How to Get Your Home Set Up and Ready for Professional Painters

Hiring professional painters can transform your home, but proper preparation is key to ensuring they can do their job efficiently and with the best results. Setting up your home for professional painters involves more than just picking out colours. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare your space, what to expect, and tips for a smooth and stress-free painting experience.

Table of Contents

1. Clear the Space
2. Protect Your Furniture and Floors
3. Remove Wall Hangings and Decorations
4. Repair Wall Imperfections
5. Clean the Walls and Surfaces
6. Prepare for Interior Traffic
7. Discuss Specific Requirements with Your Painters
8. Plan for the Painting Days
9. Conclusion

1. Preparing for Painters – Clear the Space

If possible, relocate large furniture pieces to another area of the house. Moving furniture out of the room allows the painters to work more freely, reducing the risk of accidental paint splatters or damage to your belongings. By creating an open space, you also help the painters complete the job more efficiently, potentially speeding up the overall timeline.

• Consider Temporary Storage: If space is tight in your home, you might want to look into renting a temporary storage unit. These units provide a secure place to store your furniture while your home is being painted. Websites like Stor-Age or XtraSpace can help you find affordable storage options in Cape Town and across South Africa.
• Disassemble Larger Items: For oversized furniture that’s difficult to move in one piece, consider disassembling it. This can make moving items like beds, dining tables, and shelving units easier and safer. Tools for disassembly, such as Allen wrenches or screwdrivers, can be found on South African sites like Takealot or Builders.
• Protect Floors During the Move: As you move furniture, protect your floors from scratches and scuffs by using furniture sliders or old blankets. For durable and affordable furniture sliders, check out stores like Makro or Mica.

2. Preparing for Painters – Protect Your Furniture and Floors

Even with the utmost care, paint splatters can happen. Protecting your floors and furniture is essential to keeping your home clean and damage-free during the project.

Use Drop Cloths

Cover your floors with canvas drop cloths to prevent paint spills and splatters from causing damage. Canvas drop cloths are a preferred option because they are durable, reusable, and provide better protection than plastic against larger spills. They also stay in place better than plastic, reducing the risk of slipping.

• Choose High-Quality Drop Cloths: Invest in high-quality canvas drop cloths that are thick enough to absorb paint and protect your floors from accidental spills. You can find reliable options at local stores like Builders or Leroy Merlin.
• Secure the Drop Cloths: Make sure the drop cloths are securely in place, especially in high-traffic areas. This can be done using painter’s tape, which is available from Takealot or Mica. Securing the cloths prevents them from shifting during the project, ensuring consistent protection.

Plastic Sheets for Furniture

For furniture that can’t be moved, secure plastic sheets around it to shield it from dust, paint, and debris. Plastic sheeting is lightweight and offers an effective barrier against paint splatters and dust that can accumulate during the painting process.

• Select the Right Plastic Sheeting: Opt for heavy-duty plastic sheeting that is large enough to cover your furniture completely. It’s important to choose a thickness that is durable yet easy to handle. Options are available at Builders or Adendorff.
• Cover and Secure the Furniture: Drape the plastic sheets over your furniture, ensuring full coverage from top to bottom. Secure the plastic with painter’s tape or clips to prevent it from slipping off. This extra step ensures that your furniture remains protected throughout the entire painting process. You can find painter’s tape and clips at Leroy Merlin or Takealot.

By using drop cloths and plastic sheets, you’ll effectively protect your floors and furniture, keeping your home clean and free from damage during the painting project. This preparation is crucial for achieving a polished and professional finish in your space.

3. Preparing for Painters – Remove Wall Hangings and Decorations

Your walls need to be completely bare before the painting starts. Removing all decorations ensures that the painters can do their job smoothly and without interruptions. Proper preparation will help ensure a flawless finish and a streamlined painting process.

Take Down Photos, Art, and Mirrors

Carefully remove all wall hangings, including picture frames, clocks, and mirrors. Storing these items safely will protect them from dust, paint splatters, and potential damage during the painting process.

• Use Protective Packing: Wrap delicate items like mirrors and glass-framed photos in bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent scratches or breakage. Store them in sturdy boxes that can be closed and sealed. You can find packing supplies at local stores like Boxman or Packit.
• Label and Organize: As you remove items from the walls, consider labelling the boxes with their contents and the rooms they belong to. This will make it easier to return everything to its place once the painting is complete. Organizational supplies can be purchased from Takealot or Makro.

Remove Hooks and Nails

Take out any nails, screws, or hooks that won’t be needed after the paint job. If you plan to rehang items in the same spots, you can leave the holes for the painters to fill and sand smooth. This will ensure a clean, even surface for the new paint.

• Use the Right Tools: To avoid damaging the walls when removing hooks and nails, use appropriate tools like a small pry bar or a hammer with a nail puller. These can be found at hardware stores like Builders or Mica.
• Prepare for Touch-Ups: If you decide to remove all nails and hooks, the painters can fill the holes and sand them smooth, creating a flawless finish. Make sure to discuss this with your painting contractor so they can include this step in their preparation. Painter’s putty and sanding tools are available at Leroy Merlin or Jack’s Paint.

4. Repair Wall Imperfections

Before painting begins, take some time to fix any damage on your walls if this doesn’t fall into the scope of work the painters were hired to do. This ensures the final paint finish is smooth and flawless.

Patch Holes and Cracks

Use spackling paste to fill in small holes, cracks, or dents. Once the paste has dried, sand the patched areas to create an even surface. This step is crucial for preventing any blemishes from showing through the new paint.

• Choose the Right Spackling Paste: Different types of spackling compounds are available for various wall materials and sizes of damage. Opt for a quick-drying spackling paste for small holes and cracks. You can find spackling products at stores like Game or Buco.
• Sand Smooth for a Flawless Finish: After the spackling paste dries, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the patched areas. Sanding ensures the surface is even, making the paint application smoother. Sandpaper and sanding blocks can be purchased from Hardware Centre or Brights Hardware.
• Clean the Area Before Painting: After sanding, clean the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust. This helps the paint adhere better to the surface and prevents dust particles from getting trapped in the paint.

Address Larger Repairs

If you have more significant wall damage, such as gouges, large cracks, or broken drywall, it’s important to repair these issues before the painters arrive. Large repairs require more time and expertise, and addressing them early will ensure the painting process goes smoothly.

• Repair Drywall Damage: For significant damage, such as holes larger than a few inches, you might need to use a drywall repair kit. These kits typically include a patch, joint compound, and instructions for proper application. You can find drywall repair kits at Leroy Merlin or Timbercity.
• Allow Ample Drying Time: After making larger repairs, ensure the patched areas are fully dry and sanded smooth before painting. This may require additional drying time, so plan accordingly to avoid delays in the painting schedule.

5. Clean the Walls and Surfaces

Properly cleaning your walls before painting is an essential step that helps ensure the new paint adheres well and provides a smooth, flawless finish. Dust, dirt, and stains can prevent paint from sticking properly, leading to an uneven or streaky appearance. Here’s how to clean your walls effectively:

Dust and Vacuum

Start by removing dust and debris from your walls, trim, and baseboards. Dust can create a barrier between the paint and the wall, leading to a less durable and attractive finish.

• Use a Microfiber Cloth: Microfiber cloths are perfect for dusting because they trap dust particles without spreading them around. Gently wipe down the walls, paying extra attention to the corners and edges where dust tends to accumulate. Microfiber cloths can be found at stores like Clicks or Dis-Chem.
• Vacuum the Corners and Edges: After dusting, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any remaining dust and debris from the baseboards and corners of the room. This step ensures that no particles are left behind to interfere with the paint. You can find a range of vacuum cleaners and attachments at Makro or Game.

Wash Stubborn Stains

In kitchens and bathrooms, walls can accumulate grease, stains, and grime that need to be cleaned thoroughly before painting. A mild detergent solution works well for removing these tougher stains.

• Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the wall surface or interfere with paint adhesion. Mild detergents are available at Pick n Pay or Checkers.
• Wipe Down the Walls: Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the walls, focusing on areas with visible stains or grease buildup. In bathrooms, you might also need to address mildew or soap scum on the walls. Speciality cleaners for mildew and soap scum can be found at Builders or BUCO.
• Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse the walls with clean water to remove any residue from the detergent. It’s crucial to allow the walls to dry completely before painting to prevent moisture from affecting the paint’s finish. Open windows or use fans to speed up the drying process if needed.

6. Prepare for Interior Traffic

During the painting process, your home might be a bit chaotic. Plan ahead to minimize disruptions to your daily routine.

• Create Clear Pathways: Clear hallways and entryways that the painters will use frequently. This makes it easier for them to move equipment in and out without damaging anything.
• Designate a Safe Zone: Set aside an area in your home where you can retreat to avoid the paint fumes and noise.

7. Discuss Specific Requirements with Your Painters

Effective communication with your painters is crucial for ensuring that the final result meets your expectations. By discussing your needs and clarifying details upfront, you can help the painters deliver the best possible outcome and avoid misunderstandings during the project.

Clarify Your Expectations

Before the painting begins, take time to discuss the specifics of the job with your painters. This conversation should cover all aspects of the project, from the areas to be painted to the exact colours and finishes you desire.

• Discuss Specific Areas to Be Painted: Make sure the painters know exactly which rooms or surfaces need painting. Walk them through your home, pointing out any areas that require special attention, such as ceilings, trim, or doors. It’s also important to mention any surfaces you do not want to be painted. A detailed discussion can prevent errors and ensure that all areas are addressed. Consider making a checklist or using tools like Google Keep to keep track of these details.
• Choose Colours and Finishes: Clarify your colour choices and the type of finish you want (e.g., matte, satin, semi-gloss). If you’re still undecided, many painters can provide samples or advice on colour selection. For inspiration, you can explore colour palettes on websites like Plascon or Dulux. Be sure to discuss any specific details, such as accent walls, two-tone designs, or the type of paint to be used, to ensure that your vision is realized.
• Mention Any Special Requirements: If you have specific needs, like low-VOC paints or particular brands, make sure to communicate these preferences clearly. This will help the painters prepare and bring the right materials to the job.

Ask About Prep Work

Understanding what is included in the painters’ services can prevent surprises and ensure that all necessary steps are covered.

• Inquire About Surface Preparation: Prep work is a critical part of a successful painting project. Some painters include tasks like sanding, filling holes, or repairing minor damage in their service, while others may charge extra for these services. It’s essential to clarify whether these steps are included or if they need to be done separately.
• Ask About Priming: Priming is another key element of preparation that can significantly affect the paint’s longevity and finish. Ensure you know whether priming is included, especially if the walls have stains or are being painted a lighter colour. If priming is not included, discuss whether it can be added to the scope of work or if you should handle it beforehand.
• Get a Written Estimate: To avoid misunderstandings, ask for a written estimate that outlines all the services included in the project, including prep work. This document should detail the costs, timelines, and materials to be used.

By clearly communicating your expectations and discussing the scope of work with your painters, you can ensure that the project proceeds smoothly and the final result meets your standards. Open dialogue from the start will help you achieve the best possible outcome for your home.

8. Plan for the Painting Days

Think ahead about how you’ll manage daily activities while your home is being painted.

• Pets and Children: If you have pets or young children, plan to keep them away from the work areas. This could mean confining them to certain rooms or arranging for them to stay elsewhere during the job.
• Meal Prep: If the kitchen is being painted, prepare meals ahead of time or plan to order out to avoid needing access to the room while it’s being worked on.

Conclusion

Preparing your home for professional painters is an essential step in achieving the best possible results. By clearing space, protecting your belongings, and communicating effectively with your painters, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Contact us today for expert painting services and get your home transformed with a fresh, professional finish.