The Best Way to Prep a House for Painting

Rory Connolly
May 29, 2024
2 min read

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Whether you’re tackling a DIY painting project or hiring a professional decorator, proper preparation is essential for a smooth, efficient experience. Good prep work not only saves time and money but also ensures a high-quality finish. Here are our top tips to help your painting project go off without a hitch.

Move and Protect Your Furniture

Start by clearing out small furniture items like coffee tables, bedside tables, and dining chairs. If possible, remove all furniture from the room. However, for larger items such as beds and sofas, you can push them to the center of the room. Cover these pieces with dust sheets to protect them from paint splatters. Professional decorators will typically provide and arrange dust sheets as part of their service.

Remove Window Dressings and Wall Hangings

Take down all blinds, curtains, and curtain rods, and store them in another room. This makes painting around windows and frames much easier and protects your window dressings from damage. Also, remove any pictures, mirrors, or other wall hangings. If you’re unsure whether these items will go back up in the same spots, fill and sand the holes before you start painting. Professional decorators often handle this as part of their prep work.

Store and Protect Electrical Items, Soft Furnishings, and Ornaments

Remove personal items such as lamps, TVs, home accessories, rugs, and houseplants from the room. Avoid leaving soft furnishings like duvets and cushions in the room, as they can collect dust and may require cleaning after the project. Even when covered, paint can still spatter, so it’s best to remove as many items as possible.

Prepare and Clean Your Walls for Painting

Cleaning the walls and woodwork before painting is crucial for a great finish. Over time, dirt, dust, and stains accumulate and can show through the new paint. Dust behind radiators, remove cobwebs, and vacuum the tops of skirting boards. Then, wash down the surfaces to be painted with a sponge and a solution of diluted washing-up liquid and hot water. For kitchen walls or other areas with heavy grease buildup, use a stronger grease-cutting detergent followed by clean water to remove any residue.

Plan for Restricted Room Use

Remember that the room being decorated will be off-limits for the duration of the project. Remove any items you may need before work begins, as access will be limited once painting starts.

Get in Touch with the Experts Today

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