Prep Before You Paint: The Quiet Secret to a Lasting Finish

Paint gets all the attention, but preparation decides how good the finished wall looks and how long it lasts. Professional painters spend much of their time before they ever open a can. Here is how to prep a room the same way.

Clear and protect the room

Move furniture to the centre of the room or out completely, then cover it and the floor with drop cloths. Remove outlet covers, switch plates and picture hooks, and keep the screws together in a labelled bag so nothing goes missing.

Clean the walls

Dust, grease and fingerprints stop paint from bonding well. Wipe the walls with a mild cleaner, paying extra attention around light switches, door frames and kitchen areas, then let everything dry fully.

Fill, sand and smooth

Small holes and cracks show up clearly under fresh paint. Fill them with a suitable filler, let it dry, then sand gently until the patch is flush with the wall. Wipe away the dust before moving on.

Tape with care

Painter's tape gives you crisp lines along trim, ceilings and windows. Press the edge down firmly with a putty knife so paint cannot creep underneath, and remove the tape while the final coat is still slightly soft.

Prime when it matters

Primer helps paint stick and makes colours look even. Use it on patched areas, bare wood, glossy surfaces and anywhere you are making a big change from dark to light. It often saves you an extra top coat.

• Stir paint well and keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
• Work from the top of the room down, starting with the ceiling.
• Allow proper drying time between coats for the best finish.

Prefer to skip the prep work? Our interior team can handle everything from patching to the final coat, leaving the room clean and ready to enjoy.