This guide separates what is helpful for you to do from what a professional painter normally takes care of, so you are not doing work twice. Every job is a little different, so confirm the details when your estimate is prepared.
What helps if you do it before painting day
- Remove small items, ornaments, photos and anything fragile from the room
- Take down artwork, mirrors, curtains and blinds you want to keep handling yourself
- Empty closets you want painted inside and clear shelves on walls being painted
- Store valuables, documents and medication somewhere else in the home
- Unplug and move electronics, and free up cables running along walls
- Plan where pets and children will be while work is going on
- Decide on colours and finishes ahead of time so work is not delayed
Not included
- Patching holes or sanding yourself: leave that to the painter so it is done once, properly
What the painting crew normally handles
Floors and furniture are protected during interior work. Larger furniture is usually moved to the centre of the room and covered, rather than carried out, but agree in advance on any heavy or delicate pieces such as pianos, large bookcases or antiques.
Routine preparation is agreed in the scope; repairs are quoted separately. Routine preparation typically includes filling small nail holes, light sanding and cleaning surfaces so paint bonds well. Larger dents, cracked drywall or water damage are repairs: they take more time and materials, so they are discussed and priced on their own.
At the end of each day the work area is tidied, and when the job is finished there is a final check of the work with you. Daily clean-up and a final walkthrough are part of how GOPAINT works.
What to tell your painter beforehand
Point out anything you already know about: stains that keep coming back, cracks, peeling in a bathroom, or walls that were patched before. Mention any room that must stay usable, such as a home office, and the hours when work would disturb someone at home.
If your home is older, ask whether the existing paint should be tested for lead before any sanding; older homes can have lead-based paint under newer coats. If someone in the household is sensitive to smells, ask about low-VOC paint options, and plan for ventilation during and after painting.
In a condo or apartment, check the building's rules on working hours, elevator bookings, parking and where materials can be stored. Our guide to painting a condo covers the building side of things in more detail.
Planning the schedule around your household
Painting a room takes longer than the time spent rolling paint: preparation, drying between coats and the final details all take time. Ask how long each room will be out of use, and in which order rooms will be done, so you can plan meals, sleep and work around it.
If you work from home, choose a room to use as your base for the duration and have it painted last or first. Families with young children often plan bedrooms around nap times and bedtimes, and some households arrange for pets to stay elsewhere for a day or two, particularly cats that like to explore.
Think about access, too. The crew will need a clear path from the entrance to the rooms being painted, somewhere to set up a small work area for paint and tools, and access to water for cleaning. A quick conversation about these practical details the day before saves time on the day itself.
After the painting is done
Keep windows open and air moving while the paint dries, and wait before hanging heavy items or pushing furniture back against fresh walls. Paint feels dry well before it reaches full hardness, so clean it gently for the first while.
Keep the leftover paint, sealed and labelled with the room and colour. It is the easiest way to make small touch-ups later and to match the colour exactly.
Walk through the rooms in daylight once everything is done and note anything you would like looked at, such as a missed spot behind a door or a line that is not quite crisp. Small details are easiest to fix while the crew is still on site, which is exactly what a final walkthrough is for.
Rehang artwork and mirrors once the walls have had time to harden, using the original holes where possible. If you want to move a picture, mention it during the walkthrough so old holes can be filled and touched up at the same time rather than later.
Questions about painting day
Should I wash the walls before the painters come?
There is no need for a deep clean. Wiping obvious grease, for example near a stove, is helpful, but surface cleaning is part of the preparation before paint goes on.
What about switch plates and outlet covers?
These are normally removed by the painters before work starts and put back afterwards, so the paint line is clean. Store any special or decorative covers yourself if you want them kept separately.
Do I need to empty the room completely?
Usually not. Small items and fragile pieces should go, but larger furniture is normally grouped in the middle of the room and covered. Agree on heavy or valuable pieces beforehand.
Can I stay home while painting is done?
Yes, most people do. Plan to use other rooms, keep pets away from the work area and keep the room ventilated.
Is filling nail holes included?
Routine preparation is agreed in the scope; repairs are quoted separately. Small nail holes are typically routine; larger damage is priced as a repair.