How to Prepare Your House for a Professional Painting Job

Hiring a professional house painting company to paint your walls is a good move. You can’t wait for new paint to be applied, but first, there may be tasks you need to complete on your end. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home’s interior or exterior for professional residential painting in Pensacola, FL.

Remove wall and freestanding decor

If the plan is to paint your home’s interior, then the first step is to remove anything that’s hanging on the walls to be painted. It’s best to store wall decor—like framed photographs, mirrors, floating shelves and other decorations and associated hardware—in a safe place for the duration of the painting job. Holes of significant size may need to be sealed using a filler prior to painting.

Like wall hangings, freestanding decorations and trinkets in the rooms to be painted should also be relocated for the time being. This list includes potted indoor plants, anything on the mantel or bookshelves and electronic devices. Move them out of harm’s way even if the painters plan to use protective sheets over your furnishings and other possessions.

Move rugs, drapes and soft furnishings

Painting professionals can get the job done with minimal mess, but accidents do happen. A good painting team will always use protective sheets regardless of their ability, and have control over painting equipment. Items like area rugs, curtains, throw pillows, blankets and other soft furnishings won’t fare well in the path of paint splashes, and neither might antique furniture pieces. With this in mind, anything of value that’s easily damaged should be moved out of the area ahead of the painters’ arrival.

Make a path and clean

Your chosen painting team will need total access to the rooms to be painted, as well as clear paths to get around easily. Remove any obstructions that could get in the way of the painters—especially bulky furniture. If exterior walls are to be painted, make sure the team has complete unobstructed access on the outside of your house. Potted plants, toys, patio furniture and other items should be moved off to the side.

You might also consider cleaning the room thoroughly prior to new paint being applied. Dust, dirt and other lightweight debris in the room can be kicked up into the air and settle on new wet paint before it dries. These ugly specks, while tiny, will be there until you paint the wall again.

Have off-site accommodations for kids and pets

The last thing your painting team wants is little kids and pets running under their feet as they work. Not only can accidents happen, but bodily harm is also possible. If you won’t be able to monitor little ones in a separate, closed-off room throughout the entire job, then it’s best to pre-arrange alternative accommodations. Ask a friend or family member to take them in for the day.

One final important tip for anyone looking into residential painting in Pensacola, FL is to ask the painters questions about necessary prep work in advance. Schedule an appointment with Fresh Start Painting Inc. today to learn more about what we can do for you!