Introduction

A fresh coat of paint can transform your space—inside or out—but the secret to a beautiful, long-lasting finish isn’t just in the brushwork or the color choice. It all starts with prep work.

At Mountain Valley Painting and Epoxy Flooring, we’ve seen it all—peeling walls, bubbling paint, flaking trim—and in almost every case, the root cause comes down to poor preparation. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or hiring professionals, proper prep can mean the difference between a paint job that lasts 2 years… and one that lasts 10.

Here are the top 5 prep tips every homeowner should know before painting begins.

1. Clean the Surfaces Thoroughly

Why it matters:
Paint doesn’t stick well to dust, grease, or mildew. Painting over dirty surfaces leads to poor adhesion, uneven coverage, and early failure. Even if the surface looks “clean,” it may still be covered in fine particles or oils from hands or cooking.

What to do:

• Wash interior walls with a mild detergent and warm water

• Use a degreaser for kitchen walls and trim

• For exteriors, pressure wash siding to remove dirt, mold, and pollen

Pro Tip: Let the surface dry completely before painting—especially on exteriors, where lingering moisture can cause bubbling and peeling.

2. Repair Cracks, Holes, and Imperfections

Why it matters:
Even small dents or nail holes can ruin the final look. Worse, cracks in drywall or stucco can let moisture in, leading to bigger issues down the line.

What to do:

• Fill small holes with spackle or patching compound

• Sand patched areas smooth after drying

• Replace damaged caulk around windows, baseboards, and trim

• For larger repairs, consider using drywall tape or joint compound

Pro Tip: Shine a flashlight across the wall at an angle—it reveals flaws the eye might miss.

3. Sand Glossy or Uneven Surfaces

Why it matters:
Paint needs a slightly rough surface to grip. Glossy or uneven textures can prevent proper adhesion and result in peeling or visible ridges.

What to do:

• Lightly sand glossy finishes (like oil-based trim) with 120-150 grit sandpaper

• Feather out rough patches or old drips from previous paint jobs

• Wipe away dust with a tack cloth after sanding

Pro Tip: Don’t skip sanding between primer and final coats—especially on cabinets or trim. It helps create a silky-smooth, pro-quality finish.

4. Use the Right Primer for the Job

Why it matters:
Primer creates a uniform base for paint and helps it adhere better. It also seals stains, prevents bleed-through, and improves color coverage.

When to use primer:

• Painting over dark or bold colors

• Switching between paint types (e.g., oil to latex)

• Painting new drywall, raw wood, or repaired areas

• Dealing with water stains or smoke damage

Pro Tip: Use stain-blocking primer on ceilings or near fireplaces to prevent yellowing.

5. Protect Floors, Furniture, and Fixtures

Why it matters:
A beautiful paint job can be overshadowed by drips on hardwood, splatter on furniture, or roller marks on light switches.

What to do:

• Cover floors with canvas drop cloths (not plastic, which can be slippery)

• Use painter’s tape to protect trim, outlets, and edges

• Remove light switch plates, outlet covers, and vent grilles

• Move furniture to the center of the room and cover with sheets

Pro Tip: Spend time taping carefully—it saves hours of cleanup later.

Bonus: Let the Experts Handle It

Prepping properly takes time, tools, and know-how. If you’d rather skip the hassle (and the mess), hire the pros. At Mountain Valley Painting, we include comprehensive prep as part of every job—from pressure washing and patching to sanding and priming.

That’s how we deliver paint jobs that look amazing and hold up for years—even in Utah’s harsh climate.

Conclusion: Prep Makes Perfect

The difference between a flawless, long-lasting paint job and a frustrating redo often comes down to what happens before the paint even touches the wall. Whether you’re painting a bedroom, a garage floor, or your home’s exterior, these prep tips are the foundation for success.

Don’t cut corners—prep right, and paint once.

And if you want it done right the first time, Mountain Valley Painting and Epoxy Flooring is ready to help. Contact us today for a free quote or consultation.