Painting Prep: The Step Most People Skip

A paint job is only as good as the surface underneath. Most peeling, blistering, and uneven finishes trace back to prep — or the lack of it.

Clean the surface

Dust, grease, smoke, and mildew prevent paint from bonding. Wash walls and trim with a suitable cleaner, then rinse and let them dry. Kitchen and bathroom surfaces often need degreasing.

Exterior surfaces may have chalk, dirt, mold, or salt. Wash and treat them before painting. Do not paint over active mold or rot.

Repair and sand

Patch holes, cracks, and damaged drywall. Sand patched areas smooth and feather the edges. Replace rotten trim or siding rather than covering it with paint.

Sand glossy surfaces to help the new coat adhere. Remove loose or peeling paint, but use safe methods if the home may have lead paint. Test before sanding in older homes.

Prime the right areas

Primer is not optional everywhere. Bare wood, patched drywall, stains, and dramatic color changes often need a primer. Stain-blocking primer can prevent water marks and tannins from bleeding through.

Ask the painter which primer they use and why. A cheap primer can undermine an expensive topcoat.

Caulk and seal

Caulk gaps around trim, windows, and doors before painting. Use a paintable caulk suitable for the interior or exterior application. Replace failed caulk instead of painting over it.

Check for moisture intrusion before sealing. Caulk can hide a small gap, but it cannot fix a leak.

Choose the right finish

Flat paint hides imperfections but is harder to clean. Eggshell and satin are common for walls. Semi-gloss and gloss are durable and washable, often used on trim and doors.

The right finish depends on the room, traffic, and lighting. Ask for a sample and view it at different times of day.

Frequently asked questions