Your Go-To Guide for Getting Your Home Ready to Paint

So, you’ve finally decided to freshen up your home with a new coat of paint.

Whether you’re embracing a brand-new color scheme, brightening up a dull space, or simply covering up years of wear and tear, interior painting can work wonders for the look and feel of your home.

It's not just a paint facelift—it's a method of establishing a mood that best suits your style and life. From welcoming neutrals to striking accents, paint can entirely transform your room.

And yet, before any brush ever reaches the wall, preparation is needed.

Entering a painting job ill-prepared with the right planning will result in clean-up messes, wasted time, and expensive do-overs. If you are painting it yourself or hiring professional interior painters in your area, getting prepared ahead of time with a plan and taking the time to properly prep your home will give you a hassle-free experience and a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Think of it like preparing your house for a huge party. The more prepared your house is, the more efficiently the painting will take place—and the better the outcome will look if you happen to hire excellent interior painting contractors. In this guide, we're going to take you through it step by step, what you have to do before you and/or your contracted interior painting service get to work.

Step-by-Step Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Interior Painting

Let’s break down the process into simple, actionable steps so you know exactly what to do.

1. Clear the Space

• Start by removing as much furniture from the room as possible. Large pieces that can't be moved should be shifted to the center and covered with plastic drop cloths.
• Clearing the area not just safeguards your items but also provides painters or yourself with more room to move around and access all areas without constraint. Be sure to remove any electronics, rugs, and breakables as well.

Pro Tip: Don't overlook taking down wall decorations, mirrors, curtain rods, and anything else hanging or mounted on the walls. Store nails, screws, and hooks in marked bags carefully so they are easy to reinstall later.

2. Guard Floors and Furniture

• Paint drips are unavoidable—even for professionals. Use heavy drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover your floors and remaining furniture.
• Do not use old newspapers or sheets, as they soak quickly and can tear. Instead, use canvas drop cloths for improved absorption and sturdiness. Secure the edges with tape to prevent the coverings from shifting in place while painting.
• Professional interior painters usually employ heavy-duty materials to protect floors and furniture, preventing any accidents or stains from occurring.

3. Wash the Walls

• You might not realize it, but your walls are most likely covered with dust, oils, and fingerprints. Wash all surfaces to be painted with a sponge and a mild detergent.
• This step is especially important for bathrooms and kitchens, where grease and moisture will affect the adhesion of paint. Clean up and rinse with clean water and let dry completely.
• For lasting stains or mold, use a water and vinegar solution or a special cleaning solution. If you have interior painting done professionally, ask if they clean walls as part of their pre-work.

4. Fix Any Damage to Walls

• Small holes, cracks, or peeling paint? Patch them up. Apply spackle or joint compound to cover imperfections. Sand all smooth when dry.
• Examine the walls thoroughly under proper lighting to detect dents, nail pops, or irregular textures. Fill with a putty knife and sand with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Remove dust with a damp cloth afterward.
• If your walls are more badly damaged, you may consider hiring an interior painting company that provides wall repair services in addition to interior painting.

5. Tape Off Trim, Windows, and Fixtures

• Painter's tape is your friend. Use it to mask baseboards, door frames, window sills, and other areas you don't want paint on.
• Ensure the tape is pushed firmly down to avoid bleed-through. Take off the tape at a 45-degree angle shortly after the paint dries to prevent peeling off any new paint.
• If you're employing interior painters in your area, they'll probably do this step with care—but it's always nice to know how careful prep yields a sharp finish.

6. Prime if Necessary

Priming provides coverage for black colors, touches up repairs, or stains and enhances paint sticking. Some interior paints are primed, yet in some instances, a special coat of primer is necessary.

Apply primer when

• Painting over dark colors or bold paint
• Painting new drywall
• Covering repaired areas
• Working with water stains or fire damage

Refer to your interior painting contractors on whether or not priming your project is a requirement—it's a big differentiator.

7. Select the Correct Paint and Finish

• Various rooms require various kinds of paint
• Flat/Matte: Perfect for ceilings and areas that are not used much
• Eggshell/Satin: Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms
• Semi-gloss/Gloss: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim

Also make considerations on light reflection, stain resistance, and washability. A professional interior painting contractor can provide advice on selecting colors and finishes that will best suit your home's lifestyle and requirements.

8. Ventilation Matters

• Interior painting has strong odors. Open windows, operate fans, and if you have central heating/cooling, think about turning it off for a few hours to keep from spreading the fumes from paint.
• Good airflow accelerates drying time and minimizes exposure to VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Seek low-VOC or zero-VOC paint products for a healthier indoor environment.
• When hiring interior painting services, ask how they ensure proper ventilation and what low-VOC or eco-friendly paint options they offer.

Extra Prep Tips for Specific Areas

Kitchen & Bathroom

• Remove any appliances that could be in the way.
• Use mold-resistant primer and paint.
• Double-clean walls to remove grease and moisture buildup.
• Caulk around sinks, tubs, or backsplashes where needed.

Living Room & Bedrooms

• Focus on clean lines around windows and baseboards.
• Move electronics and valuables out of the way.
• Remove any area rugs to prevent dust or paint from settling in.

Ceilings

• Consider painting them first to avoid drips on fresh wall paint.
• Remove or cover light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• Use an extension pole for easier access.

What If You’re Hiring the Pros?

If you’ve decided to work with professional interior painting services, you’re already on the right path to a hassle-free experience. But even then, some prep will still fall on you as the homeowner.

Here’s what you should do before your interior painting contractors arrive

• Confirm the schedule and timeline
• Clear the area of valuables and personal items
• Provide access to electrical outlets and water if needed
• Discuss paint types, colors, and finishes ahead of time
• Secure pets in another room or off-site if possible

Searching for “interior painters near me” can feel overwhelming with so many options, but look for companies that offer free consultations, clear contracts, and positive reviews. Don’t be afraid to ask for references!

How Long Does Interior Painting Prep Take?

Prep time depends on the size of the job and the condition of your home. For a single room in good shape, you can expect to spend 2-4 hours prepping. Larger homes or ones with repair needs may take a full day or more.

Professional interior painting companies often include prep time in their quotes, so be sure to ask for a breakdown of home painting services. This can help you understand what you’re paying for and ensure no corners are cut.

Post-Painting Care Tips

Once the painting is done, it’s not quite over! Here are a few quick tips for aftercare.

• Let the paint dry fully before moving the furniture back.
• Avoid wiping or cleaning walls for at least two weeks.
• Touch up any small imperfections once the paint has cured.
• Keep leftover paint labeled for future touch-ups.
• Dispose of used materials responsibly or recycle them if possible.

Final Thoughts

Painting Prep is the foundation of a wonderful outcome.

Preparing your house for interior painting need not be a daunting experience. With the right plan, equipment, and perhaps some expert help from established interior painting companies, your ultimate home makeover is easily within your grasp.

Whatever your quest to find "interior painters near me" or your preparations to do it yourself, remember this: outstanding painting begins with outstanding preparation.

Ready to begin your painting experience?

Don't hire just any lay painter—hire an interior painting contractor from Brinton Painting in Arizona that takes pride in the details as much as you do.

Because when painting is concerned, preparation isn't merely the starting point—it's the key point!