Why Preparation Is the Most Important Part of Any Paint Job
Here's something we say to nearly every client: prep is where the real work happens. By the time we pick up a roller and start applying topcoats, the hard part is already done.
A topcoat can't fix what's underneath it. If the surface is dusty, glossy, cracked, or flaking, the new paint will fail — sometimes within months. We've been called in to repaint jobs where another tradesperson skipped prep entirely, and the new paint was already lifting after one Sydney summer.
What Proper Preparation Actually Looks Like
Every surface we paint goes through the same basic process, adjusted for the condition of the wall:
- Wash and degrease — Kitchen walls, bathroom ceilings, and any surface near cooking get a sugar-soap wash to remove grease and grime. Paint won't bond to a greasy surface.
- Scrape and sand — Flaking or peeling paint gets scraped back to a sound edge, then sanded smooth. We feather the edges so the repair disappears under the topcoat.
- Fill and patch — Nail holes, cracks, dents, and impact damage get filled with quality filler, then sanded flush. Bigger damage — like holes in plasterboard — needs a proper plaster patch rather than just filler.
- Prime — Bare patches, filler, and new plaster all need primer. It seals the surface and gives the topcoat something to grip. Different surfaces need different primers — there's no single product that does everything.
- Mask and protect — Drop sheets, masking tape on trims and fittings, and plastic over furniture. We protect your home like it's our own.
Why Painters Skip It
Prep is slow and no one sees it in the final photos. A painter quoting by the hour has every incentive to rush through it. A painter quoting a fixed price has an incentive to skip it entirely and apply more coats to hide the problems.
We quote fixed prices and we don't skip prep. Our view is simple: cutting corners here means the paint job fails earlier, the client is unhappy, and our reputation takes the hit. We'd rather spend an extra day filling and sanding than get a callback in six months.
What Happens When You Skip Prep
The failures show up in predictable ways:
- Peeling and flaking — paint applied over dust, grease, or glossy surfaces won't bond properly. It separates from the wall in sheets.
- Cracking — filler that wasn't properly dried or sanded cracks through the topcoat as it expands and contracts with temperature.
- Visible patches — filler and bare plaster absorb paint differently to sealed surfaces. Without primer, patch repairs show through as dull spots or colour variations.
- Bubbling — moisture trapped under paint (common in bathrooms without adequate ventilation) pushes the film off the wall.
The Bottom Line
If a quote seems too cheap, ask what prep is included. If the answer is vague — "we'll give it a light sand" — that's a red flag.
We include full preparation in every quote because it's not optional. It's the foundation of a paint job that actually lasts. Whether it's an exterior repaint, an interior repaint, or a full plaster and paint restoration, preparation is where we start — and it's the reason our finishes hold up year after year.