Preparing Your Home for Painting: What to Do Before the Painter Arrives

Getting your home painted is one of the simplest and most effective ways to refresh your living space. Whether you’re going for a dramatic colour change or just brightening things up with a fresh coat, a little preparation beforehand can go a long way in ensuring the job goes smoothly. If you’ve booked a professional painter, there are a few things you can do to get your space ready and help them deliver their best work.

A close-up of a textured paint roller covered in a light peach paint, resting on a surface as it prepares to create a unique finish.

Clear your walls of any artwork, photos, shelves, or decorations.

Taking these down not only protects your belongings but also allows your painter to work more efficiently. Don’t forget to remove any hooks, nails, or screws that won’t be reused. If you’re not sure whether to leave them in, just let your painter know in advance — they may include patching and filling as part of their preparation.

How to handle your furniture.

If you can, move it out of the room entirely. If that’s not practical, try to shift everything to the centre of the room, away from the walls. Most professional painters will cover your furniture with drop sheets, but moving things out of the way helps protect them from paint drips and dust, and speeds up the process. If you're unsure, check with your painting company — furniture protection is often included in the service.

Before painting begins, it’s also a good idea to give your walls a quick clean. Dust, cobwebs, and oily residue can stop paint from adhering properly. A wipe-down with a damp cloth or mild soap solution can make a big difference in how the final finish turns out. This is especially important in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-touch areas like hallways and behind furniture.

Window dressings like curtains and blinds

These should also be removed ahead of time. This allows painters easier access to corners and edges and helps achieve a cleaner, sharper result around windows. If you have curtain rods or brackets that you want removed or painted around, it’s worth pointing that out beforehand.

A person carefully applies fresh white paint to a window sill, enhancing the room's brightness and giving it a clean, updated look.

Don’t forget about your floors.

While painters typically bring their own protective coverings, it’s a good idea to put down temporary mats or coverings in walkways and entry points, particularly if your floors are carpeted or highly polished. This adds an extra layer of protection — especially if heavy equipment or ladders will be carried through.

It’s also worth considering the rest of your household — especially pets and children. Painting can be messy and sometimes noisy, so keeping animals and little ones away from the work zone ensures safety for everyone involved. Make arrangements ahead of time if certain rooms will be off-limits during the job.

Lighting is another underrated factor.

Painters need good visibility to spot imperfections, ensure even coverage, and get clean edges. Make sure that lights are working, and if the room doesn’t get much natural light, consider adding a lamp or temporary lighting. Also, make sure there’s access to power outlets if painters need to use tools like sanders or vacuums.

If you won’t be home during the painting job, take a moment to arrange access. Leave a key with someone you trust, provide gate codes if necessary, and share any special instructions on entering or locking up. Clear communication saves time and avoids unnecessary delays.

Most importantly, let your painter know about any special areas that need extra attention. Whether it’s a water stain on the ceiling, a crack in the wall, or an area you don’t want painted — it’s best to clarify those details in advance. A brief walk-through or phone call before the job starts is usually enough to get on the same page.

Finally, try to keep the space well-ventilated. Open windows and doors if it’s safe to do so. Good airflow helps paint dry faster and keeps fumes from building up, making the environment more comfortable for both the painters and your household.

In the end, a little preparation on your part leads to a smoother, faster, and better-quality paint job. By clearing space, protecting your belongings, and communicating clearly with your painters, you help create the best possible conditions for a fresh, beautiful finish.

Ready to give your space a new look?

Paint with Adam — get your quote today and let’s bring colour to your home the easy way.

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