Preparation & Drywall
The Prep Work That Makes a Paint Job Last
May 2, 2026 · 5 min read
Paint is the last hour of a job that mostly happens before the can is opened. Here's what preparation looks like when it's done right.
Clean first, always
Dust, cooking grease and hand oils all block adhesion. Walls get wiped, kitchens get degreased, and exterior siding gets washed and given time to dry.
Fix the surface, not the symptom
Nail pops get reset and coated. Cracks get opened, taped and feathered wide so the repair disappears under light. Old patches that were never sanded flat get redone.
Great paint won't hide a bad surface. It will highlight it.
Prime where it counts
Bare patches, stains, glossy trim and big color changes need primer. Spot priming is not optional if you want an even sheen across a wall.
Protect the house
Floors covered, furniture moved and wrapped, hardware removed rather than taped around when it's practical, and everything put back at the end of the day.
