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How Do You Prep Your Walls for Painting?

That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your house can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With locations across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.

Where do I start?

Before you grab a roller and start painting, there’s one step that makes a huge difference. Prep.

It might not be the most exciting part of the project, but it’s what gives you that smooth, clean, lasting finish.

Rushing through prep is one of the most common mistakes we see, and it’s almost always the reason a paint job doesn’t hold up as well as it could.

Here’s how to do it right.

Start with a Clean Surface

Wipe away any dust, cobwebs, or grease.
A microfiber cloth works great.
In kitchens or bathrooms, a little soap and water can go a long way.

Even if your walls look clean, they probably have more buildup than you think — especially in high-traffic spots like hallways or around light switches.

Paint sticks best to clean, dry walls.
Skipping this step can lead to uneven color or peeling later on.

Fill Holes and Cracks

Look for any dents, nail holes, or little cracks.

  • Use spackle or joint compound
  • Let it dry completely
  • Sand it smooth until it blends into the wall

Even small imperfections can show through fresh paint if they’re not smoothed out.
Taking a few extra minutes here makes a big difference.

Spot Prime Where Needed

You don’t always need to prime the entire wall.
But if you patched an area or see stains, you’ll want to spot prime.

Primer helps seal repairs and keeps stains or marks from showing through your new paint color.
It also helps your paint go on more evenly and last longer.

To recap, here’s how to prep your walls before painting:

  1. Clean the walls with a dry cloth or mild soap and water
  2. Fill any nail holes, dents, or cracks with spackle
  3. Let repairs dry, then sand them smooth
  4. Prime over patched spots or stained areas
  5. Make sure everything is dry before painting

Once all that’s done, you’re ready to roll.

And if you’d rather have someone else take care of it from start to finish, call That 1 Painter.
We’ll prep it right and leave your walls looking brand new. The smoother the start, the better the finish.

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Contact us for a free onsite estimate within 24 hours.

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