How To Prep Walls for Interior Painting

Most homeowners think a beautiful paint job comes down to one thing: the paint itself. But the truth is, the secret to smooth, professional-looking walls is all in the prep work.

At EZ Paint, prep isn’t a quick step — it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether we’re refreshing a bedroom, repairing a high-traffic hallway, or transforming a full home, we follow a detailed, proven process to ensure every wall looks flawless when the final coat goes on.

Here’s exactly how we prep walls so your space looks clean, modern, and professionally finished.

1. Full Inspection of Every Wall

Before we touch a brush or roller, we walk the entire space and inspect:

• Dents, scratches, nail pops

• Cracks or separation lines

• Peeling or bubbling areas

• Water stains

• Previous patchwork

• High-touch zones that need extra sanding

• Trim, edges, and corners

  
  

This helps us understand what level of prep is required and ensures nothing gets missed.

2. Cleaning the Surface

Paint sticks best to a clean surface.

We remove:

• Dust

• Grease marks

• Residue

• Cobwebs

• Oils around switches and doors

  
  

A clean wall means the primer and paint will bond properly and last longer.

3. Filling Holes & Repairing Imperfections

This is where the transformation really begins.

We repair:

• Nail holes

• Dents and dings

• Stress cracks

• Gaps in trim or baseboards

• Uneven old patchwork

  
  

Depending on the wall, we may use:

• Lightweight patching compound

• Professional-grade sheetrock mud

• Caulking for trim gaps

• Skim coating for rough or textured sections

  
  

Every repair is sanded smooth so it disappears completely under the paint.

4. Sanding for a Smooth, Even Surface

Sanding is one of the most important steps in wall prep — and also one of the most overlooked by cheap painting companies.

At EZ Paint, we:

• Sand every repair spot

• Feather the edges

• De-gloss shiny areas

• Lightly sand entire walls if needed

  
  

This ensures the wall feels smooth to the touch and avoids patch marks showing through the final coat.

5. Priming the Walls

Primer creates a uniform surface that helps the final colour look richer and last longer.

We always prime:

• Any patched area

• Walls going from dark to light

• Stained or uneven surfaces

• Glossy or oil-based finishes

• New drywall

• High-moisture areas

  
  

Priming prevents flashing, blotching, and dull spots — keeping the final finish consistent.

6. Masking & Protecting the Space

Before we start painting, we prep the room by:

• Covering floors

• Taping trim and baseboards

• Removing outlet covers where needed

• Protecting furniture and fixtures

• Isolating edges for clean lines

  
  

This is how we achieve those crisp edges and spotless floors our clients love.

7. Final Touches Before Paint Goes On

Before the first coat, we do a final check to ensure everything is perfect:

• No dust left on walls

• No patch edges showing

• No missed cracks

• Smoothness across all surfaces

• Proper drying time for repairs and primer

  
  

Only when the wall passes the inspection do we start applying paint.

Why EZ Paint Is Obsessed With Prep

Because prep determines everything:

• How smooth your walls look

• How long the paint lasts

• Whether imperfections show through

• How clean the final result feels

• How professional the room looks

  
  

Lots of painters rush through prep. We don’t — because the finish speaks for itself.

Prep is where quality happens, and it’s why EZ Paint finishes stand out in every home we touch.

Thinking About Repainting Your Home?

Whether it’s one room, a full interior refresh, or a pre-sale update, EZ Paint makes the process simple:

1. Send us photos, or have us come out to inspect

2. Get a clear, transparent quote

3. Choose your colours

4. We handle the rest — you enjoy the flawless finish