I use TSP [link] for cleaning before painting. Just mix it with warm water, get a big sponge and start at the top, then rinse. It's slightly caustic, so rubber gloves are probably a good idea. That's only before painting, though, because it takes the gloss off of paint. Other people may like to use something less intense, but I prefer using strong stuff and scrubbing less. Also, it doesn't particularly smell.

TSP is at most hardware stores and some big box stores.

Emily, TSP-Substitute. Useful cleaner, directions on the package, should be available in any hardware store, paint store, home center, or the like.

I adore painting but I may have to give it up: I get bored prepping and start thinking that I can cut corners on it, which no. The pleasure of doing the painting itself is not worth years of looking at that brown splotch on the ceiling right above my reading corner where I thought I could get away with not taping if I was reeeeally careful because I didn't want to go out and get a whole new roll of tape for just that spot.

I'm sorry Abby's having a hard time. For the record, I was not a vile beast as a pre-adolescent and not all girls are (Abby being another notable exception). Boys can be cruel in their ways, too.

Yeah, I wasn't either. I was actually very much like Abby, except not as pretty, which I suspect is behind a lot of the teasing.

And poor Nate's been having to deal a bit too-- he can get along with the kid across the street just fine, until the kid's eighth grade friend comes over, who then starts teasing Nate mercilessly.

I've been schooling Nate in the whatever technique-- but I couldn't resist and told him that the next time this kid called him the biggest geek in school, I told him to say, "Yeah, well, the geeks shall be inheriting the earth while your kind are still saying 'you want fries with that?'"

Mountains of ~ma for Lucy as she enters her tripod life. We know 6 tri's in this neighborhood alone and it is amazing to see how quickly and completely they adapt.

Quick healing and calm vibes to both of you brenda. Bless you!

My worst problem with painting is that it's booooring. It's much easier to take with someone else helping.

Another important part of painting is that you have to order pizza.

I'm liking the minion/pizza/beer option. Must find minions.

And thanks for the B-I-N suggestion beth. That looks great.

Boys can be cruel in their ways, too.

Absolutely.

Re: primer - I have found that if doing a number of different colors, the Zinnser stuff tinted grey has actually allowed for fewer coats of paint - usually just one - than a plain white primer.

Hm. Tinted primer. Check.