How to Prep Your Home for a Professional Paint Job: What Homeowners Should Know

Troy Cullin | Posted on June 12, 2025 |

Why a Little Prep Goes a Long Way

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your home’s interior—but to get flawless results, it’s not just about picking the perfect color. Little prep goes a long way. Proper preparation before your painters arrive can make the entire process smoother, faster, and more efficient.

If you’re working with a professional painting company, most of the heavy lifting—like protecting surfaces, prepping walls, and ensuring a clean finish—is already handled for you. Still, a few simple steps on your end can help your painters work more effectively and ensure your home (and belongings) stay protected.

This blog aims to guide homeowners to prepare home for professional painters.

Clear the Space: Remove Small Items and Breakables

Before your painting crew arrives, one of the most helpful things you can do is clear the work area of personal items and small furnishings. This not only protects your belongings from dust, drips, or accidental damage—it also helps your painters get started right away without having to navigate around obstacles.

Here’s what we recommend moving ahead of time:

Wall hangings and framed art
Tabletop décor and plants
Electronics, valuables, and fragile items
Small furniture like end tables, stools, or floor lamps

Larger pieces, like sofas, beds, or dining tables? Don’t worry—your painters will handle moving and covering these as needed. At TNC Painting, we come prepared with drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and furniture pads to protect everything that stays in the room.

Don’t forget to remove items from open shelves, window sills, or mantelpieces, too. If it’s small enough to carry out of the room, it’s best to store it temporarily in another space.

Secure Pets and Plan for Access

Paint day can be a little chaotic—doors opening and closing, furniture being moved, and equipment coming in and out. If you have pets at home, it’s important to think ahead so they stay safe and stress-free while work is underway.

Here’s what we recommend:

Create a quiet space away from the work area—like a bedroom or basement—for your pets to relax
Let the painters know if any pets will be in the house, especially if they’re curious or prone to escaping
If possible, arrange for pets to be out of the home during painting hours, especially if strong smells or loud tools are involved

Beyond pets, it’s also helpful to plan for how your painting crew will access your home. Whether you’ll be there or not, consider the following:

Share any entry instructions ahead of time (door codes, alarm systems, etc.)
Move any vehicles or obstacles blocking access to the main entry
Let your painters know which rooms are off-limits or have special considerations

At TNC Painting, we pride ourselves on being respectful, professional, and efficient—but a little communication ahead of time helps ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

Protect Valuables and Electronics: Don’t Leave It to Chance

Even the most careful professional painters work in a dynamic environment—drop cloths shift, ladders move, and equipment gets carried from room to room. That’s why it’s a smart idea to safeguard anything fragile, expensive, or irreplaceable before the project begins.

Here’s how to protect your belongings:

Relocate small valuables: Jewelry, heirlooms, watches, and collectibles should be stored in a different part of the home.
Move electronics away from work areas: Computers, speakers, TVs, and cords should be unplugged and either relocated or covered securely.
Secure delicate décor: Vases, glass objects, and ceramics are best moved out of the room. If they must stay, wrap them in protective materials and place them in low-traffic corners.

While TNC Painting uses protective coverings on all work surfaces and furniture, taking these extra steps gives you peace of mind and allows the crew to focus entirely on the painting itself—not worrying about navigating around delicate equipment.

Light Cleaning = Better Results

To prepare home for professional painters, you don’t need to deep-clean every room before they arrive—but a little surface prep can go a long way. Dust, grease, and residue can interfere with paint adhesion, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.

Here’s how to help your paint job shine:

Dust and wipe down walls: A quick pass with a microfiber cloth or lightly damp sponge can remove buildup that’s invisible but damaging to fresh paint.
Clean trim and baseboards: These often collect dust and pet hair, which can interfere with clean paint lines and tape adhesion.
Watch for greasy surfaces: In kitchens or near light switches, use a mild soap solution to gently clean any areas where grime tends to build up.
Don’t patch or sand unless instructed: Your painting contractor will handle serious surface prep—TNC Painting includes sanding, caulking, and patchwork in every job. But light cleaning ensures a solid starting point.

Think of it like this: a clean surface gives your paint the best chance to bond, cure, and look amazing for years to come.

Ask Questions and Confirm the Details

A day or two before your paint project starts, it’s smart to touch base with your painting team to confirm the final details. Even if everything’s on track, checking in gives you peace of mind and helps avoid any surprises on Day One.

Here’s what to review:

Paint colors and finishes: Make sure you’ve approved the exact shades, sheens, and placement (e.g., walls vs. trim). It’s much easier to tweak before the first coat goes on.
Project schedule: Confirm arrival times, estimated duration, and whether multiple rooms will be done at once or in stages.
Any remaining prep needs: Ask if there’s anything else they’d like you to move or prepare before the crew arrives.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions—professional painters want you to feel confident and informed. At TNC Painting, we walk clients through the full process during the estimate and again before the job begins, so you know what to expect from start to finish.

And here’s a bonus tip: take “before” photos of your space. It’s a simple way to track the transformation, and makes that final reveal even more satisfying.

Small Steps, Big Results

Prepping your home for a professional paint job doesn’t have to be complicated—but it makes a big difference. A few thoughtful steps ahead of time can help your painting crew work more efficiently, protect your belongings, and ensure a beautiful result that lasts.

Let’s recap what to do to prepare home for professional painters:

Clear small items and décor from the work area
Lightly dust or wipe walls and point out any problem spots
Secure pets and plan for easy access
Confirm project details and ask questions in advance

We believe in making every part of your experience stress-free—from your first quote to the final brushstroke. Our team handles the heavy lifting, but when homeowners pitch in with a few simple prep steps, it sets the stage for a smooth, successful project.

Thinking about updating your space? Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.