Let's Talk About Prep: A Guide to Preparing your Surface

Let's Talk About Prep: A Guide to Preparing your Surface

February 10, 2025

Painting a room is one of the easiest ways to transform your space, but achieving a professional finish starts long before you pick up a brush. Proper preparation is the foundation of a stunning, long-lasting result. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a first-time buyer, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your painting project is smooth, efficient, and rewarding.

Step 1: Scheme and Planning

Before diving into prep work, take a step back and consider your vision. What mood do you want to create? What colours will complement your furniture and décor? Choosing the right colour palette is key, and inspiration can be found on our website and social media. Browse our carefully curated collections and trends, or book a consultation with our experts—available in-store, online, or even in the comfort of you.

Step 2: Gather Your Essentials

A well-prepared painter has all the necessary tools and products at their fingertips. Here’s what you’ll need:

Painter’s tape
Dust sheets
Sandpaper (various grits)
Filler
Filling knife
Cleaning solution and cloths
Primer (Prime 1, Prime 2, or Prime 4)
Paint rollers, brushes, and trays

Step 3: Clear and Protect Your Space

Move furniture away from the walls or, if space is limited, to the centre of the room. Cover floors and furniture with dust sheets to protect against spills and splatters. Remove wall décor, switch plates, and outlet covers. Use painter’s tape to mask off trim, skirting boards, and any areas you want to keep paint-free.

Step 4: Surface Preparation

A smooth surface ensures even paint application and a professional finish.

Dust and Clean: Wipe down walls with a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution to remove dust, grease, and grime.
Repair Holes and Imperfections: Use filler to patch up holes, cracks, and dents. Once dry, sand until smooth.
Address Uneven Surfaces: If your walls have texture inconsistencies, sand them down with fine-grit sandpaper for a seamless look.
Caulk Gaps: Apply caulk where trim meets walls to create a polished, cohesive appearance.

Primer is essential for a professional-grade finish. It ensures better paint adhesion, improves coverage, and provides a uniform surface.

Prime 1: Locks out difficult stains: Tannins + knots, perfect for hardwoods.

Prime 2: Adhesion to difficult surfaces: laminate, MDF, gloss paint, varnish & stainless steel

Prime 4: Binds + primes new plaster, excellent adhesion for all masonry - the perfect base for your topcoat.

Apply primer using a roller for large surfaces and a brush for edges. Allow it to dry completely before moving on to painting.

Step 6: Final Checks Before Painting

Inspect the walls for any missed imperfections and make touch-ups as needed. Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free of dust. Stir your paint thoroughly and get ready to bring your vision to life!

Ready to Paint? We’re Here to Help!

Preparation may take time, but it’s the key to a flawless, professional finish. For more expert tips, premium paints, and high-quality supplies, visit our website or stop by our store. Need more guidance? Our in-store, online, and at-home consultations ensure you’re fully prepared for your project. Follow us on social media for inspiration, tutorials, and exclusive offers!

Transform your space with confidence—start your painting journey with us today.