How to Prep a Room for Painting

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Household Needs Buyers Guide

Proper preparation is the key to a flawless paint job. Follow these five steps to ensure your walls look stunning and your paint adheres perfectly.


5 Essential Steps for Paint Prep

Eliminate Imperfections
- Scrape away cracked or peeling paint with a metal putty knife.
- Smooth out sharp edges by lightly sanding with fine sandpaper.

Fill Gouges
- Use a lightweight, fast-drying spackling compound like Dap DryDex.
- Apply sparingly with your finger to avoid lumps and smooth it with a dual-sided scrub sponge once dry.

Close Gaps
- Seal gaps around windows and trim with caulk.
- Smooth it with a wet fingertip for a flush finish.

Remove Dust
- Dust ceilings, walls, and trim using a duster with a pole extension or a broom covered in a pillowcase.

Clean Up
- Wash surfaces with a low-suds detergent like Spic and Span to remove grime.
- Lightly scrub to roughen the surface for better paint adhesion.


Top Interior Paints

When choosing paint, opt for low-VOC or Greenguard Gold-certified formulas for healthier indoor air quality. Some CR-tested options stand out for their performance and eco-friendliness.


Pro Tip: Take your time during the prep stage—it’s the foundation of a professional-looking paint job!


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

The Success Manuals


The Career Advice Bible

100+ Most Important Career Questions
Finally Answered

318 Pages | $5 | PDF & EPub, Kindle Ready

250 Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

The First & Only Encyclopedia of Self Help,
Self Improvement & Career Advice

250+ Easy-to-Follow Guides
5000+ Proven Tips

13 Types of Essential Skills Covered
Get The Value of 100+ Best Books in 1 Book.

502 Pages | $5 | PDF / EPub, Kindle Ready