Preparing your home for house painters helps the project start on time, protects your belongings, and leads to a cleaner, longer‑lasting finish. Use the steps below to get your space paint‑ready and make the most of your painters’ time.
Clear the Area
Remove or relocate furniture, decor, and electronics from the rooms being painted. If large pieces must stay, move them to the center of the room and cover them. Aim for at least 3 feet of clearance around all walls. Empty closets and cabinets if they’re part of the scope.
Protect Flooring and Surfaces
Cover floors, carpets, and remaining furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to prevent drips and splatters. Use painter’s tape to protect baseboards, trim, door casings, and other surfaces that won’t be painted. Ask your painters what protection they provide and where you may need to supplement (for example, using rosin paper on hardwood).
Clean Walls and Surfaces
Paint adheres best to clean, dull, dry surfaces. Dust walls and ceilings, then wash high‑touch or greasy areas—especially kitchens and bathrooms—with mild soap and water (or a TSP substitute). Rinse and let surfaces dry completely before painting. For a quick refresher on prep basics, see this step‑by‑step room guide from This Old House.
Repair Damaged Areas
Inspect for cracks, nail pops, holes, peeling paint, or water stains. Fill minor holes with spackle or joint compound; use wood filler on trim. Sand repairs smooth and spot‑prime patched or stained areas. Consider caulking gaps at trim and along window and door casings for a crisp finish (confirm with your painter who will handle caulking and priming).
Important safety note: If your home was built before 1978, do not sand or disturb suspected lead‑based paint. Hire an EPA Lead‑Safe Certified contractor and follow the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) guidelines.
Remove Wall Hangings and Fixtures
Take down artwork, mirrors, curtain rods, blinds, and shelving. Remove switch plates and outlet covers. Place screws and hardware in labeled bags for easy reinstallation. If you’re changing the layout of wall decor, patch the old nail holes before painting.
Protect Fixtures and Hardware
Cover light fixtures, doorknobs, hinges, and other hardware that won’t be removed using painter’s tape and plastic. Where possible, remove items (such as door hardware) for the cleanest edges and fewer tape lines.
Trim Plants and Shrubs (Exterior)
For exterior projects, cut back plants and shrubs to create 12–18 inches of clearance from the house. Move outdoor furniture, grills, and hoses away from walls. Turn off sprinklers during prep and paint days to keep surfaces dry.
Communicate with Painters
Before work begins, review the scope and timeline, access instructions, work hours, parking, and on‑site contact details. Walk through color choices, sheen, and where each color starts and stops. Clarify who handles prep tasks (repairs, caulking, priming), product selection (including low‑ or zero‑VOC options), and cleanup. Confirm how furniture will be protected and who moves heavy items.
Plan for Ventilation
Open windows and doors and use fans to keep air moving and help paint cure. If odors are a concern—or for bedrooms, nurseries, or sensitive individuals—ask about low‑ or zero‑VOC paints. Learn more about VOCs and indoor air quality from the U.S. EPA.
Secure Pets and Children
Keep pets and children out of the work zone to prevent accidents and exposure to fumes. Create closed‑off areas or arrange care outside the home during active prep and painting.
Thoughtful preparation protects your home, minimizes delays, and helps your painters deliver a smooth, professional finish. A quick pre‑project walkthrough to confirm details—and to flag any special requests—will set everyone up for success.