That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your space can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With franchises 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.

How to Prepare Your Westchester Home for a Professional Paint Job

A Step-by-Step Guide for Stress-Free Interior and Exterior Painting

Painting your home is one of the fastest ways to update its look, boost its value, and protect its surfaces from wear and tear, especially in a region like Westchester, NY, where changing seasons and moisture can take a toll on your property. But before the first brushstroke goes on, preparation is key. The smoother the prep, the better the results.

At That 1 Painter Westchester, we believe that great paint starts with great planning. Whether you’re repainting your living room, updating your home’s exterior, or refreshing trim and cabinetry, this guide will help you understand how to prepare your home for a professional paint job and what you can expect when working with our team.

Why Prep Matters: More Than Just Moving Furniture

Preparation sets the stage for everything that follows. A poorly prepped space leads to flaws, uneven finishes, delays, and unnecessary stress. A well-prepped home lets your professional painters focus on quality, speed, and precision.

Benefits of proper preparation:

• Cleaner, longer-lasting paint adhesion
• Fewer touch-ups and corrections
• Faster job completion
• Less disruption to your daily life
• A polished, professional finish you’ll love

Let’s break down what homeowners can do—and what we handle for you.

Step 1: Schedule a Walk-Through

The first step in prepping your home for painting is a walk-through with your painting contractor. At That 1 Painter Westchester, we schedule this at your convenience and use it to:

• Assess the scope of the project
• Identify repairs, problem areas, or access challenges
• Take measurements
• Recommend products and finishes
• Answer your questions and plan around your schedule

This is also when we can discuss special needs, such as lead paint testing, historical restoration, or unique architectural features.

Step 2: Choose Your Paint Colors and Finishes

Before anything gets moved or taped off, make sure you’ve finalized your paint choices. Need help? We offer color consultations to guide you based on:

• Your lighting (natural and artificial)
• Your style preferences
• Your home’s architecture
• Current trends and timeless neutrals

Don’t forget: the finish matters too. Here’s a quick guide:

Room Type	Recommended Finish
Living rooms	Eggshell or satin
Kitchens/Bathrooms	Satin or semi-gloss
Trim/Doors	Semi-gloss or gloss
Ceilings	Flat or matte
Exteriors	Satin for siding, gloss for trim

Once your choices are finalized, we order the paints and prep accordingly.

Step 3: Declutter and Protect Your Interior Spaces

If you’re having interior rooms painted, here’s what you can do to prepare:

✅ What You Should Do:

• Remove fragile items from walls and shelves
• Clear off countertops and furniture surfaces
• Unplug electronics and remove small appliances
• Pull furniture away from the walls (we can help with large items)
• Store pets and children’s toys out of the work zone

🚫 What You Don’t Need to Do:

• You don’t need to move heavy furniture—we’ll handle that
• You don’t need to tape windows, cover outlets, or protect floors—that’s our job

At That 1 Painter Westchester, we arrive with clean drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and all the tools to protect your floors, furniture, fixtures, and belongings.

Step 4: Prep for Exterior Painting

If we’re painting outside your home, you won’t need to clear out furniture or empty bookshelves but there are still a few prep steps to keep the process safe and smooth.

✅ Exterior Painting Prep Tips:

• Trim back shrubs and trees near walls or windows
• Move outdoor furniture, grills, or planters away from the house
• Close all windows on painting days
• Keep pets indoors or in a secure area
• Let neighbors know about the painting schedule if close to property lines

We’ll handle:

• Pressure washing
• Scraping old paint
• Caulking gaps or cracks
• Replacing minor damaged trim
• Protecting light fixtures, windows, and hardscapes

Westchester’s weather can be unpredictable, so we’ll keep an eye on conditions and work with you to avoid rainy or humid days.

Step 5: Repairs and Surface Preparation

Before we ever open a paint can, we take the time to prep your walls, ceilings, and trim for perfect results. Depending on the scope of your project, this may include:

• Patching nail holes and dents
• Repairing drywall seams or cracks
• Sanding rough surfaces
• Priming stains or water-damaged areas
• Sealing wood for even absorption

We’re especially cautious in older Westchester homes, where original plaster, wood trim, and uneven surfaces require finesse and the right products.

Step 6: What to Expect During Painting Days

Once the prep is done and it’s time to paint, here’s what you can expect from That 1 Painter Westchester:

Interior Painting:

• Crews arrive on time and work respectfully in your home
• Surfaces are taped, masked, and covered as needed
• Each coat is applied evenly with professional tools
• We clean up thoroughly at the end of each day

You can remain in your home during painting, but we recommend:

• Keeping children and pets out of work zones
• Planning for ventilation if you’re sensitive to odors
• Scheduling noisy tasks (like sanding) around your work hours if needed

Exterior Painting:

• We power wash and let surfaces dry fully before painting
• We prep, scrape, sand, and prime areas that need it
• Painters work methodically in sections to ensure full coverage
• We protect landscaping, windows, and fixtures with care

Step 7: Final Walk-Through and Touch-Ups

Once the paint is dry, we walk through the project with you and check for:

• Coverage consistency
• Clean lines and edges
• Missed spots or imperfections
• Proper sheen and texture

We offer free touch-ups as part of our service, so if you notice something after we leave, just give us a call. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

Common Homeowner Questions (And Our Honest Answers)

“Do I need to vacate the home?”

Nope! Unless you’re doing a full interior repaint or have major sensitivities to smells, most of our clients stay in the home during painting.

“How long does the job usually take?”

It depends on size and complexity. Interiors typically take 2–5 days, exteriors 3–7 days. We give you a clear timeline during your estimate.

“Will there be a mess?”

Not with us. We protect your home like it’s our own and clean up thoroughly every day.

“What if the weather changes during exterior painting?”

We watch weather forecasts closely. If there’s unexpected rain or wind, we pause work and reschedule to avoid compromising the finish.

Tips to Maximize the Results of Your Paint Job

1. Pick Quality Over Speed

Cheap paint and rushed work don’t last. Invest in high-quality paint and craftsmanship for a longer-lasting, better-looking finish.

2. Don’t Skip Surface Prep

The paint is only as good as the surface it’s on. Patching, sanding, and priming make all the difference.

3. Coordinate with Other Projects

If you’re doing flooring, cabinetry, or remodeling, paint after drywall, before trim. Ask us how to time it right.

4. Choose Timeless Colors

It’s tempting to follow color trends, but neutral tones with personality tend to have better long-term appeal in Westchester’s classic homes.

Why Homeowners in Westchester Trust That 1 Painter

We’re not just painters we’re partners in improving your home. Here’s why Westchester residents call us again and again:

• Local Knowledge: We know how weather, architecture, and lifestyle affect painting choices in Westchester County.
• Professionalism: Licensed, insured, and respectful of your home and time.
• Prep-Focused: Our motto is: “Prep like a pro. Paint like a master.”
• Detail-Oriented: From crisp lines to smooth finishes, we obsess over getting it right.
• Reliable Scheduling: We show up when we say, and we finish on time.

Ready to Get Started?

Prepping for a paint job doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With That 1 Painter Westchester, you get guidance at every step—so you can sit back and enjoy the transformation without the stress.

Whether you’re refreshing a single room or repainting the entire house, we’ll help you get ready, stay comfortable, and love the final result.

👉 Schedule your free estimate today with That 1 Painter Westchester and discover the difference professional prep makes.