Category: Interior Painting

Interior Painting Preparation Checklist for Lamorinda Homeowners

Introduction

The difference between a paint job that looks professional and one that looks amateur comes down to one word: preparation. You can use the most expensive paint available, but if your walls aren't properly prepped, the finish will look cheap and fail prematurely.

Most homeowners underestimate how much work happens before the first drop of paint hits the wall. They see the painting step and assume that's the whole job. In reality, professional painters typically spend 60-70% of project time on preparation and only 30-40% on actual painting.

At Lamorinda Painting, we've been preparing and painting Bay Area homes since 2003. We're based in Lafayette and serve homeowners throughout Lamorinda, the East Bay, and the greater Bay Area. Over two decades, we've developed systematic preparation processes that ensure long-lasting, beautiful results.

In this guide, you'll get our complete interior painting preparation checklist—the same steps our crews follow on every project. Whether you're planning a DIY paint job or hiring professionals, you'll understand what proper preparation entails and why each step matters.

And if you'd like help from experienced, licensed painters who take preparation seriously, estimates are always free.

Why Preparation Matters More Than Paint Quality

Before we dive into the checklist, you need to understand why surface preparation is so critical to paint performance.

The 70/30 Rule in Professional Painting

According to Sherwin-Williams contractor education materials, surface preparation accounts for approximately 70% of the quality and longevity of a paint job, while paint selection and application account for the remaining 30%.

This means you can apply premium paint perfectly, but if the surface wasn't prepared correctly, the job will fail. Conversely, quality paint over properly prepared surfaces will perform beautifully and last for years.

What Happens When You Skip Prep:

Paint doesn't adhere properly and peels within months
Stains and marks bleed through fresh paint
Cracks and holes remain visible under new paint
Glossy surfaces resist paint adhesion, causing flaking
Dirt and grease prevent proper paint bonding
Wall texture and imperfections show through finish

Real-World Examples from Bay Area Homes

We see preparation failures constantly when we're called to fix other painters' work. Common scenarios in Lafayette, Orinda, and throughout the East Bay:

Case 1: Homeowner painted over greasy kitchen walls without cleaning. New paint wouldn't stick to grease film. Paint bubbled and peeled within weeks.

Case 2: DIYer painted directly over semi-gloss bathroom walls without sanding. No mechanical adhesion. New paint rubbed off with light pressure.

Case 3: Budget painter didn't prime water stains on ceiling. Stains bled through two coats of new paint within days.

All avoidable with proper preparation. All expensive to fix because the failed paint must be removed and the process started over.

Complete Interior Painting Preparation Checklist

Here's the systematic preparation process we follow on every project, broken down into clear, actionable steps.

STEP 1: Planning and Assessment (Before Any Physical Work)

A. Identify Surface Types and Conditions

Determine what you're painting (drywall, plaster, wood, previously painted surfaces)
Assess surface condition (smooth, textured, damaged, stained)
Check for moisture issues, active leaks, or environmental problems
Note areas requiring special attention (water stains, smoke damage, heavy wear)

B. Determine Scope and Materials Needed

Calculate square footage for paint quantity
Identify required primers (stain-blocking, bonding, high-adhesion)
List necessary tools and supplies
Plan timeline based on room function and drying requirements

According to Benjamin Moore surface prep guides, this assessment phase determines which preparation techniques are necessary. Not every surface needs every prep step—but you need to know which ones yours requires.

Bay Area Consideration: Older homes in Lafayette, Orinda, Berkeley, and Oakland often have plaster walls, water stains from roof leaks, and layers of old paint. These require different prep than new drywall in modern construction.

STEP 2: Room Preparation and Protection (Setup Phase)

A. Remove or Protect Furniture

Move furniture away from walls to create work space
Move small, light furniture completely out of room
Cover remaining furniture with clean plastic sheeting
Secure coverings so they don't slip during work

B. Protect Floors and Fixed Elements

Cover entire floor with canvas drop cloths (more protective than plastic)
Secure drop cloths with painter's tape at seams
Cover built-in shelves, mantels, and other fixed features
Remove or cover light fixtures, ceiling fans, and hardware

C. Remove or Protect Trim and Hardware

Remove outlet and switch plate covers (store screws in covers)
Remove door hardware when possible (hinges, knobs, locks)
Protect door hinges with painter's tape if not removing
Cover hardware that can't be removed

According to PPG professional standards, this protection phase prevents the majority of damage complaints on painting projects. Taking time to protect properly saves enormous cleanup effort later.

STEP 3: Surface Cleaning (Critical but Often Skipped)

A. Remove Dust and Debris

Dust walls from top to bottom with microfiber cloth or duster
Pay special attention to corners, ceiling lines, and baseboards
Vacuum floor to remove settled dust
Wipe down windowsills and any horizontal surfaces

B. Wash Walls in Kitchens and High-Soil Areas

Mix TSP (trisodium phosphate) or TSP substitute per package directions
Wash walls from bottom to top with sponge and cleaning solution
Rinse thoroughly with clean water
Allow walls to dry completely (24 hours minimum)

C. Address Mold or Mildew

Treat any mold/mildew with appropriate cleaner
Kill mold spores completely before painting
Allow treated areas to dry thoroughly
Consider mildew-resistant primer in bathrooms

According to Behr surface preparation guidelines, painting over dirty or greasy walls is the most common cause of adhesion failure in kitchen and bathroom painting projects.

STEP 4: Surface Repair (Making Walls Paint-Ready)

A. Fill Holes and Cracks

Fill nail holes with spackling compound
Use joint compound for larger holes (over 1 inch)
Apply mesh tape and compound to cracks
Feather edges of repairs smooth with surrounding surface
Allow repairs to dry completely per product instructions

B. Sand Repairs Smooth

Sand dried repairs with 120-150 grit sandpaper
Blend repair edges seamlessly into surrounding wall
Wipe dust away with tack cloth or damp rag
Check repairs by feel—should be undetectable by touch

C. Address Damaged Drywall or Plaster

Cut out and replace severely damaged sections
Skim coat rough or textured plaster for smooth finish
Rebuild missing or damaged edges and corners
Match texture on textured walls

According to This Old House repair techniques, proper patching creates a uniform substrate. Shoddy patching shows through even multiple coats of paint.

Bay Area Consideration: Older plaster walls in many Lafayette and Berkeley homes require different repair techniques than modern drywall. Plaster-specific patching compounds work better for these surfaces.

STEP 5: Sanding Existing Paint (Creating Mechanical Adhesion)

A. When Sanding is Necessary

Previously painted surfaces with semi-gloss or high-gloss finish
Any glossy surface receiving new paint
Rough or uneven existing paint
Surfaces with paint drips or buildup

B. Proper Sanding Technique

Use 150-grit sandpaper on glossy surfaces
Sand entire surface to dull the sheen and create tooth
Use pole sander for large wall areas and ceilings
Hand-sand trim, corners, and detailed areas
Vacuum and wipe away all sanding dust

C. When to Skip Sanding

Flat or eggshell existing paint in good condition
Previously unpainted new drywall
Surfaces receiving bonding primer (handles adhesion chemically)

According to Dunn-Edwards technical bulletins, paint adheres through mechanical bond (rough surface) or chemical bond (primer). Skipping sanding on glossy surfaces causes adhesion failure because smooth surfaces provide no mechanical tooth.

STEP 6: Priming (The Foundation of Paint Performance)

A. When Primer is Required

All new, unpainted drywall
Repaired areas (spackling, joint compound, patches)
Stained surfaces (water, smoke, tannin bleeding)
Dramatic color changes (dark to light, vivid to neutral)
Glossy surfaces if bonding primer used instead of sanding

B. Choosing the Right Primer Type

Standard drywall primer: New drywall, general use
Stain-blocking primer: Water stains, smoke, tannin bleeds
Bonding primer: Glossy surfaces, tile, laminate
Mold-resistant primer: Bathrooms, moisture-prone areas

C. Proper Primer Application

Apply primer to all required surfaces
Use brush for edges, roller for large areas
Maintain consistent coverage without thin spots
Allow primer to dry completely (check product specs—usually 2-4 hours)

According to Sherwin-Williams primer selection guides, using the correct primer type makes the difference between paint that lasts 10 years and paint that fails in 2 years.

Common Bay Area Scenario: Many older homes have water stains from past roof leaks. Even if leaks are fixed, stains bleed through standard paint. Stain-blocking primer solves this permanently.

STEP 7: Caulking and Sealing (Professional-Looking Details)

A. Where to Caulk

Gaps between walls and trim (baseboards, crown molding)
Gaps between walls and window/door casings
Cracks at inside corners where walls meet
Gaps between trim pieces at joints

B. Proper Caulking Technique

Use paintable latex caulk for interior applications
Cut caulk tube nozzle at 45-degree angle for controlled bead
Apply smooth, continuous bead along gaps
Tool caulk with wet finger or caulk tool for smooth finish
Wipe excess immediately with damp cloth

C. When to Caulk in Sequence

Caulk after priming but before final paint
This allows caulk to be painted with final coat
Creates seamless integration of caulk and paint

According to Family Handyman's professional finishing techniques, caulking separates professional-looking paint jobs from amateur ones. It's the detail that makes trim appear to "grow from" walls rather than sit on them.

STEP 8: Final Pre-Paint Inspection and Touch-Ups

A. Inspect All Surfaces

Check all repairs are smooth and invisible
Verify primer coverage is complete
Look for missed spots or thin areas
Confirm caulk is smooth and complete

B. Address Any Issues Found

Sand any rough spots or drips
Touch up primer on missed areas
Add additional caulk if gaps found
Clean any spills or marks

C. Final Cleaning

Vacuum floor again to remove all dust
Wipe windowsills and other surfaces
Remove any debris from work area
Verify protection is still in place and secure

This final inspection catches problems while they're still easy to fix. According to professional painting standards, addressing issues before paint application prevents them from being permanently locked under finish coats.

Preparation Variations for Different Room Types

While the core checklist applies to all rooms, certain spaces have specific preparation requirements.

Kitchen Preparation Requirements

Additional Steps:

Extra thorough degreasing of walls (especially near stove)
Cleaning or replacing vent covers
Addressing cabinet overspray if painting walls near cabinets
Ensuring moisture-resistant primer in high-humidity areas

According to Behr kitchen painting guides, grease contamination is the primary cause of kitchen paint failure. If walls feel even slightly oily after normal cleaning, use a degreaser before proceeding.

Bathroom Preparation Requirements

Additional Steps:

Treating any existing mold or mildew completely
Checking caulk around tub/shower and replacing if necessary
Using mold-resistant primer throughout
Ensuring adequate ventilation during and after painting

Bedroom Preparation in Older Homes

Additional Steps for Bay Area Period Homes:

Testing for lead paint if home built before 1978
Following EPA lead-safe practices if lead present
Addressing plaster cracks specific to settling
Matching historical texture if textured walls

Many Lafayette, Berkeley, and Oakland homes date to early 1900s. According to EPA guidelines, any pre-1978 home may contain lead paint, which requires specific handling procedures.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

We see these errors constantly. Here's how to prevent them.

Mistake #1: Skipping the Cleaning Step

Dust, grease, and dirt prevent paint adhesion. You cannot paint effectively over contaminated surfaces. According to Benjamin Moore technical data, surface contaminants are responsible for approximately 40% of adhesion failures in interior painting.

The Fix: Always clean. In kitchens and bathrooms, use degreaser. In all rooms, at minimum dust and wipe walls before painting.

Mistake #2: Inadequate Repair of Damage

Hoping paint will hide holes, cracks, or damaged areas never works. Paint follows the surface contour. Imperfections show through, sometimes more obviously than before painting.

The Fix: Repair everything. If you can see or feel a defect before painting, it will show after painting.

Mistake #3: Not Allowing Proper Drying Time

Every repair product, primer, and paint coat has a specified drying time. Rushing this creates problems. According to Sherwin-Williams application guidelines, painting over insufficiently dried coats causes poor adhesion, extended cure times, and finish defects.

The Fix: Follow manufacturer drying time recommendations. In humid conditions or Bay Area coastal areas, add extra drying time.

Mistake #4: Using Wrong Primer or Skipping It Entirely

All primers are not interchangeable. Stain-blocking primer is different from bonding primer is different from standard primer. Using the wrong type or skipping primer entirely causes paint failure.

The Fix: Match primer to substrate and condition. When in doubt, consult paint store staff or use premium universal primers that handle multiple scenarios.

When to Hire Professional Painters

Preparation is physically demanding, tedious, and requires knowledge of techniques and products. Many homeowners who tackle DIY painting find the prep work more challenging than anticipated.

Signs You Should Hire Professionals

Extensive wall damage requiring repair expertise
Suspicion of lead paint (requires certified handling)
Large projects where preparation time becomes overwhelming
Situations requiring specialized primers or techniques
When you want guaranteed professional results

At Lamorinda Painting, preparation is where we prove our value. We don't cut corners. We move your furniture carefully and cover it with clean plastic. We sand, repair, prime, and caulk properly. We leave your home spotless when we're done.

We're based in Lafayette and serve homeowners throughout Lamorinda, the East Bay, and the greater Bay Area. We're fully licensed and insured, and we provide high-quality interior painting at affordable prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does preparation typically take compared to painting?

For professional painters, preparation typically takes 60-70% of total project time. A room that takes one day to paint might require two days of preparation. For DIY projects, preparation often takes even longer because you're learning techniques as you go. Plan to spend twice as much time on prep as on painting.

Q: Can I skip sanding if I use a bonding primer?

In most cases, yes. Bonding primers are specifically formulated to adhere to glossy surfaces chemically, eliminating the need for mechanical adhesion through sanding. According to Benjamin Moore product specs, their Fresh Start primer bonds to semi-gloss and even high-gloss surfaces without sanding. However, very rough or uneven existing paint still benefits from sanding to create a smooth substrate.

Q: Do I really need to remove all furniture from the room?

You don't need to remove all furniture, but you need to move it away from walls and cover it thoroughly. Professional painters typically move large furniture to the center of the room and wrap it with plastic sheeting. Removing small, light furniture entirely makes work easier and reduces risk of damage.

Q: What's the difference between spackling and joint compound?

Spackling compound is pre-mixed, dries quickly (usually 1-2 hours), and works well for small holes under 1 inch. Joint compound (also called drywall mud) is often bought as powder that you mix, takes longer to dry (4-24 hours), but works better for larger repairs and can be built up in layers. For most homeowner repairs, spackling is easier to use for nail holes and minor damage.

Q: How do I know if I need stain-blocking primer?

You need stain-blocking primer for any stains or discoloration you want to prevent from bleeding through new paint. This includes water stains (on ceilings or walls), smoke damage, marker or crayon marks, wood tannins bleeding through, or any previous stain that showed through past paint. According to paint manufacturer guidelines, if a stain is visible, it will bleed through standard primer and paint—you need stain-blocker.

Q: Should I paint in sections or do all prep first then all painting?

Professional painters typically complete all prep work before starting any painting. This prevents dust from prep work settling on freshly painted surfaces, ensures consistent workflow, and allows proper inspection of prep quality before paint application. The exception: very large projects where rooms can be phased completely (prep and paint room 1, then move to room 2).

Conclusion

Proper interior painting preparation determines whether your paint job looks professional and lasts for years or looks amateur and fails prematurely. The comprehensive checklist above—cleaning, repairing, sanding, priming, caulking, and inspecting—creates the foundation for beautiful, durable paint.

Yes, preparation takes time and effort. But it's not wasted time. It's the essential work that makes the painting step successful. Rushed or skipped preparation shows immediately in poor adhesion, visible imperfections, and finish quality that disappoints.

At Lamorinda Painting, we've been preparing and painting Bay Area homes since 2003. We know which prep steps matter in different situations, and we never cut corners. We're based in Lafayette and serve Lamorinda, the East Bay, and the greater Bay Area with high-quality painting services at affordable prices.

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Room with furniture covered and floors protected
Wall repair process (filling, sanding)
Primer application
Caulking trim gaps
Before/after of proper preparation

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