Hiring professional painters is a straightforward process — but what you do before they arrive can make a real difference to how smoothly the job runs and the quality of the final result.
Here's a practical checklist for homeowners getting ready for a painting project in Sydney.
1. Clear the Area to Be Painted
For interior painting, move furniture away from walls — ideally to the centre of the room or to another area of the house. You don't need to empty the room entirely, but painters need clear access to all surfaces.
Remove or relocate:
- Wall hangings, artwork and mirrors
- Light switches and power point covers (your painter can do this, but it helps to have them removed)
- Small furniture, lamps and decorative items near walls
2. Communicate Any Surface Issues Beforehand
Walk through the areas to be painted before work begins and point out anything you want addressed:
- Cracks or holes in walls
- Water damage or stains
- Mould spots that need treatment
- Areas where old paint is peeling or bubbling
A professional painter will address these as part of the preparation process — but knowing about them in advance means they can bring the right materials and allow sufficient time in the schedule.
3. Secure Your Pets
Dogs and cats can be a hazard on painting sites. Paint fumes are harmful to animals, and an excited pet in a freshly painted room is not a good combination. Arrange for pets to stay in a separate area or with a friend or family member during the project.
4. Protect Flooring You're Keeping
Professional painters use drop sheets, but it's worth protecting any flooring you're particularly concerned about — especially polished timber or carpet near doorways. Let your painter know if there are any surfaces that need extra care.
5. Plan for Access and Parking
Painters will arrive with equipment, ladders and sometimes scaffolding. Make sure there's clear access to the property and — where possible — a parking spot nearby for the team's vehicle. For exterior jobs especially, this makes a real difference to how efficiently the day runs.
6. Plan Your Schedule Around the Project
For interior painting, some areas of your home will be off-limits during and immediately after painting while surfaces dry. For a full interior repaint, it helps to plan around this — especially if you have children or work from home.
Ask your painter for a realistic timeline before the job starts so you can plan accordingly.
7. Check the Weather Forecast for Exterior Jobs
Exterior painting in Sydney is weather-dependent. Paint needs to be applied in dry conditions and allowed to cure properly. Your painter will manage the schedule around the forecast, but it's worth being aware that rain or extreme heat may affect timing.
8. Discuss Colour and Finish Before Work Starts
If you haven't already locked in your colour selections, do this before the painters arrive — not on the day. Last-minute colour changes cause delays and can affect the scope and cost of the job.
If you're unsure about colours, Prisma Coatings can assist with colour consultation before the project begins.
A Well-Prepared Home Makes for a Better Result
The more prepared your home is before work begins, the more efficiently your painters can work — which means a cleaner result and less disruption to your household.
If you're planning a painting project in Sydney and want to discuss how to prepare for your specific property, get in touch with the Prisma Coatings team for a free consultation.
