How to Prepare Your Home for a Painter

By Aaron — Painter & Paneling Specialist, Utah County

A good paint job can change how a room feels. It makes things look new again. Before I come to paint, there are a few things you can do to get your space ready. These steps help the job go smoother and protect your home.

1. Clear the Space

Try to move furniture out of the room if you can. If not, push it to the middle and cover it with sheets or plastic. Take down pictures, curtains, outlet covers, and anything hanging on the walls.
It’s also a good idea to vacuum or dust around the baseboards. Clean walls help paint stick better.

If you have pets or small kids, make a plan to keep them out of the work area while I’m painting. It just keeps everyone safe.

2. Pick Your Colors Ahead of Time

It helps if you decide on your paint colors before I arrive. If you want, I can help you test samples so you can see how they look in your lighting. Paint can look different depending on the time of day or type of light in the room.

3. What I’ll Bring and What I’ll Do

I’ll bring drop cloths, tape, scaffolding, rollers, trays, and brushes. I’ll take care of taping, covering floors, and setting everything up safely.

If we’ve talked about it ahead of time, I can also fill small holes or sand rough spots. You can help by wiping down walls with a damp cloth a day or two before the job.

4. How Long It Usually Takes

Each space is a little different, but here’s a rough idea:

• A small room: about 1–2 days.

• A medium room (like a living room or kitchen): about 2–3 days.

Paint dries faster when there’s good airflow, so opening windows or running a fan can help.

5. After the Job Is Done

Paint might feel dry after a few hours, but it takes a couple of days to fully set. Try not to push furniture right up against the walls yet, and wait before washing them.

Once the paint has cured, you can rehang your art, plug everything back in, and enjoy your new space.

Getting ready for a paint job doesn’t have to be stressful. A little bit of prep makes a big difference. I’ll handle the tools and the painting — you just make sure the room’s clear and ready to go.

If you’re looking to freshen up your home, I’d be happy to help.

— Aaron