Did you know that it’s a good idea to paint homes every five to ten years? Is your home overdue for a fresh paint job? If so, it’s time to prepare your space for a visit from a local house painter.
How do you even make sure your space is ready to be painted? What should you do before the house painters arrive? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Read on to learn the right steps to take to prepare for a professional house painting service.
Remove or Protect Furniture
If you’re having interior house painting services done, you’re going to want to remove or protect any furniture that’s in the area that’s being painted. House painting experts try to minimize damage and messes, but you’re responsible for your belongings.
Move furniture and other items away from the walls and out of the way. When it comes to small and medium-sized furniture, it’s best if you can get it out of the room entirely so painters have enough space to work.
If moving large furniture is not possible, move it to the center of the room and cover it with plastic sheets or drop cloths. This is less ideal, but it should still help painters keep their paint away from it. Professional painters will do their best to keep your furniture clean, but you need to understand that there’s always a risk when you’re having a home painted.
Take Down Decor Items
Now that the furniture is out of the way, it’s time to move any leftover decor items that are on or near the wall.
Remove wall decorations, shelves, and any other items hanging on the walls in the room that are going to be painted. Note that this even includes electrical outlet covers and light switch plates, things that many people don’t consider decorations.
Some painters will remove these things on their own, but it’s helpful if you’re able to do it before they arrive. You’ll also be able to tuck them away where you know you’ll be able to find them later.
Consider Emptying Closets and Cabinets
Painters may need access to closets or cabinets, so empty them if necessary. This isn’t always the case, so consider asking the painters first if you’re not sure.
If you’re doing a full interior paint job (for a full remodel or to refresh a rental, for example), it’s likely that this will include the closets and cabinets. You can always request that these areas go untouched, of course.
Cover Flooring
In many cases, a house painter will put down floor coverings before they get started. However, if you want an extra layer of protection, you’re welcome to protect your floors on your own before the painters arrive. You can ask beforehand to make sure that your floor coverings won’t get in the way.
Use drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect your flooring from paint drips and spills. Secure them in place to prevent tripping hazards. You can secure them with painter’s tape or small items used as weights so long as they won’t block the painters.
Make sure that the painters still have access to everything they need to paint. In other words, don’t cover the trim or any portion of the wall, or else it may not get painted.
Clear the Exterior
So this advice is all well and good if you’re hiring house painters for your home’s interior, but what if you have exterior painting planned? You need to clear the exterior of your home as much as possible.
For exterior painting, clear the area surrounding your home enough that there won’t be anything obstructing the painters. Trim nearby bushes, move outdoor furniture, and cover plants to protect them from paint splatter if they’re unable to be moved.
Take a walk around your home to ensure that you haven’t missed anything.
Make the Space Accessible
Now that most of your things are out of the way, you need to make sure that the space is accessible. Make life as easy as possible for the painters. The easier it is for them to move around, the faster and better their work will be.
Consider where the painters are going to have to walk and stand. Make sure that there are no doors or furniture items in the way, even if they’re not in the room that’s being painted. For example, if they need to walk through the kitchen so they can paint the living room, you want the kitchen to be easy to navigate.
You also need to consider where they’ll be placing their equipment. Make sure there are clear spaces available.
Clean Surfaces
You want your walls (or any other surfaces that are going to be painted) to be as clean as possible when the painters arrive. Paint will stick better to a clean surface. The painters will be priming the surfaces, but you should do your part as well.
Wipe down the walls, sweep the floors, and vacuum. Get rid of as much dust and grime as possible.
Leave the Area
Now that your home is all ready for the painters, it’s time to get out and let them get to work! Depending on how long the job will take, it may be in your best interest to stay elsewhere for a few days.
You want to give the painters the time and space they need to do their jobs. If you stay out of the way, you’ll return to a beautifully painted space before you know it.
It’s Time to Prepare Your Home for a House Painter
Is your home ready for your house painter? Follow these steps so the painter will be able to get to work as soon as they arrive. They’ll be able to do quick and efficient work if your home is already prepared!
At Sunlight Housepainting, we offer high-quality interior and exterior painting services to our valued clients. If your home needs a fresh coat of paint, contact us today.
