If you hire a painting contractor to paint the interior of your home, there are a few things you should do before the painters arrive.
It includes clearing the area of furniture and valuables so that the painters can easily access the walls. Cover the floors and other surfaces to protect them from paint splatters. It makes your painting project a hassle-free experience for you and the painting company and is also a safety measure.
You should also discuss specific requests with the interior painting contractor you hire to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Let’s see the things that you should take care of in advance before the start of the painting project.
10 Things to do before your interior painter arrives
1. Secure home decor and wall pictures
Before the painters arrive, remove any wall décor, pictures, or artwork. Safely move them away to another room to protect them from damage during the painting work. This makes it easier for the painters to do their job and makes sure that your precious items remain safe and clean.
Don’t forget to remove any small or fragile items from the shelves or surfaces to avoid accidents.
2. Clear your queries with the painting contracts
There are a lot of questions or concerns about the interior painting project, be sure to address them with your painting contractor beforehand. This could include questions regarding the start and finish time, commercial painting cost per sq ft, paint types, or any special instructions you want the painters to follow.
Clear communication avoids misunderstandings and ensures that the project runs smoothly. Confirm the schedule and clarify what areas will be painted.
3. Plan the schedule
Planning the painting schedule with your interior painters. Communicate with your painting contractor to schedule the best time for the work to be done, especially if certain areas of your home will be off-limits during the painting.
Check with your daily routine and any future events to minimize disruption. A well-planned schedule means that work is completed efficiently and least inconvenience for you.
4. Move furniture to the middle
Move your furniture away from the walls and into the center of the room so that the painters can reach the walls easily. Cover the furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect it from paint splatters.
This step not only helps the painters work more efficiently and keeps your furniture safe from any damage. If you have larger, heavy pieces, ask for assistance or hire movers.
5. Clear the cabinets
If your painters are to work in areas with cabinets, or cabinets too need to be painted, make sure to empty them beforehand. Clear dishes, food, and other items from kitchen or bathroom cabinets to avoid dust and paint splatters.
6. Remove blinds, shutters and curtains
Before the painters arrive, take down the blinds, shutters, or curtains from windows. These items get in the way or become stained with paint. Remove them so that the painters can work unbothered and get a clean, even finish around windows.
Store the curtains and shutters safely until the painting is finished, and dust or clean them before rehanging them to keep everything looking fresh.
7. DIY repairs of the walls
Inspect the rooms for minor damages like small holes, cracks, or dents that should be fixed before painting. You can easily handle these DIY repairs with spackle or filler and a bit of sanding.
Take care of these repair works to ensure that the finished painting project looks smooth and professional. If the damage is more serious, discuss repair options with your painting contractor.
8. Test your paint color in different lighting conditions
Before finalizing your paint color, test it on a small area of the wall and observe it at different times of the day under various lighting conditions. Paint colors can look different depending on the daylight or artificial lighting, so this step ensures you’ll be happy with the color once the entire room is painted.
Testing paint color samples also helps you avoid costly changes later on and makes sure the color complements your space perfectly.
9. Clean the walls
Clean the walls with mild soap water and a sponge before painting. Dust and grime prevent paint from setting properly, and can cause an uneven finish.
Use a mild detergent or a solution of water and vinegar to clean the walls, especially in frequently used areas or where there are stains. Let the walls dry completely before the painters begin.
10. Make short living arrangements
During the painting work, your home may be inaccessible or uncomfortable to live in due to paint fumes. Plan temporary living arrangements, such as staying in another part of the house or even with friends or family. This is important for children, pets, or anyone sensitive to paint fumes.
Conclusion
Preparing your home before your interior painting contractor arrives ensures a smooth and successful project. Whether you’re in need of Interior Painting Bloomington Mn services or elsewhere, securing your home decor, clearing furniture, chalking out the schedule, and cleaning the area can make your painting project run more efficiently.
These steps secure your valuables and make it easier for the painters to deliver a professional finish. Moving away a while when the painting project is underway is a good idea for safety purposes.
FAQs
- Should I empty all the rooms before the painters arrive?
You don’t need to clear the rooms completely, but move the furniture to the center of the room and clear items like wall décor, shutters, blinds, and curtains. This lets the painters access the walls easily and protects your valuables from paint splatters.
- Do I need to clean the walls before painting?
Cleaning the walls before painting is important. Dirt can lead to an uneven finish. A simple wipe-down with mild soap water and a sponge ensures the paint goes on smoothly.
- Can I stay in my home while it’s being painted?
Yes, you can stay in your home in the areas that are not being painted, but it’s best to plan temporary living arrangements elsewhere, especially if you’re sensitive to paint fumes. Shifting can avoid discomfort and allow the painters to work more efficiently.