Whether you're painting one room or the whole exterior, the prep makes or breaks the result. Here's how to get ready so the job goes smoothly.
Before the crew arrives
- Move or center furniture so painters have room to work and cover what stays.
- Take down wall art, curtains, and outlet covers.
- Point out any problem areas — stains, cracks, or previous water damage — so they can be addressed.
- Decide on colors and finishes ahead of time (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss).
What a good painter handles
A professional will clean and sand surfaces, patch holes, caulk gaps, prime where needed, and protect floors and fixtures. Ask whether prep and primer are included in the quote — cutting corners here is why cheap paint jobs fail within a year.
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