Interior Painting Tips: Why Prep Work Makes or Breaks Your Project

The 80/20 Rule of Painting

Professional painters know the secret: great paint jobs come from great prep. We typically spend 60-80% of project time on preparation, not rolling paint.

Essential Prep Steps

1. Surface Cleaning

• Remove dust, cobwebs, and grease
• Clean walls with TSP or degreaser in kitchens
• Wipe down baseboards and trim

2. Repair Work

• Fill nail holes and small dents with spackle
• Address cracks with mesh tape and joint compound
• Sand rough patches smooth
• Prime repairs before painting

3. Caulking

• Seal gaps between trim and walls
• Fill cracks at corners and ceiling lines
• Use paintable caulk (not silicone)

4. Protection

• Remove outlet covers and switch plates
• Tape edges with quality painter's tape
• Cover floors with drop cloths
• Move or cover furniture

Common DIY Mistakes

We often repaint rooms where shortcuts were taken:

• Painting over wallpaper (bubbles and peels)
• Skipping primer on repairs (flashing)
• Using cheap tape (bleed-through)
• Insufficient coats (visible roller marks)

Paint Selection Tips

For Central Kentucky homes:

• Flat - Ceilings and low-traffic areas
• Eggshell - Living rooms and bedrooms
• Satin - Kitchens, bathrooms, trim
• Semi-gloss - High-traffic areas, doors

When to Hire a Pro

Consider professional painting when:

• Ceilings are high or vaulted
• Walls need significant repair
• Lead paint might be present (pre-1978 homes)
• Time is limited

Request a painting quote - we'll confirm scope and prep needs.