Getting a room ready for painting is mostly about clearing space, protecting surfaces, and preparing the walls for paint. Sounds simple, right? It is, and it isn’t.

Clear It

The easy step is literally clearing the space of furniture and wall hangings. You can move items to the center of the room or to another room. Place large, hard-to-move pieces in the center and cover them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. You want to clear enough space so that whoever is painting can move around the room easily and safely.

Cover or Remove It

The next easiest thing in getting a room ready to paint is to cover and protect surfaces and items you aren’t painting, such as light fixtures, counters, and trim moldings. Remove items such as switch plates, outlet covers, vent covers, and light fixtures. (Keep screws and hardware in labeled bags so reinstallation is easier later.) Take down wall art, curtains, curtain rods, and any fragile items.

Next, protect the room itself. Use drop cloths to completely cover the floors. This step helps prevent paint splatter and makes it easier for painters to reach the edges and trim.

Prep It

After everything is covered and protected, it’s time to prep the surfaces for painting. Surfaces need to be prepped meticulously. Good prep saves time and usually leads to a better-looking paint job.

• Clean and inspect the walls and any surfaces using an appropriate solution for the surface material. (Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.)
• Dust and wipe down surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Fill small holes or cracks with spackle, let it dry, then sand it smooth. A smooth finish is important.
• If there are gaps along baseboards or trim, caulk them for a more polished finish.
• Replace any heavily damaged wood trim.

Finally, keep pets and children away from the work area.

As you can see, preparing a room for painting is straightforward, but it can take time and involve skilled work to achieve a professional result. Call our offices to request a free, no-obligation estimate for your interior painting project. We have the experience and skills to ensure results you’ll be happy with!