Yesterday I wrote about why it is worth a few extra dollars to buy quality paint. I have to say, however, the best paint on the market isn’t worth spending any money on if you are not going to invest in proper preparation. Let’s stick with my earlier “bad bartending analogy”. How happy will you be if your Patron Silver Margarita is presented in a dirty glass that last served a White Russian? Would you be satisfied that the bartender ran out of Margarita glasses, never mind a clean glass? Okay, enough with the analogies, you get the idea. 

Prepping your walls or exterior is fundamental to a beautiful paint job that will last as long as possible. Paint serves two purposes – to look beautiful and to protect your surface. Without spending the time to properly prep, your result will not hit the mark on either. Many do-it-yourself homeowners figure they can skip many steps in order to simply get a new color on the wall, only to be left with a paint job that may look as though it was done by a kindergarten class. In reality, a professional painter will spend more time on prep and clean up than the time it takes to roll out that smooth, velvety finish of deep color delight. 

The knowledge of an experienced painter is valuable. They have spent numerous hours learning the best practices for each situation, surface and problem they have encountered. If professional painters are preparing new walls for painting, their approach will vary a bit from a wall that has been previously painted. Thinking new drywall will be the easiest to paint is a mistake, if not properly prepped; minor flaws and indentations can be obvious. 

For preparing to paint a previously painted surface, the list is longer than what would be necessary for new construction. First of all, it needs to be clean. If it is an exterior, pressure washing is the best method for ensuring a clean surface. This will ensure that mold and mildew have been removed prior to painting. It can also help to loosen chipped paint and reduce the amount of sanding needed. A professional painter will also inspect for any wood that is rotted or weathered. Some may include replacing rotted soffits or trim in their quote. Painting over rotted wood is never a good idea. 

For interiors, dusting the walls and trim prior to washing is the best method for removing all dirt and debris. Following up with a good washing from top to bottom will ensure that the paint can adhere properly. For both interior and exterior, caulking around the windows and doors will help to keep moisture from rotting wood or peeling paint. 

Rather than re-create a list of steps to take prior to painting, my point is to help shed some light on the reality of the amount of work actually involved in painting . Again, paint serves two purposes; to look beautiful and to protect your walls. Beauty is in the details. The work involved may not seem that difficult, but only if it is done correctly will it last longer and remain looking pristine. When an experienced professional tackles the job, you are investing in their know-how and experience. So how do you decide on which professional is best to complete the work? Ask these important questions!

1.Who will remove the furniture, wall hangings, and window treatments from the space?

2.Will the remaining furniture that cannot be removed be covered? Will the floors be covered?

3.With what, plastic or cloth? For exterior, will the landscaping be covered?

4.How will the surface be cleaned?

5.Will the cover plates for outlets and light switches be removed?

6.How will other areas be protected from dust from sanding?

7.How will nail holes and cracks be addressed? What if large drywall areas are damaged? Will they be replaced? For exteriors, will the wood be inspected for damage? Will replacing any damaged areas be a separate quote? 

8.Will window, doors and joints be caulked? 

9.What kind of paint will be used?

10.How long will the job take? When will they be on site to work?

11.Who will clean up the site? How often?

12.Who will replace the furniture, window treatments, and wall hangings?

How a painting contractor answers these questions can be just as important as the quote, if not more so, and will ensure you are dealing with a competent painter.