If you’ve never had a house painted, it helps to know what the days look like. The order is fairly standard, and it explains why prep takes longer than painting.
- Protection comes first
- Repairs and sanding come before paint
- Ceilings, then walls, then trim
- Coats need drying time between them
- The walkthrough catches the last details
Step one: protect your home
Floors, furniture and fixtures are covered before anything else. Small items are moved, and larger pieces are moved to the centre of the room and covered. Doing this well is what lets painters work without leaving a trace.
Step two: repair and prepare
Nail holes, cracks and dents are filled, sanded and smoothed. Glossy surfaces are scuffed so paint will grip, and dirt or grease is cleaned off. Stains may need a sealing primer so they don’t show through. This stage decides how the finish looks and how long it lasts.
Step three: ceilings, walls and trim
The usual order is ceilings first, then walls, then trim and doors, so drips fall onto surfaces that haven’t been finished yet. Cutting in along edges and corners is done by brush, and the large areas are rolled. Most walls get two coats, with drying time in between.
Step four: cleanup and walkthrough
Tape comes off, covers come up, and the room is cleaned. Then you walk through with the painter, checking each room in good light. Anything that needs a touch-up is noted and fixed. Our preparation guide covers what to do before the crew arrives.
How long it takes
Time depends on the number of rooms, how much prep they need and whether trim and doors are included. We confirm a timeline when we confirm your price. For a rough idea, read how long it takes to paint a house interior.
Quick questions
Do I need to be home while the work is done?
Not necessarily, but you’ll want to agree on access, a key arrangement or a time to be home, and be available for questions and the final walkthrough.
Will there be a smell?
Most interior paints have some odour while they dry. Ventilation helps, and you can ask about lower-odour products.
Ready to start? Price your rooms online, and we’ll confirm the details and the schedule in person.
