Ask any experienced painter what separates a finish that lasts a decade from one that fails in two years, and they'll tell you the same thing: preparation. The paint is the easy part. The prep — cleaning, repairing, sanding and priming — is where the quality and longevity of the job is decided. Here's what proper preparation looks like, and a few things you can do to help.
What professional prep involves
Good preparation is methodical and unglamorous, and it's exactly what a cheap quote often skips. A proper job includes:
- ✓Cleaning surfaces — washing interiors and pressure-cleaning exteriors
- ✓Treating mould, chalking and any contamination
- ✓Scraping and sanding back failed or flaking paint
- ✓Filling holes, cracks and gaps; caulking joints
- ✓Repairing minor timber rot and damaged render
- ✓Spot-priming bare areas and stain-blocking marks
- ✓Masking and protecting floors, fittings and landscaping
Interior prep on the day
For interiors, painters will move and cover furniture, but you can speed things up and protect your belongings by clearing small items, breakables, wall hangings and valuables from the rooms being painted, and by giving access to power points and switches.
Exterior prep
Outside, it helps to trim back plants and shrubs away from the walls, move pots and outdoor furniture clear, and make sure gates and side access are available. If you have pets, plan for them to be secured away from open gates and wet paint.
Why it's worth it
Skimping on prep is the single most common reason paint jobs fail early — coatings peel, stains bleed through and the finish looks patchy. Investing the time up front is what makes a repaint look flawless and last for years. When we quote your home, prep is always specified clearly so you know exactly what's included.
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