Preparing Your Home for Interior Painting: A Homeowner's Guide

Proper preparation is key to a successful interior painting project. While your professional painting contractor handles the technical preparation, there are steps you can take to help ensure the process goes smoothly and protect your belongings.

Remove small items and personal belongings from rooms being painted. Take down wall art, photos, and decorations. Remove items from shelves, mantels, and surfaces. While painters will protect furniture, removing small items prevents accidents and speeds up the process.

Clear space around walls and furniture. Move furniture away from walls if possible, or at least create clear pathways. This gives painters better access and helps protect your furniture. Most professional painters will move and protect larger furniture, but clearing the area helps.

Cover or remove valuable or delicate items. If you have expensive electronics, antiques, or fragile items, consider moving them to a room that won't be painted or storing them temporarily. While painters use protection materials, extra care with valuable items is wise.

Plan for ventilation. Interior painting requires good ventilation, especially during application and drying. Plan to keep windows open when possible and ensure your HVAC system is functioning properly. If weather permits, cross-ventilation helps paint dry faster and reduces odors.

Secure pets and plan for their comfort. Painting projects involve noise, new people, and potentially strong odors. Plan to keep pets in a room that won't be painted, or arrange for them to be elsewhere during work hours. This keeps them safe and reduces stress for everyone.

Communicate your schedule and preferences. Discuss your daily routine, work schedule, and any time constraints with your contractor. Good communication ensures the project fits your life and minimizes disruption.

Discuss color choices and finishes before work begins. Finalize your color selections and finish preferences during the estimate phase. This prevents delays and ensures your contractor has the right materials on hand.

Identify any areas needing special attention. If you have specific concerns about certain walls, areas that need extra prep work, or rooms that need to be completed by certain dates, communicate these needs upfront.

Plan for access. Ensure painters can easily access the work areas. Clear driveways and walkways, and make sure entry points are accessible. If you have security systems or special access requirements, discuss these beforehand.

While professional painters handle most preparation work, your cooperation and communication make the process smoother and more efficient. A well-prepared home allows painters to work more effectively, often completing projects faster and with better results.

Remember that interior painting, while somewhat disruptive, is temporary. The result—fresh, beautiful walls that transform your living spaces—is well worth the short-term inconvenience. Working with experienced professionals ensures the process is as smooth as possible.