How to Prepare Your Home for a Professional Paint Job

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your home—inside or out. But before the first brushstroke hits the surface, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re painting a classic New Orleans bungalow or a modern Uptown condo, getting your space ready helps ensure a smooth, efficient process and a flawless finish.

At Secondline Painting New Orleans, we take care of the technical details—but here’s how you can help set the stage for a successful paint job.

🧹 1. Clean the Surfaces

Dirt, dust, and grease can keep paint from sticking properly.

• Interior: Wipe down walls, especially near kitchens, bathrooms, and high-touch areas.

• Exterior: We typically handle power washing, but removing loose debris or trimming vegetation helps us work more efficiently.

Pro tip: Don’t forget baseboards, crown molding, and window sills.

🖼️ 2. Remove Wall Decor and Fixtures

Take down artwork, mirrors, clocks, or shelving from any surface being painted. Also unscrew light switch covers, outlet plates, curtain rods, and anything else that might get in the way.

For exterior jobs: Remove or cover mailboxes, house numbers, light fixtures, and security cameras if needed.

🪑 3. Move or Cover Furniture

• Interior: Clear as much space as possible. Move large furniture to the center of the room and cover with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

• Exterior: Move patio furniture, potted plants, or garden décor away from the house.

Bonus: We’ll protect flooring and surroundings, but the more space we have, the more efficient we can be.

🐾 4. Make a Plan for Pets and Kids

Painting involves equipment, ladders, and sometimes strong smells. Consider keeping children and pets out of work areas to avoid accidents or disruptions.

🚪 5. Provide Easy Access

We may need access to gates, garages, or backyards. If you won’t be home during the project, make arrangements so our crew can safely enter and exit the necessary areas.

📦 6. Secure Fragile or Valuable Items

Vibrations from ladders or sanding can occasionally shift items on shelves or walls. Safely store fragile items and valuables away from work zones.

📝 7. Discuss Any Repairs in Advance

If you’ve noticed issues like rotted wood, cracked siding, or water damage, let us know ahead of time. We’re happy to assess and include repairs in the prep process if needed.

🎨 8. Finalize Your Color Choices

We offer color consultation and can help you test samples before starting. If you’re still deciding on colors, finishes, or accents, we’ll guide you—but having it finalized before painting day keeps your project on schedule.

Trust the Process—We’ve Got the Rest

At Secondline Painting New Orleans, we pride ourselves on professionalism, clean execution, and respect for your space. Once you’ve handled the basics, we take care of prep, protection, priming, painting, and cleanup.

Ready to get started? Contact us for a free quote and let’s make your home look its best—inside and out.