What professional preparation involves
When a decorator quotes for a room, a large part of the time is preparation. That usually includes:
- Moving and covering furniture and floors
- Removing or masking switch plates, sockets and fittings
- Washing down walls, especially in kitchens
- Filling cracks, holes and dents
- Sanding filler and any rough areas
- Caulking gaps between woodwork and walls
- Spot-priming stains and bare patches
What you can do to help
There are things you can do that save time without affecting the quality of the finish:
- Clear the room of ornaments, pictures, books and small items
- Move as much furniture as possible out of the room
- Take down curtains, blinds and pictures (and remove the hooks if you won't use them again)
- Choose colours early and test samples
- Fix any leaks or damp problems before the painter arrives
- Arrange for electrical or plastering work to be done first
Damp, stains and cracks
If there's damp or mould, the cause must be fixed first. Painting over damp will fail. Stains from water or smoke need a stain-blocking primer. Large or recurring cracks may need a plasterer rather than a decorator. Our guide to damp and mould before painting explains more.
Rather leave it to a professional?
New plaster
If you've had walls plastered, they need to dry fully before painting – often several weeks depending on thickness and conditions. New plaster also needs a mist coat. See our guide to painting new plaster.
How preparation affects the price
Rooms with lots of cracks, holes or damage take longer and cost more. A decorator can usually give you an idea of how much preparation is needed when they visit. If you want to save money, focus on clearing the room and making decisions early – not on doing the filling yourself.
Our guide to preparing your home for a decorator covers the practical side, and you can get quotes from local interior decorators.
