A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look and feel of your home — but the success of a painting project depends not only on the skill of the painters but also on how well the home is prepared beforehand.
At Mountain Valley Painting, we want every project to go smoothly and produce stunning results. If you’re planning to refresh your home’s interior or exterior, here are 6 essential tips to help you prepare for a professional paint job.
1. Choose Your Colors Ahead of Time
One of the most exciting parts of any painting project is selecting the colors that will define your space. However, waiting until the painters arrive to make a decision can cause delays.
Tips for selecting paint colors:
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Test Samples: Always test a few paint samples on your walls. Paint colors can look different depending on lighting and room size.
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Consider the Mood: Soft neutrals create a calm environment, while bold colors add energy and drama.
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Think About Flow: Make sure the colors you choose for different rooms complement each other.
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Ask for Advice: At Mountain Valley Painting, we can offer expert guidance on color trends and timeless palettes that will suit your home perfectly.
Deciding on your colors in advance will keep your project moving smoothly and ensure you’ll love the final results.
2. Clear the Area
To help your painters work efficiently and to protect your belongings, it’s important to clear as much space as possible before the project begins.
Here’s what you should do:
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Move Furniture: Shift large pieces to the center of the room, or better yet, remove them entirely if possible.
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Take Down Wall Décor: Remove paintings, photos, mirrors, and shelves from the walls.
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Store Valuables Safely: Items like vases, electronics, and collectibles should be moved to a safe area.
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Remove Curtains and Rugs: These items can attract dust and paint splatters, so it’s best to take them down.
At Mountain Valley Painting, our team is always careful and respectful of your home, but prepping ahead of time helps us do the best possible job!
3. Repair Minor Wall Damage
Professional painters can often fix minor imperfections as part of the prep process, but it’s helpful if you address obvious issues ahead of time to keep the project on schedule.
Look for:
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Small holes from nails or screws
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Minor cracks or dents
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Areas with peeling or flaking paint
Spackling holes and sanding rough spots creates a smooth canvas for your new paint. If you’re not sure how to handle repairs, don’t worry — Mountain Valley Painting offers surface preparation as part of many projects, ensuring the walls are clean, smooth, and ready to be transformed.
4. Clean the Surfaces
Paint sticks best to clean surfaces. Dirt, dust, and grease can prevent paint from adhering properly, which can lead to peeling or an uneven finish over time.
Important areas to clean:
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Walls (especially kitchens and bathrooms where grime can build up)
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Baseboards and moldings
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Window frames and door trim
A simple wipe-down with a mild soap solution and clean water can make a big difference. For exterior projects, Mountain Valley Painting often performs power washing as part of our prep services to ensure surfaces are fully ready.
5. Make a Plan for Kids and Pets
While painting is underway, it’s important to keep kids and pets safely away from the work area. Not only can wet paint be irresistible to curious little hands (and paws), but moving ladders, tools, and paint cans can create hazards.
Tips:
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Arrange for pets to stay with a friend, family member, or in a separate room.
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Set clear boundaries for children and explain which areas are off-limits.
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Discuss any special accommodations needed with the painting team ahead of time.
At Mountain Valley Painting, your family’s safety is a top priority, and we are happy to work with you to make the process smooth and worry-free.
6. Communicate with Your Painting Team
Clear communication is the key to a successful painting project. Before the first brush stroke, make sure you and your painters are on the same page regarding:
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Which rooms or surfaces will be painted
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Specific color choices and finishes (e.g., matte, satin, gloss)
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Any repairs or extra prep work required
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Project timelines and access to your home
At Mountain Valley Painting, we pride ourselves on open communication. We’ll review the project plan with you in detail before getting started, so you always know what to expect.
Bonus Tip: Trust the Experts at Mountain Valley Painting
Preparing your home properly is crucial — but having a team of skilled, reliable painters makes all the difference.
Why choose Mountain Valley Painting?
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Over 17 years of experience delivering top-quality results across Salt Lake City and surrounding areas
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Full-service residential and commercial painting
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Expert surface preparation to ensure long-lasting beauty
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Friendly, knowledgeable team committed to customer satisfaction
When you partner with Mountain Valley Painting, you can relax knowing your home is in the best hands.
Ready for a Fresh Start? Contact Mountain Valley Painting Today!
Whether you’re updating a single room or giving your entire home a makeover, a little preparation goes a long way in achieving amazing results.
If you’re ready to transform your space with professional, high-quality painting, Mountain Valley Painting is here to help!
👉 Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s bring your vision to life.