How Do I Prepare My Home for Interior Painting?

How Do I Prepare My Home for Interior Painting?

Painting Services
August 01, 2025•4 min read

Getting Ready for a Fresh New Look? Here’s What to Do Before the Painters Arrive

A professional interior paint job can breathe new life into your home — but preparation is key. Whether you’re painting a single room or your entire house in Toms River, NJ, taking time to prep your space properly will save time, protect your belongings, and ensure a smooth, flawless finish.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps homeowners should take to get their home ready before the first brush hits the wall.

Why Prepping for Interior Painting Matters

Professional painters like A Point Painting & Remodeling handle the painting itself, but prepping your home beforehand:

  • Prevents damage to furniture and flooring

  • Helps the crew work more efficiently

  • Reduces cleanup

  • Ensures better paint adhesion and coverage

Good prep makes the difference between an average result and a picture-perfect finish.

Interior Painting Prep Checklist: What Homeowners Should Do

1. Clear the Room (As Much as Possible)

  • Remove small furniture, wall décor, plants, and rugs

  • Move larger furniture to the center of the room

  • Empty closets and cabinets if they’re being painted

If furniture can’t be removed, painters will cover it — but clearing the space helps reduce risk and speeds up the process.

2. Take Down Wall Hangings and Curtains

  • Remove artwork, clocks, mirrors, and shelves

  • Take down curtain rods and blinds near painting areas

  • Remove any nails or hooks if they’re no longer needed

Bonus Tip: Fill nail holes ahead of time if you’re not rehanging the same items.

3. Clean the Walls and Surfaces

Even indoors, walls collect dust, fingerprints, and cooking residue. Wipe them down with a damp sponge or a mild cleaner like diluted TSP (trisodium phosphate).

Focus on:

  • Kitchens (grease)

  • Bathrooms (moisture buildup)

  • High-traffic hallways

Clean walls ensure paint sticks properly and doesn’t peel or bubble.

4. Remove Outlet Covers and Switch Plates

  • Turn off power to the room (if you’re comfortable doing so)

  • Use a screwdriver to remove plates

  • Store the covers and screws in a labeled bag

Painters may do this for you, but it helps speed up setup — and protects hardware from drips.

5. Protect Floors and Valuables

Your painting team will bring drop cloths and tape, but you can:

  • Vacuum or sweep beforehand to reduce dust

  • Lay down plastic or old sheets under fragile furniture

  • Cover electronics and sensitive items

6. Plan Around Pets and Children

Painting can be noisy, and wet paint can be tempting to touch or sniff. Keep pets and kids away from work zones during and after painting.

7. Ventilate If Possible

Open windows and use fans to promote airflow — especially if the space has been recently cleaned or if using low-VOC paints.

Optional (But Helpful): Patch Holes or Talk to Your Painter

If you're comfortable, you can:

  • Fill small nail holes or dings with spackle

  • Lightly sand rough spots
    Or simply     discuss these details with your painter ahead of time so they know what touch-ups to expect.

At A Point Painting & Remodeling, we include wall repairs and prep as part of the service — but communication ensures we know your expectations.

FAQs: Prepping Your Home for Interior Painting

  1. Do I have to remove furniture before painting?
    Not entirely. Move what you can. Larger pieces can stay, but they’ll be covered and moved away from walls.

  2. Should I wash my walls before painting?
    Yes — especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Clean walls help the paint adhere better and last longer.

  3. Do I need to be home while painting is happening?
    Not always. Many homeowners coordinate with painters to leave during the day and return after work. Just make sure valuables are secured and access is arranged.

  4. Will the painters clean up after the job?
    Professional painters clean up thoroughly after the job — but pre-clearing spaces helps prevent accidents and keeps things organized.

  5. How long should I wait before putting things back on the wall?
    Wait 24–48 hours after painting to allow the paint to fully cure before rehanging artwork or curtains.

Prep Once, Paint Once — The Results Will Speak for Themselves

Prepping your home for interior painting isn’t just about being helpful — it’s about protecting your space and setting your painters up for success. A little effort upfront leads to a cleaner job, faster turnaround, and a better end result.

If you’re ready to refresh your home with interior painting, let A Point Painting & Remodeling handle the hard part.

We bring decades of experience, clean prep practices, and durable, beautiful finishes to homes across Toms River and Ocean County.

Get a free interior painting estimate today.
Contact us now or call (732) 286-9886 to schedule your consultation.


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