.
# Hard Faux glaze.
# Peeling or cracked paint.
# Rough surfaces from construction dust.

With the house being only three years old I can't imagine the need to do this. But, if this is what the customer wants who are we to argue.

Anonymous answered.

Thank you Karl,
I've polled many in my local business community and we are all at a loss over this one. I am in Canada and this "painter" originally from New York and was trained 25 years ago. I didn't know if there might have been an "American" standard at some time- but you have obviously been in the industry for many years and you aren't aware of any such reasoning- other than what you and I stated. I appreciate your reply and thoughts. I will probably recommend to my client again that this isn't necessary but he will have the final call- This has been a strange one for me.
Best regards,
Lynette Austin
Fresh Eyes: Prep for sale
Interior Decorating & Home Staging
http://www.LynettesFreshEyes.com
604-626-9802

Crowder Painting answered.

From New York. Maybe he is used to painting over old hard oil based finishes. The standard is sand when needed but usually a good cleaning with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) and then priming with a good oil based primer is all that is needed.

I don't see the point to sand the walls of a three year old house, 30 year old maybe.

Anonymous answered.

I hear you Karl! I would also be wary of sanding older homes that would possibly have lead paint! Yes, TSP is great to use when a prep is needed, I find it's helpful in kitchen areas close to the oven where grease can be a big issue. Thanks again for your professional confirmation!

Lynette Austin
Fresh Eyes: Prep for sale
Interior Decorating & Home Staging
http://www.LynettesFreshEyes.com
604-626-9802