Preparation: the part you don't see
Most of a good paint job happens before the first coat. This page shows what we do to each surface, and why.
WP-03 Prep
Why prep matters
Paint needs a clean, sound, slightly keyed surface to grip. Prep gives it that, smooths out dents and cracks so they don't show through, and gives crisp edges where colors meet. It is also most of the time on a job.
The prep matrix
| Surface | P1Protect | P2Clean | P3Scrape | P4Sand | P5Fill, caulk | P6Prime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior walls | Yes | If needed | If needed | Yes | Yes | If needed |
| Ceilings | Yes | If needed | If needed | If needed | If needed | If needed |
| Trim and doors | Yes | Yes | If needed | Yes | Yes | If needed |
| Cabinets | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | If needed | Yes |
| Siding | Yes | Yes | If needed | If needed | Yes | If needed |
| Fascia and soffits | Yes | Yes | If needed | If needed | Yes | If needed |
| Porches and railings | Yes | Yes | If needed | Yes | If needed | If needed |
Condition guide
What you might notice, and what it usually means for prep. Every surface is checked at the estimate visit.
Peeling or flaking
What you see: Paint lifting in strips or flakes, often on trim and sunny walls.
What it usually means: Loose paint is scraped off, edges are sanded smooth and bare spots are primed.
Chalking
What you see: A powdery film that rubs off on your hand.
What it usually means: The surface is washed as prep so new paint can grip.
Cracked caulk
What you see: Gaps opening along trim, corners and joints.
What it usually means: Old caulk is cut back where needed and the joint recaulked.
Water stains
What you see: Brown or yellow rings, often on ceilings.
What it usually means: Spot priming with a stain-blocking primer, once the cause is fixed.
Mildew-looking spots
What you see: Dark speckles in damp or shaded areas.
What it usually means: Cleaning as prep before painting. We point out anything that looks like an ongoing moisture problem.
Nail pops
What you see: Small bumps or circles on drywall.
What it usually means: Reset, filled, sanded and spot primed.
Protection
Everything near the work is covered or masked before any prep starts, inside and out.
Inside
- Floors and stairs covered
- Furniture moved and covered
- Light fixtures, switch plates and hardware masked or removed
Outside
- Plants and beds covered
- Paths and patios protected
- Outdoor fixtures masked
Older homes and older paint
Built before 1978, or not sure? Tell us. Older paint may contain lead, and we will talk it through at the estimate visit.
Demo note: On a real site, the business adds any lead-safe credentials here only if they genuinely hold them.
Tell us in your enquiry
- Which rooms or sides of the house
- Anything you have noticed: peeling, cracks, stains, chalking
- Roughly when the home was built, if you know
- Your timing and any color ideas