How to Prepare Your House for Interior Painting: Complete Checklist

Proper preparation is key to a successful interior painting project. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring professionals, this checklist ensures smooth execution and outstanding results.

Why Preparation Matters

Good prep work:

• Ensures better paint adhesion
• Creates smoother finishes
• Prevents problems down the road
• Speeds up the painting process
• Protects your belongings

  1-2 Weeks Before Painting

  Make Decisions

  - [ ] Choose your paint colors (visit benjaminmoore.com or sherwin-williams.com for inspiration)

• [ ] Decide on paint finish (flat, eggshell, semi-gloss)
• [ ] Confirm which rooms are being painted
• [ ] Discuss timeline with painters

  Order Materials (if DIY)

  - [ ] Paint (measure and calculate needed amount)

• [ ] Primer (if required)
• [ ] Drop cloths
• [ ] Painter's tape
• [ ] Brushes and rollers
• [ ] Patch compound
• [ ] Sandpaper

  Schedule Around the Work

  - [ ] Plan meals (if kitchen is being painted)

• [ ] Arrange pet care
• [ ] Notify family members
• [ ] Schedule any necessary days off

  1 Week Before Painting

  Declutter and Clean

  - [ ] Remove small items from rooms

• [ ] Take down wall decorations
• [ ] Remove curtains and blinds
• [ ] Clear countertops and shelves
• [ ] Remove books from bookcases near walls

  Inspect Walls

  - [ ] Look for holes and dents

• [ ] Check for cracks
• [ ] Note any water stains
• [ ] Identify peeling paint
• [ ] Mark problem areas with tape

  Communicate with Painters

  - [ ] Confirm start date and time

• [ ] Discuss access arrangements
• [ ] Ask about furniture moving help
• [ ] Clarify any special concerns

  2-3 Days Before Painting

  Deep Clean Walls

  - [ ] Dust all walls from top to bottom

• [ ] Remove cobwebs from corners
• [ ] Clean any grease or stains
• [ ] Wipe down baseboards

  Protect Non-Paint Areas

  - [ ] Remove outlet covers

• [ ] Remove light switch plates
• [ ] Remove light fixtures (or prep for covering)
• [ ] Remove door hardware if painting doors

  Begin Moving Furniture

  - [ ] Move small furniture out of rooms

• [ ] Shift large furniture to center of room
• [ ] Clear pathways to painted areas

  Day Before Painting

  Final Preparations

  - [ ] Complete all furniture moving

• [ ] Remove all wall hangings
• [ ] Take down curtain rods
• [ ] Cover furniture that remains in room
• [ ] Cover flooring near walls

  Address Repairs

  - [ ] Fill small holes with spackle

• [ ] Patch larger holes
• [ ] Let repairs dry overnight
• [ ] Note repairs for painters

  Practical Matters

  - [ ] Create clear parking for painters

• [ ] Ensure bathroom access
• [ ] Set up coffee/water for crew (nice gesture!)
• [ ] Secure pets

  Painting Day Checklist

  Morning Preparations

  - [ ] Open windows for ventilation

• [ ] Turn off ceiling fans
• [ ] Adjust thermostat (65-75°F ideal)
• [ ] Have payment method ready

  During Painting

  - [ ] Stay available for questions

• [ ] Keep children and pets away from work area
• [ ] Maintain ventilation
• [ ] Check progress periodically

  What to Expect

Room-Specific Preparation

Bedrooms

- [ ] Empty closets near painting areas

• [ ] Remove all bedding
• [ ] Move bed away from walls
• [ ] Clear nightstands and dressers

  Bathrooms

  - [ ] Remove all toiletries

• [ ] Clear medicine cabinets
• [ ] Remove towel bars
• [ ] Clean exhaust fan cover

  Kitchen

  - [ ] Empty countertops

• [ ] Move small appliances
• [ ] Clear decorative items
• [ ] Cover large appliances

  Living Room

  - [ ] Remove all electronics

• [ ] Move TV and stand
• [ ] Clear entertainment centers
• [ ] Remove lampshades

  What Painters Will Do

  Professional painters typically handle:

• Moving heavy furniture to room center
• Covering furniture with plastic
• Laying floor protection
• Masking with painter's tape
• All surface preparation
• Cleanup after painting

  What You Should Do

  Before They Arrive:

• Remove fragile items
• Take down wall art
• Clear small items from surfaces
• Remove window treatments
• Secure valuables

  What to Leave:

• Large furniture is OK (they'll move it)
• Light fixtures (they'll mask them)
• Hardware (they'll remove and replace)

  Special Situations

  If You Have Pets

  - [ ] Secure pets in unpainted room

• [ ] Board pets for large projects
• [ ] Inform painters about pets
• [ ] Close doors to work areas

  If You Work From Home

  - [ ] Designate a paint-free workspace

• [ ] Communicate your schedule
• [ ] Plan for noise disruption
• [ ] Consider working elsewhere for large projects

  If You Have Young Children

  - [ ] Plan activities outside the home

• [ ] Keep rooms clear for naps
• [ ] Discuss safety with painters
• [ ] Secure dangerous equipment

  After Painting Care

  First 24 Hours

  - [ ] Avoid touching painted surfaces

• [ ] Keep windows open for ventilation
• [ ] Don't move furniture against walls
• [ ] Leave tape in place (painters will remove)

  First Week

  - [ ] Wait to hang decorations

• [ ] Clean walls gently if needed
• [ ] Report any touch-ups needed
• [ ] Wait before washing walls

  First 30 Days

  - [ ] Let paint fully cure

• [ ] Avoid scrubbing painted surfaces
• [ ] Monitor for any issues
• [ ] Keep touch-up paint available

  Ready to Get Started?

  Pro House Painters makes preparation easy. We provide:

  - Pre-painting consultation

• Detailed prep instructions
• Furniture moving assistance
• Complete protection of your home
• Thorough cleanup

  Call (860) 926-3009 to schedule your interior painting project!