How to Prep Walls for Painting: A Pro's Step-by-Step Checklist

The prep checklist our crews follow before opening a single can of paint, from cleaning and patching to caulking, sanding, and priming.

If you've ever wondered why a pro paint job lasts 8–10 years and a DIY one starts to fail in 2, the answer is almost always prep. Here's the exact checklist our crews follow before any brush hits the wall.

Step 1: Clear and protect the room

• Move furniture to the centre and cover with plastic.
• Lay drop cloths over flooring (canvas grips, plastic slides).
• Mask off baseboards, floors, fixtures, and outlets.
• Remove switch plates, outlet covers, and curtain rods.

Step 2: Clean every surface

Paint won't bond to dust, grease, or smoke residue. Wipe walls down with a damp microfibre, especially in kitchens. For high-grease areas use TSP substitute and rinse.

Step 3: Patch holes and repair drywall

• Small nail holes: lightweight spackle, sand smooth.
• Larger holes: mesh patch + 2–3 coats of joint compound, feathered out.
• Cracks: cut a small V-groove, fill, tape, and skim coat.
• Water stains: stain-blocking primer (Kilz Original or BIN).

Step 4: Caulk and sand

A bead of paintable acrylic caulk along trim and baseboards transforms how a finish reads. Sand walls and patches with 220 grit on a pole sander to dull old paint and feather repairs.

Step 5: Spot prime

Anywhere you patched, repaired, or hit bare drywall, prime. Skipping this step is the #1 reason finishes flash (look uneven in raking light).

Step 6: Cut, then roll

Cut clean lines along trim, ceilings, and corners with a 2.5" angled brush before rolling. Roll while the cut-in is still wet to blend textures. Two coats, always.