Painting Tips

    How to Prep Interior Walls Like a Pro Painter

    Painted to PerfectionApril 10, 20267 min read

    Ask any professional painter and they'll tell you the same thing: 80% of a great paint job is the prep. Here's the exact sequence our crews follow before opening a single can of paint.

    Clear and protect the room

    Move furniture to the centre, cover floors with canvas drop cloths, and mask trim and outlets carefully.

    Clean every surface

    Walls collect more grease and dust than you'd think — especially near kitchens and entryways. Wipe them down with a mild TSP substitute and let dry fully.

    Patch, sand, and feather

    Fill nail holes, dings, and cracks with lightweight spackle. Once dry, sand smooth and feather the edges so they disappear under paint.

    Prime where it counts

    Spot-prime any patched areas and any stains. Skipping primer is the most common DIY mistake we see — and the easiest one to fix.

    Final dust pass

    Vacuum baseboards and wipe walls one last time. A dust-free surface is the difference between a smooth finish and a gritty one.

    Written by Painted to Perfection

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