How to Prep Your Interior for Painting
Painting sounds easy until you’re standing in the middle of a cluttered room, holding a brush, and realizing the walls are dusty and full of nail holes. Prep isn’t optional—it’s what makes paint look clean and last longer. Done right, it saves you time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re committed to a DIY project or you’re considering hiring professional interior painting services, the right prep is critical and will affect the finished job. Legacy Painting can handle it all, but here’s what you need to know if you’re getting ready.
The Importance of Preparation
Prep work makes or breaks a paint job. If the surface isn’t clean, smooth, and ready, even the best paint will look sloppy or peel early. Dust, grease, and old flaking paint stop new paint from sticking right. Holes and cracks? They’ll still show—just with a new color on top.
Skipping prep leads to more touch-ups, wasted time, and a shorter lifespan for your paint. It also means your space won’t look finished. Professional painters know this and spend time getting it right before a single drop of paint goes on.
Good prep ensures smooth coverage, sharper lines, and longer-lasting results. If you’re hiring Legacy Painting, we handle the prep for you—because clean, lasting work starts before the painting does.
1. Clear the Space
Start by removing as much furniture from the room as possible. Large items that can’t be moved should be pushed to the center and completely covered with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. Take everything off the walls—art, shelves, curtain rods, and blinds. Unscrew and store outlet covers and switch plates in a labeled bag so nothing gets lost. This step protects your belongings, prevents accidents, and makes it easier to reach every corner of the room. A clear space helps the job move faster and keeps the paint where it belongs.
2. Clean the Walls
Dust, grease, and fingerprints can stop paint from sticking properly. Wipe down all wall surfaces with a damp sponge or cloth. In kitchens, bathrooms, or high-traffic areas, use a mild soap solution or degreaser to cut through buildup. Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and around door frames where grime collects. Rinse the walls with clean water and let everything dry thoroughly. Painting over dirty walls leads to uneven coverage and long-term flaking. Taking the time to clean now helps ensure a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
3. Repair Any Damage
Scan the walls closely for nail holes, small dents, or cracks. Use spackle or a patching compound to fill any damage, and follow the product’s dry time. Once dry, sand each patch until it's flush with the wall surface. For larger issues, you may need mesh tape or a wall repair kit. Skipping this step results in visible flaws under fresh paint, no matter how many coats you apply.
4. Protect Your Floors and Fixtures
Cover all flooring with drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or rosin paper. Use painter’s tape to seal the edges along the baseboards to prevent drips. Wrap light fixtures, ceiling fans, and built-ins with plastic or painter’s paper to keep them paint-free.
5. Prime if Necessary
Primer isn’t always required, but in certain situations, it’s essential. If you’re painting over dark colors, stained areas, or new drywall, applying primer helps create a uniform surface and improves adhesion. It also blocks stains and prevents them from bleeding through the topcoat. Use a high-quality primer suited for your wall type—there are different formulas for drywall, wood, and previously painted surfaces. Proper priming helps you use fewer coats of paint and achieve consistent color and sheen throughout the room.
Achieve the Perfect Finish with Legacy Painting
At Legacy Painting in Fort Collins, we handle all prep work, from surface cleaning to furniture protection and drywall repair. No guesswork, no shortcuts—you get a clean, smooth finish you’ll be delighted in. If you want a flawless paint job without the hassle, let Legacy Painting take it from here. Contact us today!
