The Importance of Paint Preparation - This Old House
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Prepare surfaces, test color and plan the job. Find practical guides, checklists, and next steps for painting. Find practical guides, checklists, and next.

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Why is proper surface preparation essential before painting?

 Updated July 2026 · 5 min read →

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The Importance of Paint Preparation - This Old House Painting

Why is proper surface preparation essential before painting?

Updated July 2026 · 5 min read →
Editorial illustration for How should I prepare walls and test paint colors before starting my painting project? Painting How should I prepare walls and test paint colors before starting my painting project? Updated July 2026 →

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The Importance of Paint Preparation - This Old House Painting

Why is proper surface preparation essential before painting?

Professional painters say prep work is 85% of the job. Here's what to clean, patch, sand, prime, and tape before a single brushstroke.

Updated July 2026 · 5 min read → Editorial illustration for How should I prepare walls and test paint colors before starting my painting project? Painting

How should I prepare walls and test paint colors before starting my painting project?

A practical walkthrough of wall prep and color testing, drawn from pro painters who say most of the work happens before the can opens.

Updated July 2026 · 7 min read →