A good interior paint job doesn’t start with a brush — it starts with preparation. When you hire a professional crew like Brackens Painting, the quality of your results depends as much on what happens before the first coat as it does on the final finish.
Whether you’re refreshing a single room or transforming your entire home, a few simple steps will help your painters work efficiently and protect your space. Here’s what to expect — and how you can help your project go smoothly from start to finish.
Clear the Space and Protect Your Belongings
Before painting begins, your crew will need clear access to walls, trim, and ceilings. Removing clutter makes a huge difference in both efficiency and quality.
- Move small furniture, rugs, and wall décor. According to Home Depot’s preparation guide, shifting furniture to the center of the room or another area helps painters reach all surfaces without risk of damage.
- Remove outlet covers, switch plates, and wall hangings. This Old House recommends removing anything that could interfere with clean edges or get splattered with paint.
- Cover what stays. Professionals typically use canvas drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and large items. For added protection, Family Handyman suggests extending drop cloths at least three feet from the wall.
🎨 Brackens Pro Tip: We always appreciate when homeowners move smaller décor items before we arrive. It saves setup time and ensures we can focus on what matters most — perfect coverage and clean lines.
A tidy, accessible room helps painters move faster — and helps ensure every surface gets the attention it deserves.
Clean Walls for Better Adhesion
Paint adheres best to clean, dry surfaces. Even invisible dust, oils, or residues can prevent paint from bonding properly.
- Vacuum and wipe walls. Lowe’s recommends wiping with a damp sponge or mild soap solution, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where grease or moisture may linger.
- Address residue and smoke damage. Areas near fireplaces, stoves, or candles can collect film that dulls new paint. A quick clean ensures a smooth, lasting finish.
🎨 Brackens Pro Tip: Pay special attention to trim, doorframes, and corners — they collect more dust than you’d think. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth goes a long way toward a flawless finish.
Your painters may do final dusting or tack-cloth wiping, but pre-cleaning makes their prep faster and more effective.
Handle Minor Repairs Before Painting
Professional crews can patch small nail holes or cracks, but larger repairs should be addressed beforehand. Smooth, even surfaces make the difference between a decent paint job and a flawless one.
- Fill holes and cracks. Use spackle for minor wall damage, or let your painter know if there are larger areas that need repair.
- Sand patched areas lightly. Sanding ensures patches blend seamlessly with surrounding drywall.
- Prime where needed. Sherwin-Williams notes that priming helps conceal repairs, blocks stains, and allows the topcoat to adhere evenly.
🎨 Brackens Pro Tip: If you’re planning to change wall color dramatically — say, from dark blue to white — ask us to apply a high-hide primer first. It saves coats and gives the final color its true tone.
When surfaces are uniform, the finish coat lays smoother and lasts longer — saving time and touch-ups down the road.
Keep Safety in Mind, Especially in Older Homes
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a chance old layers of paint may contain lead. Never sand or scrape potential lead paint yourself.
According to Rutgers University’s “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” guide, homeowners should rely on EPA-certified contractors who follow lead-safe practices. Brackens Painting is fully certified to handle older homes safely, containing dust and maintaining proper ventilation throughout the job.
🎨 Brackens Pro Tip: If you suspect your home has old paint, mention it when you schedule your estimate. We’ll test it safely and plan the right containment methods before work begins.
Communicate and Plan Ahead
Preparation isn’t just physical — it’s also about coordination. A quick conversation before the project begins can clarify timing, color choices, and access.
- Confirm which rooms will be painted first and how long each area will be off-limits.
- Share details about pets, work schedules, or home office needs so your painters can plan around them.
- Ask about drying times and reentry — humidity and ventilation can change how long fresh paint needs to cure.
🎨 Brackens Pro Tip: If you work from home, let us know. We can schedule quieter prep work during your calls and save the rolling for later in the day.
Good communication helps your crew work efficiently while minimizing disruption to your daily life.
The Brackens Way: Respect, Preparation, and Pride
At Brackens Painting, we treat every home as if it were our own — carefully protecting your furniture, fixtures, and floors before we open a single paint can. Proper prep ensures crisp edges, smooth walls, and a finish that lasts for years.
If you’re planning your next interior update, start with a conversation. Our team can walk you through color selection, prep recommendations, and scheduling.
Request your free interior painting estimate today — and see why preparation is the foundation of every great paint job.
