How to Prepare Your Home Before a Painting Project

By DaVince Painting · Preparation

A great paint job starts before the first coat goes on. As a painting contractor, we handle all the technical prep — but there are a few easy things homeowners can do ahead of time to make the project smoother and protect their belongings. Here's a simple checklist for homes in Connecticut and New York.

Preparing for interior painting

For interior painting, the goal is to give us clear, easy access to the walls and to keep your belongings safe.

Clear the room

• Remove small items, decorations, and wall art.
• Take down curtains, blinds, and photos where possible.
• Move fragile and valuable items to another room.

Make space to work

• Pull larger furniture toward the center of the room (we'll cover it) or move it out if you can.
• Clear a path so we can move safely with ladders and materials.
• Point out any stains, cracks, or problem areas you'd like us to address.

Preparing for exterior painting

For exterior painting, a little groundwork around the outside of your home goes a long way.

• Trim back bushes and branches touching the siding.
• Move patio furniture, grills, and planters away from the walls.
• Make sure we can reach outdoor faucets and power outlets.
• Note any areas of peeling paint, rot, or moisture you're aware of.

Think about color ahead of time

Choosing colors early keeps the project on schedule. If you're unsure, look at how the color will appear in your space at different times of day, and don't be afraid to ask for guidance — helping you land on the right color is part of what we do.

Plan for pets, kids, and parking

• Set up a quiet, paint-free space for pets and young children.
• Leave a driveway or curb spot open so we can unload close to the work area.
• Let us know the best entrance and any gate codes or access notes.

Leave the heavy prep to us

Beyond these basics, you don't need to sand, patch, or prime anything yourself. Careful surface preparation — cleaning, patching, caulking, and priming — is where a quality finish is really made, and it's exactly what we handle on every job. The more you tell us about your goals and any problem areas, the better the result.