Getting ready for an interior painting project? Whether you’re tackling a full home makeover or refreshing a single room, preparation is key to achieving clean lines, flawless finishes, and a stress-free experience.
At Davis Painting, we handle every job with care—but a little preparation by homeowners goes a long way. Here’s our 7-step interior painting prep checklist, tailored for homes across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
1. Move and Cover Furniture
Clear the room of as much furniture as possible. For heavier items:
Move to the center of the room
Cover completely with plastic drop cloths or old sheets
Tape coverings to the floor to avoid slipping
Bonus: Removing furniture gives painters easier access to trim and baseboards, saving you time and money.
2. Take Down Wall Décor and Fixtures
Before painting starts:
Remove all artwork, mirrors, clocks, shelves
Take down curtains or drapes
Unscrew outlet covers, switch plates, and any wall-mounted hardware
Use labeled bags to keep hardware organized for reinstallation.
3. Clean the Walls and Trim
Dust, cobwebs, and oils can prevent paint from bonding properly.
Wipe down walls with a damp cloth or mild soap
Pay special attention to baseboards and door frames
For greasy spots (especially in kitchens), use a degreasing cleaner like TSP
“We often see adhesion issues in kitchens and stairwells due to built-up oils. A quick wipe down makes all the difference.” – Davis Painting Crew
4. Repair Nail Holes and Wall Damage
While Davis Painting handles major patchwork, it helps to:
Fill small nail holes with spackle
Lightly sand rough spots or raised edges
Mark problem areas with painter’s tape for quick reference
5. Remove or Protect Flooring
For hardwood, tile, or carpeted floors:
Use rosin paper, canvas drop cloths, or painter’s plastic
Tape edges securely, especially around baseboards
For DIY: avoid bedsheets—they absorb spills but don’t block bleed-through
6. Clear Horizontal Surfaces
Paint dust and debris can settle on:
Bookshelves
Mantels
Window sills
Open shelving units
Clear or cover these areas to avoid extra cleaning later.
7. Create a Ventilation Plan
If painting in winter, crack windows slightly and use fans. In summer:
Run HVAC fans or exhaust systems
Isolate painted rooms with closed doors or plastic sheeting
Using low-VOC paints, as we do at Davis Painting, helps reduce fumes—but good airflow still speeds up drying.
Bonus: Prep Tips for PA & NJ Homeowners
Humidity matters: Avoid washing walls too close to paint day in muggy NJ summers
Drying times are longer during wet fall months in PA—use fans when possible
Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation on walls—check weather if you’re prepping ahead
Don’t Want to DIY Your Prep?
We offer add-on prep packages for busy homeowners. Our team can:
Move and cover furniture
Perform all minor patching and sanding
Clean walls and trim in advance of painting
📞 Request your free estimate today from Davis Painting — serving Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware County, and all of New Jersey.
