How to Prepare Walls for Painting: A Professional’s Guide
Proper preparation is the secret to a perfect paint finish. Learn the professional steps to prepare your walls before painting.
Why Preparation Matters
Ask any professional painter what the secret to a great finish is, and they’ll tell you the same thing: preparation. Up to 80% of a professional paint job is preparation — it’s what separates an amateur finish from a flawless one.
Step 1: Clear the Room
Move furniture to the centre of the room and cover everything with dust sheets. Remove curtains, pictures, and switch plate covers. The more you clear, the better the result and the faster the job.
Step 2: Clean the Walls
Dust and grease prevent paint from adhering properly. Wipe down all walls with a damp cloth. For kitchens, use sugar soap to remove grease build-up. Allow walls to dry completely before moving on.
Step 3: Fill Holes and Cracks
Use a quality filler to fill any nail holes, cracks, or dents. Apply with a filling knife, slightly overfilling each hole. Once dry, sand smooth with fine-grit sandpaper (120-grit works well).
Step 4: Sand the Surface
Lightly sand all walls with fine sandpaper to create a key for the new paint. This is especially important if the existing paint has a sheen. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Mask and Protect
Apply painter’s tape along edges — where walls meet ceilings, around door frames, and along skirting boards. Use quality tape and press it down firmly for clean lines.
Step 6: Prime if Needed
If you’re painting over bare plaster, stains, or a very dark colour, apply a primer first. Dulux Trade primer-undercoat is excellent for most situations.
The Professional Difference
When you hire LocalBrush, all preparation is included in our quote. We take care of everything — filling, sanding, masking, and priming — so you get a perfect finish without lifting a finger.