🎨 A Homeowner’s Guide
Hiring professional painters? Great move. But is your home ready for them?
Many East Texas homeowners assume painters show up, do their thing, and leave everything spotless. While that’s partly true, proper preparation is the secret to a flawless finish, faster job completion, and lower stress.
Whether you live in Tyler, Whitehouse, or Flint, this guide will walk you through exactly what you need to do before your painting crew arrives.
🧹 Why Prepping Matters: It’s More Than Just Cleaning
Proper prep:
- Speeds up the job
- Prevents damage to your furniture and floors
- Ensures better paint adhesion and smoother results
- Helps your painters focus on what they do best
Bottom line? The more prepared your home is, the better your painting project will turn out.
🪑 Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Each Room
1. Clear the Area
Remove as much furniture as possible from the room. For large items that can’t be moved:
- Shift them to the center of the room
- Cover them completely with plastic sheeting
2. Take Down Wall Decor
Remove:
- Paintings and framed photos
- Mirrors
- Clocks
- Shelves
Pro Tip: Use masking tape to label where each piece belongs for easy reinstallation.
3. Unplug and Remove Electronics
Disconnect and remove:
- TVs
- Speakers
- Cables and power strips
- Wi-Fi routers and extenders
This prevents tripping hazards and protects your tech from paint dust.
4. Cover Floors and Fixtures
Even with drop cloths, protect:
- Carpets and hardwood floors
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Door handles and cabinet knobs
Professional painters will often bring their own coverings, but it’s smart to ask in advance.
5. Clean the Walls
Dust, dirt, and grease can ruin paint adhesion. Use a microfiber cloth or mild soap and water for:
- Kitchen walls (especially near stoves)
- Bathroom walls (watch for mold or soap residue)
- High-traffic hallways
6. Patch and Repair
Small dents or holes? Fill them with spackling paste and sand smooth.
Your painters might handle this, but doing minor patchwork ahead of time can save time and money.
7. Secure Pets and Kids
Ensure your furry friends and little ones are safe and away from:
- Paint fumes
- Wet walls
- Tools and ladders
Set up a “no-go” zone for their safety and the crew’s efficiency.
🧼 Bonus Tips for a Smooth Painting Project
- Communicate Early: Let your painters know about access points, parking, or security systems.
- Plan for Dry Time: Ventilation matters—keep windows cracked if safe, and avoid touching surfaces.
- Don’t Rush the Painters: Good paint takes time to dry and cure properly.
- Secure Valuables: Move delicate or expensive items to another room just in case.
🧾 Create a Painting Day Checklist
Here’s a quick printable you can follow the day before:
✅ Move furniture
✅ Remove wall art
✅ Unplug electronics
✅ Clean walls
✅ Make repairs
✅ Confirm arrival time with painter
✅ Isolate pets and kids
✅ Prepare for ventilation
🛠️ Coming Soon: Related Guides You’ll Love
We’re building out a full resource hub for East Texas homeowners. Don’t miss:
- 🧱 Interior Painting Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take?
- 🎯 Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Each Room in Your Home
- 🧪 Low-VOC Paints vs Traditional Paints: What’s Best for Indoor Air Quality?
- 👨🎨 How to Vet a Professional Painter: Questions to Ask Before Hiring
🧠 This article was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by experienced painting professionals to ensure accuracy and relevance for East Texas residents.