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How to Prep Interior Walls Like a Pro Painter

How to Prep Interior Walls Like a Pro Painter

Ask any professional painter and they'll tell you the same thing: 80% of a great paint job is the prep. Here's the exact sequence our crews follow before opening a single can of paint.

Clear and protect the room

Move furniture to the centre, cover floors with canvas drop cloths, and mask trim and outlets carefully.

Clean every surface

Walls collect more grease and dust than you'd think — especially near kitchens and entryways. Wipe them down with a mild TSP substitute and let dry fully.

Patch, sand, and feather

Fill nail holes, dings, and cracks with lightweight spackle. Once dry, sand smooth and feather the edges so they disappear under paint.

Prime where it counts

Spot-prime any patched areas and any stains. Skipping primer is the most common DIY mistake we see — and the easiest one to fix.

Final dust pass

Vacuum baseboards and wipe walls one last time. A dust-free surface is the difference between a smooth finish and a gritty one.

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