Prep Like a Pro: What to Do Before Your Contractor Arrives

So—you’ve booked your professional paint job (yay!), picked out your dream colors, and now you’re counting down the days until your home gets its big refresh. But what happens between now and when the painters show up?

Believe it or not, a little bit of prep on your end can make a big difference in how smoothly and quickly your interior painting project goes. At Pro Painting and More, we do all the heavy lifting—literally—but with just a few simple steps, you can help us deliver the cleanest, most beautiful results possible.

Here’s what you can do before your painting contractor arrives to set your project up for success.

1. 🛋️ Clear the Room as Much as Possible

Start by removing small furniture like side tables, dining chairs, and floor lamps from the room. Larger furniture—like sofas, beds, or dressers—can stay in the room, but should be pushed to the center and covered with a plastic drop cloth or sheet to protect it from dust or drips.

Also be sure to:

• Take down wall art, mirrors, shelves, and any décor.

• Unplug and relocate electronics like TVs, soundbars, or gaming systems.

• Pull back rugs and make sure the floor area around walls is easy to access.

✨ Why it matters: Giving your painters full access to the walls means faster, neater work—and fewer chances of accidental damage.

2. 🐾 Protect Floors, Fixtures—and Furry Friends

We come prepared with drop cloths and protective materials, but a little advance planning helps. Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, especially along baseboards and corners.

Be sure to:

• Remove or cover light fixtures, drapes, blinds, and curtain rods.

• Take off outlet covers and switch plates.

• Secure pets in a safe, closed room (or ideally out of the house) for their comfort and safety.

3. 🧽 Clean & Prep the Walls

Even if your walls look clean, dust, oils, and residues build up over time—and fresh paint sticks best to a clean surface. You don’t need to scrub, but a gentle wipe-down makes a difference.

• Dust off trim, baseboards, and door frames.

• Wipe walls with a damp cloth; use mild soap in kitchens or bathrooms where grease or hairspray may be present.

• Patch small nail holes or cracks with spackle if you’re comfortable—otherwise, we’ve got it covered!

💡 Clean walls = smooth paint adhesion = longer-lasting results.

4. 🧻 Tape & Mask (Or Let Us Know You Want Us To)

Using painter’s tape can help ensure clean edges around areas you don’t want painted, such as trim, outlets, or built-in shelves. If you’re planning to do this step yourself, make sure to:

• Use high-quality painter’s tape and press down edges firmly.

• Tape off baseboards, windows, door frames, and crown molding.

• Remove the tape while the paint is still slightly wet for best results.

5. 🗣️ Communicate with Your Contractor

The best way to ensure your expectations are met? Talk to us! Before the project begins, we’ll walk through your home and confirm:

• Which walls or areas are getting painted

• Any special concerns you have (like stains, rough patches, or furniture that’s hard to move)

• Paint finishes you want in each room (e.g., satin for walls, semi-gloss for trim)

• Timeline and access details (like gate codes or whether someone will be home)

🤝 We love clear communication—it helps us serve you better and gives you peace of mind.

🎯 Let’s Get Your Home Ready for Its Glow-Up

At Pro Painting and More, we believe painting should be easy, exciting, and actually enjoyable for our clients. We show up on time, respect your home like it’s our own, and bring years of professional experience to every brushstroke.