1. Inspect the Condition of Your Surfaces 

The first step is to check all surfaces throughout the entire house for any damage or worn-out materials. Any damaged surface can result in one of two things. 

First, dented or cracked drywall or stucco may lead to a subpar finish. Besides this, there is a chance that you may have to repair dated surface materials later — after the paint job. 

For these reasons, ensure that your surfaces are in good condition. If any material is beyond repair, it is a clever idea to replace it before contacting your professional painters. 

2. Clean (and Sand) the Surfaces That Will Be Painted 

Besides checking your surfaces for damage, you should also clean them before the painting project. 

Clean surfaces are essential for quality paint finishes. Any large accumulations of dirt, old paint, or dust can cause creases or lumps, leading to subpar finishes even with several layers of paint. 

To clean your surfaces, you should scrub high-traffic areas with a scrub brush. Using soapy water can be particularly effective for removing grime and dirt. If you are preparing for exterior painting, a pressure washer may be ideal, especially on commonly frequented surfaces and areas. 

For previously painted surfaces, sanding is necessary. For the best results, use fine-grit sandpaper as this is rough enough to scrape off grime or old paint but not too abrasive as to damage wood. 

3. Fix and Holes and Dents and Replace Badly Damaged Surfaces 

Your inspection will reveal areas that require some patchwork. Address these areas promptly. After treating the area with a walnut, use a soft cloth to help the wood absorb the oil, effectively concealing the damage. If surface materials are beyond fixing or have sustained extensive water or mold damage, you may need to replace them. 

Repaired surfaces are not just pleasing to the eyes. When you are preparing for interior or exterior painting, fixing your surfaces will result in completion times, and you will eliminate the risks of do-overs. 

4. Changing Color? Use a Paint Primer 

It is not easy to change the color of your walls. If you are getting a professional paint job done to change the color of your surfaces, you should add primer application to your prepping to-do list, as proper prep work, including tasks like removing wallpaper or repairing cracks, is crucial. 

Primer is an essential part of the paint job preparation process for several reasons. 

First, paint primer can help paint stick to your surfaces. Think of primer as a layer of double-sided tape between your old surface and the new coating to come. 

Besides this, the primer can prevent your new paint from chipping easily. Added durability is essential, especially when you are going for a drastic color change. 

Overall, primer can enhance the overall appearance and color of your surfaces — and with fewer coats of paint. 

5. Tape Your Windows 

As painting commences, the last thing you want is accidental strokes to your doors or windows. To prevent this from happening, you will have to tape the edges of your windows and doors. This step can save time eventually by reducing the need for touch-ups and corrections. 

By taping these areas, your doors and windows will be protected from paint strokes. The result will be clean sharper lines and a professional look once the painting project is over. 

Professional Painting: Your Shortcut to Successful Interior and Exterior Home Painting 

As you can see, preparation makes up a substantial portion of the home painting process. With so many tasks to perform, it is tempting to simply give up and put your painting project off to a much later time. 

But what if we told you that a fully finished painting project is just a call away? 

At EA Pro Painters, we specialize in handling full-scale residential paint jobs. We are your team for all aspects of the painting process, from preparation to professional painting. 

Leave your entire project to us and get a free estimate of our painting services in Washington today. Professional painting services can help sell homes faster and for more money.