A high-quality paint job doesn’t start with the roller — it starts with prep. The better your home is prepared before painting, the smoother the process goes and the better the final result looks.

Whether you’re repainting a single room or your entire interior in Lewistown or Mifflin County, here’s exactly how to prepare your home so your project runs quickly, safely, and with minimal stress.

1. Clear and Protect the Room

Start by making space for painters to work.

• Remove wall décor, pictures, and shelves
• Take down curtains and rods
• Move furniture to the center of the room or another space
• Cover items with plastic or old sheets

This makes it easier to reach corners, ceilings, and trim and helps prevent accidents and paint splatter on belongings.

2. Clean the Walls and Surfaces

Paint sticks best to clean, dull, dry surfaces.

Use a mild cleaner or Degreaser on:

• Kitchen walls (grease, cooking film)
• Bathroom walls (soap residue)
• High-traffic areas (fingerprints, smudges)

Then allow everything to dry completely before painting.

3. Repair Holes, Cracks, and Imperfections

Even the best paint won’t hide:

• Nail pops
• Small holes
• Hairline cracks
• Dents from furniture

Basic repair steps:

1. Fill holes and cracks with spackle or patching compound
2. Let it dry fully
3. Sand smooth with fine-grit sandpaper

If your walls have major damage or extensive cracking, it’s usually better to let a pro handle repairs before painting.

4. Remove Switch Plates and Outlet Covers

Before painting starts, remove:

• Outlet covers
• Light switch plates
• Thermostat covers (if possible)

This helps create clean lines and avoids having to cut-in paint around tiny edges.

5. Decide on Colors, Sheens, and Rooms in Advance

To keep your project smooth and efficient:

• Confirm wall colors for each room
• Decide on trim and ceiling colors
• Choose paint finish (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) based on room use and durability needs

Your painter can help you pick sheens for:

• Walls (often eggshell or matte)
• Kitchens/baths (usually satin or semi-gloss)
• Trim/doors (semi-gloss or gloss)

If you could use some help choosing the best colors for your home, here is our article on choosing the best paint colors.

6. Plan Access and Pets

On painting day:

• Make sure painters can easily get in and out
• Clear driveways or parking spots
• Keep pets and children away from work areas

A little planning avoids delays and keeps everyone safe.

7. Communicate Any Concerns Early

Before the project begins, let your painter know if you’re worried about:

• Odor sensitivity
• Allergies
• Specific surfaces (old plaster, paneling, wallpaper)
• Furniture that’s difficult to move

At Lewistown Painting, we walk through the project with you, answer your questions, and create a plan that fits your home and schedule.

Key Takeaways

• Good prep = better results (and fewer surprises)
• Clear the room, protect furniture, and clean walls
• Repair dents and nail holes before painting
• Decide colors and finishes ahead of time
• Communicate pet, access, or odor concerns early

People Also Ask

How should I prepare my house before painters arrive?
Clear walls, move or cover furniture, clean surfaces, and make sure painters have easy access to the room and outlets.

Do I need to wash walls before interior painting?
Yes, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas where grease or dirt can prevent paint from bonding properly.

Should I fill nail holes before calling a painter?
You can, but many homeowners prefer to let professional painters handle repairs so everything is smooth and ready for paint.

Ready to refresh your interior the right way?

👉 Request your Free Interior Painting Estimate today from Lewistown Painting.
📍 Serving Lewistown, Mifflin County, Juniata County, and Central PA.