StoryCorps Sunday.....For Our Community....11 weeks...11 stories

Tony Perri and his grandson Jeffrey Perri

I love the StoryCorps Project. I have searched their site for interviews about our culture and community. So far, I have found 11. Click on the link above or the link below. Enjoy. (Sorry that I can not post the recording here)

clipped from www.storycorps.org StoryCorps » Listen » Stories » Tony Perri and his grandson Jeffrey Perri “I just felt I was not living an honest life.” Tony Perri tells his grandson, Jeffrey about coming out as a gay man. Recorded in partnership with Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley and WXXI in Rochester, NY. Categories: Angels & Mentors, Discovery, Featured

HRC's Staff Wishes All of Us a Happy Holidays.

Happy Holidays! A Holiday Video Message For You.

May all your wishes come true

November home sales in Central Ohio the highest in four years

clipped from columbusrealtors.com Renewable market optimistic as prices continue to stabilize The month of November saw home sales soar 59.5 percent from this time last year with 1,839 listings purchased. Not since 2005 have November numbers been so high. “Historically low interest rates and the tax credits for homebuyers put first time buyers in an ideal position to take advantage of the market,” said Gary Parsons, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “And with the expansion of the tax credit, we expect to see more renewable buyers enter the market in 2010.” When the $8000 tax credit was renewed in October, it was expanded to include a $6500 tax credit for homeowners who wish to purchase a new residence. Those renewable buyers, or current homeowners who wish to purchase a new house, have been slow to return to the market but Parsons notes that as prices continue to stabilize, more renewable buyers will find new homes.

The stabilization of home prices was reflected in the average home price of $145,589, an increase of 1.5 percent compared to November 2008.

To date, 2009 home sales are at 18,771, up 10.9 percent year-over-year. Homes spent an average of 92 days on the market, down 3.2 percent from this time last year and 1.1 percent lower than October’s average.

"Golden Girls" Causes Homosexuality Claims Religious Writer

I could not help but post this one! Happy Holidays!!

clipped from www.poolparty.com The guarantee of free speech in the USA doesn't guarantee intelligent speech. Sometimes, though, free speech yields unintentionally hilarious results, as is the case with an article by Stephenson Billings. In "The Golden Girls: How One TV Show Turned a Generation of American Boys Into Homosexuals," Mr. Billings puts forth his world-view on 'The Golden Girls' and gay males, and it is a doozy.

Some of the articles' highlights:

Reason for 'Golden Girls' Success:

"Maybe we wanted to believe old age wasn’t dominated by infections and hip problems, loneliness and crushing depression before death finally stomps us out like the acrid end of a damp cigarette."

Reason for Show's Appeal to Gay Men:

"Desperate for a firm hand in their lives, they gravitated to the subversive undercurrent of masculinity in these aged matrons... It gave them an excuse to wear tight jeans and to sneak off to public parks for quick releases with hairy men of different ethnicities... The show lit a match which enflamed their intense physical urges."

The Impact of 'Golden Girls' on Society:

"The results were disastrous. Our horny, lonely boys sought out intimate comforts with like-minded Golden Girls addicts who didn’t mind each others' theatrical voices and touch-feely hand gestures. When the rush of cheesecake and gabfests wore thin, these hairless boys needed a harder thrill... This led to the worse excesses of early homosexual visibility– the most enormous of drag queens, the dirtiest of leather daddies, the most enticing of twinkie boys..."

The Impact of 'Golden Girls' on Gay People:

"If you walk down the street today and bump into a middle-aged homosexual, chances are that the nasty comeback he will shout at you is something he picked up from Dorothy Zbornak of the Golden Girls...Dorothy taught the gays to speak very fast and have the most superior attitude possible. This formula has worked for many of your urban leather daddies and flaming queens, who attack with the swiftness of a ninja. It often happens that by the time I figure out what the insulting gay man has said to me, he is long gone..."

The Writer's Thoughts on Blanche Devereaux:

"Blanche Devereaux, played by Rue McClanahan on the show, is one of the sluttiest sluts around. She will do anything to get anyone into her bedroom for hours of offensive copulation irregardless [sic] of her aging orifices... Blanche’s promiscuity is a common model for the personal lives of today’s homosexuals. Most gay relationships last a week. It is no coincidence that this is the amount of time between Golden Girl episodes when they first aired on primetime...Sadly, with the Golden Girls in weeknight syndication, the youngest gays have confused this timetable to mean they need five new boyfriends a week."

The Outlook for the Future:

"Many are too old at this point to be pursuing anonymous street pickups and have settled into caustic relationships that are only monogamous out of mutual laziness... In a dozen years, the next logical step for these people is Florida. Will we see whole sections of this state devoted to horny gay retirees sporting the worst 1980s fashions? Will they follow in the lusty steps of their forebears, the Golden Girls?"

The writer has a real talent for crazy, no?

Columbus rolls back parking meter increases...at least for now

You can sign the petition here.

clipped from www.dispatch.com Officials say they want four to six months to study options Tuesday,  December 15, 2009 2:37 PM By Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Mayor Michael B. Coleman is rescinding the city's 50 percent parking meter rate hike for as long as six months to determine better ways to raise rates to back a new hotel and replace aging meters without angering small business owners. "He is essentially calling for a time out," Coleman's spokesman, Dan Williamson, said today, adding that the mayor remains committed to a rate increase. "What the mayor is signaling here is we're open to how we raise rates." City officials were stung by the reaction of Downtown and Short North business owners in particular who complained loudly that the rate hikes would hurt their businesses. John Angelo of the Short North Business Association has suggested extending meters hours to raise money for the hotel and new meters.

City officials will meet with an advisory panel made up of business owners and others to determine a solution.

"What the mayor would like to do is harness that energy in a positive way," Williamson said.

As of yesterday morning, an online petition circulated by the Citizens for a Collaborative Columbus Government had gathered 1,069 signatures to halt or reverse the rate increase.

That effort, spearheaded by Angelo and local restaurateur Elizabeth Lessner, is shooting for 2,000 signatures.

"Let's send a clear message to Meter Hike Mike," Angelo wrote in an e-mail today.

It appears Coleman heard the message loud and clear.

The city began raising rates at parking meters on Nov. 30. Crews will begin resetting the meters today or Wednesday, Williamson said.

Officials acknowledged last week they should have sought more input, but denied accusations that they misled people about the hike. They also said they would not rescind it.

Williamson said the city would ultimately raise rates next year.

He also said the city remains committed to providing $1.4 million though parking revenue to financially back, if needed, a Hilton hotel planned for a site across from the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

The city also plans to use money generated from the hike to replace 4,300 aging parking meters.

The Short North's "Jackson on High" condos get tax abatement

clipped from columbus.bizjournals.com The Short North’s Jackson on High project has been cleared for a full real-estate tax abatement over 10 years for residents of the high-end project. Developer JBH Holdings said Columbus City Council approved the incentive Monday. The abatement, which comes out to roughly 2 percent of the purchase price annually, will save the owner of a $300,000 condominium about $57,000 over the life of the credit. A JBH spokesman said about half of the 44 units have been sold in the eight-story development, set for completion early next year. Developer Brad Howe has said sale prices range from $200,000 to $900,000 with units ranging from about 900 to 2,500 square feet in size.

Gay advocates cheer Houston election

clipped from www.usatoday.com Houston's election of its first openly gay mayor had supporters across the country cheering a symbolic victory, though they say it's likely to do little to reshape heated national battles over gay marriage. Saturday's election made Houston the largest city in the USA to choose a gay mayor. Annise Parker's victory came in a state that overwhelmingly voted to outlaw gay marriage four years ago and in a city where voters have rejected offering benefits to the same-sex partners of government employees. "The fact that an openly gay candidate wins for mayor in the nation's fourth-largest city, in the South, in Texas, shows that when Americans get to know gay people as people, not as stereotypes, their resistance to treating gay people equally reduces," said Evan Wolfson, director of Freedom to Marry, which advocates for legalizing gay marriage. "It's going to cause a lot of people around the country to take another look," he said. Parker won with about 53% of the vote.

"Clearly that has a lot of symbolic importance," Parker said Sunday. "I didn't run to be a symbolic mayor, I ran to be mayor of Houston, and my sexual orientation is part of who I am and part of how I presented myself to the voters."

NEW MAYOR: Houston elects Parker

It is far from clear what Parker's election means for more contentious issues, particularly same-sex marriage. Maine's voters rejected a gay marriage plan this year in a referendum. So did New York's lawmakers. In Texas, voters overwhelmingly backed a measure outlawing gay marriage in 2005.

Four states allow same-sex marriages; a fifth, New Hampshire, will allow them starting in January.

The issue has yet to win support in a statewide election.

Parker's win will do little to change that dynamic, said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins. "When you talk about specific policy issues like the redefinition of marriage or special rights, I think that's where people draw the line. Other than that, I don't think this is a huge deal."

Before Parker, 53, ran for mayor, she had won six citywide elections, though this was the first time some opponents made a serious effort to use her sexual orientation against her.

A Houston Chronicle poll found about three-quarters of voters said Parker's sexual orientation wasn't an issue.

"It's another sign of the ongoing progress that has been going on for years," said Rea Carey, head of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

December Market Data For Central Ohio

Market Data

If you like to see the numbers, here they are. (If the graph is too big for the screen, move the bar at the bottom to see the most current data)

This data is for the entire Central Ohio area. If you would like a report for your area of town and price range, just e-mail me. The graphs in the email will be easier to read.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, this is critical market information. I always provide this kind of data to my clients.

BREAKING: Houston becomes largest U.S. city to elect LGBT mayor

From the Victory Fund:

Houston has just become the largest U.S. city to elect an openly LGBT mayor. This is an important milestone for our country, but it's equally important to know voters in Houston chose Annise Parker even after a flurry of anti-gay campaigns designed to divide and distract voters.

New boutique hotel Downtown on Broad Street will be named "Indigo Hotel"

clipped from www.dispatch.com The newest boutique hotel Downtown will be built by rehabilitating and combining two historic buildings and using a $4.6 million state historic tax credit. The Hotel Indigo will utilize buildings at 16 and 20 E. Broad Street, immediately next to the Rhodes State Office Tower. The 117-room Indigo Hotel will cost an estimated $26.6 million, according to the state tax credit records. It will be developed by Schottenstein Property Group. The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit will pay for rehabilitation of the Hayden Building. The building will be converted into an upscale boutique hotel. The old Hayden Building at 20 E. Broad St., a four-story Italianate-style office structure named after industrial entrepreneur Peter Hayden, is the oldest commercial building Downtown, dating to 1869. It was designed by Nathan B. Kelley of Columbus, a Statehouse architect.

Columbus, Ohio: Could it be America's Most Underrated Gay City?

From 2007 but a great story and still very relevant.

clipped from gaytravel.about.com Saturday February 17, 2007 It's a state capital with a huge university, scads of hip and gay-friendly restaurants and bars, a wealth of art galleries and funky boutiques, and a progressive and bustling gay scene. You might think I'm talking about Madison, Wis., or Austin, Texas, two much-hyped (deservingly so) destinations with strong gay followings. But in this case, I'm referring to Columbus, Ohio, which after having visited nearly every decent-size city in the country over the past decade, I consider to be one of the nation's most underrated gay cities.

What's to love about Columbus, which has a pleasant but admittedly prosaic setting on the Scioto River? Here are a few highlights:

The Short North - This lively neighborhood just north of downtown is Columbus's gay epicenter, a hub of offbeat cafes and stylish restaurants, plus several gay bars and cool shops.

German Village - Many gay residents live in this historic 233-acre district of cobblestone streets, redbrick houses, and colorful gardens, German Village is perfect for a stroll and has several inviting gay-friendly restaurants, including Barcelona and Katzinger's Deli.

The Arena District - This bustling section of downtown is home to the fabulous lesbian bar, Wall Street, plus vintage warehouses and newer buildings that hold hotels, performance spaces, Nationwide Arena (which hosts sporting events and concerts), and North Market, which is packed with gourmet food stalls.

And then there are such draws as Ohio State University with its superb Wexner Center for the Arts, the acclaimed Columbus Musuem of Art, and the leafy Franklin Park Conservatory.

It's hard to say why Columbus has a larger and more vibrant gay scene than any other city between Chicago and Washington, D.C., but somehow Ohio's most populous metropolis has earned this reputation. So the next time you're looking for an easy-to-reach, friendly, and relatively affordable weekend vacation, consider planning a gay Columbus getaway.

Blogger note: Experience Columbus also has a great GLBT focused portion of their site here.

On a side note, I am listed as a Community Leader. :-)

Columbus Chamber sees signs of hope in economy

clipped from columbus.bizjournals.com It may be getting better. According to a ColumbusChamber report released Tuesday, a comparatively mild impact from the recession and predicted employment growth are causes for optimism in Central Ohio. “The expectation among economists is that the labor market will turn sometime during 2010, although even an increase in earnings among current workers will be positive for retail sales,” Chamber Chief Economist Bill LaFayette said in a release. Employment estimates for the eight-county Columbus metropolitan statistical area, which includes Morrow County, show a 1.9 percent decline in overall employment for the region from December 2007 to September 2009, compared with a 5.2 percent decline for the U.S. Retail employment for the region fell 4.5 percent in that time period, versus a 5.6 percent decline nationally.

Central Ohio has fared better of late because its retail sector, overbuilt in the 1980s and 1990s, went through its major culling during and after the 2001 recession, the report said. Retail employment dropped 18.1 percent from December 2000 to December 2007, according to the report.

“The return of regional retail to a more reasonable level of development suggests that retail growth in the Columbus MSA is possible once the economic recovery becomes solid,” LaFayette said.

The report was presented Tuesday as part of a retail summit hosted by Franklin County Commissioners and the chamber. The message was cautious optimism. Ohio State University economics professor Lucia Dunn said the university’s Consumer Debt Stress Index, which measures consumer concern about personal debt, has been improving. The monthly nationwide survey peaked in July, with consumers 55 percent more worried about their debt than in the baseline month of January 2006, but has fallen in every month since then and sits at 18 percent more worried after November.

“The drop in debt stress is good news,” she said. “It’s still 18 percent above 2006, but the decline is good news for all of us.”

Less concern about debt means more consumption, she said.

Steve Mansfield, senior policy and management analyst for the Franklin County Office of Management and Budget, stressed the importance of a strong retail presence to the county’s coffers, with sales tax collections accounting for more than 40 percent of the county budget. He said his office is forecasting $124.4 million in sales tax revenue for the county this year and more than $124 million in 2010.

In Columbus, Credit Card Parking Meters to Roll Out in May 2010

clipped from www.columbusunderground.com After a massive wave of public outcry regarding the ongoing 50% rate hike to parking meters throughout the urban neighborhoods of Columbus, the city is trying to make amends. 720 new smart meter heads will start to be rolled out in May 2010, which will accept credit cards in addition to coins. A civic working group considing of community, business, and civic leaders will oversee the implementation locations of these new credit card meters, and will be tasked with monitoring the impact of the meter rate increases. The meter rate increases, which took effect on November 30th, have been an administrative decision by the Public Service Department, so no vote was required by City Council. Tonight, City Council is expected to vote on the creation of a holding account that will allocate $1.4 million in parking meter revenue for reserve bonds to help finance the new Convention Center Hotel.

Basil Thai blooms in Short North

clipped from www.dispatch.com The opening of Basil Thai restaurant in the Short North this past weekend was a moment the Ruanphae family had thought about for years. The Ruanphae family, whose Chicago-area Thai restaurant has won praise, has opened a new location at 1124 N. High Street. But patience is a family virtue, said Rhome Ruanphae. His mother, Judy Ruanphae, opened the Thai Village restaurant on Division Street in Chicago's Wicker Park district 23 years ago, after coming to the U.S. and working as a nurse for 15 years at a nearby hospital. "She knew what the dangers were," her son said, both financially and, in that area at that time, physically. But she perfected her recipes and built a following as the area improved, and in due time was "discovered" by local media. Mrs. Ruanphae had long considered opening another restaurant, and she and her husband, Sam, began considering Columbus when Rhome moved here 10 years ago.

This year, the family decided it was time. They've taken half of a former antiques shop at 1124 N. High St. and renovated the space, aiming for a sense of permanence.

"We liked the sense of a neighborhood connection in the Short North," Rhome Ruanphae said.

Although much of the space had to be gutted, the dining-room floor is the refinished original, and the sign painted on bricks at the back is from a bygone era. Local businesses did most of the changes, especially Amlin Development and Columbus Architectural Salvage.

Mrs. Ruanphae has come in from Chicago for the opening and will be running the kitchen "until we feel comfortable with what's going on," her son said.

"We are focusing on ingredients that are hard to find here in Columbus -- noodles and spices," Ruanphae said, adding that many will be brought in regularly from Chicago.

The menu is solidly Thai, although Ruanphae suggested that "there's something for everyone in Thai food." He highlighted the crispy roll appetizer ($6.95) and the noodle kee mow ($9.50). Salads start at $5, and dinner entrees rise to $15, for the pla radprick, a whole tilapia in garlic sauce.

One departure might come before long: The Ruanphaes are considering creating a Thai tapas menu.

Basil Thai's dining room can seat 52, while a room at the back holds 38 more and can be used as a party room. The long bar accommodates about a dozen.

The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. every day for dine-in and carryout. A dine-in lunch special of soup, appetizer and noodle or rice dish is $7.50. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. Sunday, 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

New York State Senator Diane Savino speaks on Marriage Equality. Whether a Friend or Foe take 7:33 and listen.

New York State Senator Diane Savino speaks on Marriage Equality in Albany, New York on December 2, 2009

Equality Ohio Announces New Executive Director

Experienced Cleveland Leader to Lead Statewide LGBT Rights Organization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
CONTACT: Mike Castle, Equality Ohio Board President

Columbus, Ohio – The Equality Ohio Board of Directors announced today the selection of Sue Doerfer as the organization’s new Executive Director. Ms. Doerfer was chosen following an extensive national search. She comes to Equality Ohio after serving five years as Executive Director of the Cleveland LGBT Center. Her experience and involvement with the work of Equality Ohio goes back to the organization’s creation on April 22, 2005 where she was a member of the group of 65 individuals who formed Equality Ohio.

"We are thrilled to have Sue joining Equality Ohio as our second Executive Director," said Equality Ohio Education Fund Board President Jeff Smith. "Sue brings commitment, community awareness, bridge building, and political savvy to her life's work as an activist. Her years of executive nonprofit leadership experience, success working on local, state and national political and legislative campaigns, commitment to Equality Ohio’s vision and mission, and her knowledge of the political and social landscapes in which LGBT Ohioans live and work make her an ideal leader for us. Her statewide presence and track record of success will allow her to hit the ground running."

Ms. Doerfer’s work as the Executive Director of the Cleveland LGBT Center included the development of services focused on outreach to homeless youth in Cuyahoga County and the creation of new and innovative methods for raising funds to support the Center’s vital work. She oversaw an increase of the Center’s budget by 30% during her tenure, as well as the development of an LGBT-focused community health service center. Over the past five years, Doerfer has collaborated with Cleveland City Council and other community leaders on developing a Domestic Partnership Registry, adding Gender Identity to legal nondiscrimination protections, and creating Ohio’s first City-sponsored LGBT Heritage Day.

Prior to her work with the Cleveland LGBT Center, Ms. Doerfer served as the Clinical Director of Services for the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland and as Director of Social Services for Broadway House for Continuing Care in Newark, NJ. Doerfer has a Bachelors Degree in psychology/sociology from St. Ambrose University and a Masters of Social Work from California State University. Her volunteer work includes longtime involvement with Cleveland Stonewall Democrats and Cleveland Pride. For the past three years, Sue has served on the Board of Directors for CenterLink: The National Association for LGBT Community Centers.

“I am honored to have been selected to lead Equality Ohio as the new Executive Director,” said Doerfer. “The work that has been done since the organization’s founding four and a half years ago has provided concrete outcomes that have moved Ohio forward. It is exciting for me to join such a strong and well-respected organization and I look forward to shaping its future with my ideas, leadership, energy and passion for LGBT equality.”

"With vision, energy and a collaborative spirit, Sue will work tirelessly towards the advancement of equality, respect and acceptance of LGBT people in Ohio," said Equality Ohio Board President Rev. Mike Castle of Dayton. "She has a strong team in Kim Welter, Erin Upchurch and Michele Hopkins, committed boards of directors, engaged coalition partners across the state, and a broad-based membership to support her in our mission."

Ms. Doerfer will start with the organization in January and will divide her time between Cleveland and the organization’s home office in Columbus. The boards are now beginning to plan a series of events to be held in Ms. Doerfer’s first few months to provide numerous opportunities for the LGBT and allied community across the state to meet and get to know her. Please check www.equalityohio.org for event information as it is published.

###

Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home, living in families and communities where equality, diversity, and inclusiveness are universally valued and where government protects all people and responds to their needs regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

New York State Senate Votes Down Gay Marriage Bill

clipped from www.nytimes.com Senator Thomas K. Duane, the sponsor of same-sex marriage legislation, embraced Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson after she announced her support for the bill during the debate on the senate floor on Wednesday in Albany. ALBANY — The State Senate defeated a bill on Wednesday that would legalize same-sex marriage, after an emotional debate that touched on civil rights, family and history. The vote means that the bill, pushed by Gov. David A. Paterson, is effectively dead for the year and dashes the optimism of gay rights advocates, who have suffered setbacks recently in several key states. The bill was defeated by a decisive margin of 38 to 24. The Democrats, who have a bare, one-seat majority, did not have enough votes to pass the bill without some Republican support, but not a single Republican senator voted for the measure.

Home Tip: Preparing Walls To Be Painted

clipped from lowes.rismedia.com Happy December! The end of another year has come already. Now is a great time to reflect on what we are thankful for. However, it can also be a stressful season of hosting, decorating, organizing and, of course, wrapping!> To assist you with some of these needs, stop by your local Lowe’s or visit www.lowes.com to find essential tools to help you weather this holiday season. - Terry Penrod. REALTOR®. | contact me Prepping Walls for Paint Properly preparing your walls will help you avoid a lot of paint problems in the future. Save yourself from bubbling, flaking and chipping. Take the necessary steps below to get a smooth surface ready for your new decor.

Remove Electrical Plates, Switches and Other Fixtures

Head to your electrical panel and shut off the circuit breakers to the rooms you’ll be painting. Once the power is off, remove the outlet plates and switch covers. Also remove any wall-mounted light fixtures. If you’re painting your ceiling, take down any ceiling fans, pendant lights or medallions. Once all light fixture wires are wrapped for safety, you can turn the breakers back on.

Scrape Old Wallpaper or Paint

Wallpaper. It’s best not to paint over wallpaper. New wallpaper is easy to peel off a wall. Pick a corner of wallpaper and start pulling. Use a putty knife to help loosen the paper as you peel. It’s also a good idea to use a wetting agent to help detach wallpaper and its glue. A wetting agent can be water, a water and vinegar solution or a steamer. Apply the agent with a sponge, roller or spray. Be sure you remove the wallpaper before the agent dries.

Some wallpaper, such as vinyl, doesn’t respond well to wetting agents. Sand the wallpaper with fine grit sandpaper to remove the water-resistant coating. You can also use a perforator or utility knife to cut small, shallow slits in the paper, which will help wetting agents get to the glue faster.

After the paper and glue is removed with a wide blade putty knife (or something similar), wash the walls with a cleanser and let it dry for at least a day before continuing your preparation.

Old Paint. If your walls have old paint that is chipped or peeling, you’ll want to scrape it off before you add a new coat. A broad putty knife will work best. Be careful when scraping that you don’t dig into the wall’s surface. For areas that are lightly cracked, a wire brush can be used. Ask a Lowe’s associate for the best tool for your paint problem.

If you’re also removing paint from trim, you might need to use a paint-stripping agent. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for this project.

Repair Dinged and Dented Walls

After your walls are clear of old paint or wallpaper, you might find blemishes that need repair. Small nail holes or cracks can be easily fixed with joint compound. Larger holes require you to patch the wall. Read up on wall repair in Lowe’s How-To section.

Sand

You’ll want the smoothest surface possible before you paint. Sand trouble spots with fine grit sandpaper. Sand stubborn patches of wallpaper adhesive or areas where cracked paint was scraped. If repairs were made, you’ll need to sand the joint compound after it is completely dried.

Sanding also helps remove gloss from areas. By removing high-gloss and semi-gloss, you prep a surface to better take new coats of paint.

Clean

Clean walls with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and water solution. Apply this solution with a sponge or roller. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves during this process. Rinse the walls with water after scrubbing with TSP. Allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly before applying paint.

Note: If you can take the odor, you can use ammonia instead of TSP.

Apply Primer

It’s recommended to apply primer to the entire surface before painting. Primer helps retain your color choice. It can also solve a lot of unforeseeable problems left behind by the house’s former owners, like painting over enameled surfaces without sanding first. A primer can help the new paint adhere to the surface better.

To apply primer, use the same steps as if you were painting. Remember to tape off trim, woodwork and any other area you don’t want to paint.

If you decided to skip an entire surface primer, you’ll still need to spot prime. Apply primer to any joint compound you may have added or areas where you scraped old paint.

Now you’re ready to start painting.