Embarking on a painting project for your home can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re giving your living room a fresh coat of colour or revitalising the exterior façade, thorough preparation is key to achieving a professional, long-lasting finish. Skipping or rushing through these vital first steps often leads to unsatisfactory results, such as peeling paint, uneven colour distribution and increased maintenance demands.

Proper preparation not only ensures a smoother application but also helps your chosen hues appear richer and more vibrant. It creates a solid foundation that enhances the durability of your efforts, potentially saving you time and money further down the road. Many homeowners underestimate the value of this stage, focusing instead on choosing paint colours and finishes. However, what lies beneath the paint can make or break the overall outcome.

To help you navigate the process with confidence, we’ve compiled a guide outlining some essential actions to take — and crucial mistakes to avoid — before you open that first tin of paint.

Evaluating the Surface Condition

Before touching a brush or roller, assess the condition of the surfaces you plan to paint. Interior and exterior walls, trim, ceilings and other surfaces often bear the signs of everyday wear or weathering. Cracks, peeling paint, mould or mildew, stains and accumulated dust all compromise adhesion and should be addressed in advance.

Use this opportunity to diagnose any underlying issues that need more significant repairs. For example, water stains on a ceiling might indicate a leaky roof or plumbing problem. Simply painting over them will mask the symptom but not solve the cause. Also look for signs of damp, especially in basements or exterior walls, which will require attention before applying any paint. Ignoring these indicators can allow serious damage to fester beneath the surface and compromise not only your paint job but also the structural integrity of your home.

Do: Repair and Clean Thoroughly

Once you’ve identified problematic areas, carry out the necessary repairs. Fill in holes, dents or cracks using an appropriate filler. In interiors, wall imperfections can often be rectified using a basic spackling compound, while exterior gaps may require a stronger exterior-grade filler or caulk to withstand the elements.

After repairing, sanding is a critical step. Smooth transitions from filled areas to the surrounding wall help maintain a uniform appearance post-paint, particularly when using light-reflective or high-gloss paints. It’s advisable to sand shiny areas to dull the surface slightly, allowing new paint to grip effectively.

Cleaning follows next. Dust, grease, and grime act as barriers between the surface and the paint, undermining adhesion. Depending on the surface, cleaning might range from dry dusting to more involved washing with mild soap and warm water. In kitchens or areas with heavy residue, consider using a degreaser. For exteriors, pressure washing is often used to clean large areas efficiently, though too much pressure can damage wood or dislodge older paint, so it should be done with care.

Don’t: Paint Over Old Problems

One of the costliest mistakes homeowners make is painting without fixing the baseline issues. Old layers of bubbled, chipped or flaky paint should not serve as a foundation for a new coat. Even the most expensive paints cannot compensate for surface instability. Remove all unsound or peeling paint first, using scrapers or power sanders where appropriate.

Neglecting stains, mould or damp areas can also result in paint discolouration or deterioration over time. For stubborn stains or mildew, a diluted bleach or mould-removal solution may be necessary, followed by a rinse and adequate drying time. Primers designed to seal stains are available, but using them without addressing the cause of the issue might offer only temporary camouflage.

Do: Use the Right Tools and Materials

Investing in quality tools pays off significantly, not just in the ease of work but also in the finished appearance. Rollers and brushes come in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes, but each has its purpose. Walls typically require larger rollers with a nap suited to the wall’s texture. Smooth surfaces demand a shorter nap, while rough or porous surfaces benefit from a thicker one.

Brushes should feel sturdy and have bristles that are flexible but resilient. Synthetic brushes are typically best for water-based paints, while natural bristle brushes work well with oil-based options. Don’t skimp on painter’s tape, drop cloths, extension poles or stirrers — having all the necessary equipment on hand before you begin streamlines the job and reduces frustration.

As for the paint itself, ensure you’re selecting the correct type and finish for the environment. Kitchens and bathrooms may benefit from moisture and mildew-resistant formulas, while high-traffic areas may call for more durable, washable finishes.

Don’t: Forget to Prime When Needed

Many DIY painters hope to skip priming, particularly when painting over similar colours. However, primer serves multiple foundational purposes beyond simple colour coverage. It evens out surface porosity, improves adhesion and better hides repairs or stains.

New drywall, raw wood, patched areas and surfaces going from a dark to a light colour almost always require a primer. Skipping this step may result in uneven sheen, patchy colour or areas soaking up more paint and appearing duller.

Primer can also act as a bond between old and new layers of paint, especially if you’re transitioning from oil-based to latex. In some cases, a paint-and-primer-in-one product may suffice, though it should not be seen as a substitute for traditional primer when dealing with problematic surfaces or major colour changes.

Do: Test Colours First

Paint often looks vastly different on the wall than it does on a colour chip or screen. Factors such as light levels, reflection from adjacent surfaces, room size and time of day all influence how a colour appears in your home. Before committing to tins of paint, test samples on your walls.

Apply patches to various parts of the room — both near windows and in shadowed corners — and observe them through the course of a day. This helps you gauge the true undertone of the paint and prevents unwelcome surprises when the entire wall is covered.

If you’re comparing multiple shades, label them clearly and allow them to fully dry before judging. Paint often dries slightly darker, and sheen levels can also affect perception.

Don’t: Underestimate Drying and Curing Times

One of the more subtle hazards during a painting project is impatience. Each coat — including primer — needs adequate drying time before the next is applied. Failing to wait can result in smearing, uneven coverage or lifting of the underlying coat.

However, it’s not just about drying. Paint also needs time to cure, a process that might take days or even weeks depending on the product. Curing ensures the paint reaches its maximum hardness and durability. During this time, try to avoid heavy washing or physical impact on freshly painted areas.

Follow manufacturer instructions on drying and curing, and take environmental factors into account. High humidity or cool temperatures can extend drying time. Using fans or dehumidifiers can help speed the process under certain conditions, but caution is still required to avoid disrupting the finish.

Do: Protect Surrounding Areas

Protecting floors, furniture, fixtures and other elements near your painting zone saves hours of clean-up and helps maintain the integrity of your belongings. Use drop cloths — preferably canvas, which resists slipping and absorbs splatters — to shield floors. Plastic sheeting may be used, but it doesn’t offer as much traction or absorbency.

Painter’s tape is your ally when dealing with trim, sockets, window frames or any surface you do not wish to paint. Apply it carefully, pressing down the edges to prevent bleeding. Remove it slowly at an angle before the paint is fully hardened to avoid peeling off any of the new coat with it.

If you’re tackling ceilings or high walls, ensure ladders are stable and positioned on a level surface. Moving furniture away from walls and covering it prevents both cramping your workspace and unintended blemishes.

Don’t: Work in Poor Conditions

Painting is heavily influenced by environmental conditions. Interiors should have adequate ventilation to manage fumes and encourage even drying. Use fans, open windows or exhaust systems to circulate air.

Avoid painting in extreme temperatures. Most interior paints perform best between about 10°C and 30°C; extreme heat or cold can prevent proper drying, create cracking or bubbling and change the paint’s viscosity. For exteriors, it’s best to consult seasonal guidelines — avoid rainy periods as moisture can interfere with adhesion.

Humidity is equally important. High humidity can slow drying and promote mildew growth. Low humidity with high temperatures may cause paint to dry too quickly, leading to lap marks or brush strokes.

Do: Plan Your Painting Strategy

Think like a professional by planning the order in which you paint different areas. A widely-recommended rule is to begin with the ceiling, followed by walls, trim and finally doors or accents. This sequence allows any drips or splatters to be painted over in subsequent stages. Cutting in — painting edges by brush before rolling the main surface — also creates cleaner lines and blends.

Set realistic expectations regarding time. Rushing through handling corners or hurrying to complete multiple coats in a day often results in imperfections. Allow plenty of time for each phase, especially when working with multiple colours or finishes.

Don’t: Disregard Safety Measures

Safety should always be a priority. Paint, particularly the solvent-based variety, emits fumes that may cause respiratory irritation. Ensure you’re using the appropriate protective gear: masks for ventilation, safety goggles to protect eyes from splashes, and gloves for skin protection.

When using ladders, follow best practices by securing them properly and ensuring a solid base. Never overreach or attempt balancing while holding paint cans or tools. If you feel unsure about accessing high or precarious places — such as tall stairwells — consider hiring a professional.

If you’re removing older paint, particularly in homes built before the 1980s, be mindful of the possibility of lead-based paint. Disturbing this can release hazardous particles into the air. In such cases, it’s essential to test the paint beforehand and follow appropriate containment and removal procedures, or better yet, consult a certified lead removal specialist.

A Final Word

A successful painting project doesn’t start with a brushstroke—it starts with thoughtful preparation. By investing time and attention in the groundwork, you not only elevate the quality of the finished result but also extend its life and minimise future maintenance. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply want to understand what to expect from a professional, these steps are the difference between a job that looks “good enough” and one that truly transforms your space.

Treat preparation as the foundation of your vision—because when done right, the results are not just seen, but felt.