How To Prepare Your Surfaces For Painting

A professional paint job isn’t just about the colour you choose — it’s about the preparation that happens before the first coat even touches the wall. At Allure Painting, we know that careful surface preparation is what separates a flawless finish from a patchy one. Whether you’re refreshing a room or repainting your home’s exterior, here’s what goes into getting that smooth, lasting result.

Step 1: Clean the Surface

Before any paint can properly adhere, surfaces must be clean, dry and free of dust, grease, or mould. For interiors, this might mean wiping down walls with sugar soap or a mild detergent. Exteriors, on the other hand, often need a pressure wash to remove built-up grime, cobwebs, and chalky paint residue.

Skipping this step can cause new paint to peel or bubble — something no one wants to see a few months after finishing a project.

Step 2: Repair and Patch Imperfections

Once clean, it’s time to inspect for cracks, holes, and damage.

For plasterboard walls, apply filler or patching compound, then sand smooth.
For exteriors, repair flaking paint, fill cracks with flexible exterior filler, and replace any rotting timber.

A smooth, even surface helps paint spread beautifully and ensures an even sheen once dry.

Step 3: Sand and Smooth

Sanding isn’t the most glamorous part of painting, but it’s one of the most important. It helps remove rough patches, evens out old layers of paint, and creates a slightly rough texture for new paint to grip.
Use fine- to medium-grit sandpaper for walls and trim, and always remove sanding dust with a clean cloth or vacuum before priming.

Step 4: Prime Before You Paint

Primer is like the undercoat of a great finish — it seals porous surfaces, hides previous colours, and gives your new paint something solid to bond to.
Depending on the surface, you may need a specific primer:

Stain-blocking primer for smoke, mould, or water marks
Oil-based primer for timber
Acrylic primer for most interior walls and render

At Allure Painting, we always match the right primer to the surface for lasting results.

Step 5: Choose the Right Tools and Paint

Brush, roller or spray — each method has its place.

Brushes are perfect for trims and edges
Rollers offer even coverage for walls and ceilings
Spray applications are ideal for large exteriors or commercial spaces where speed and uniformity are key

We also use premium paint brands like Dulux and Taubmans that offer UV protection and weather resistance for Perth’s harsh sun.

Step 6: Apply Paint with Care

When applying paint:

Start from the top down, cutting in edges first
Use steady, even strokes
Apply two coats minimum, allowing the first to dry completely before the next

Good technique ensures consistent coverage, fewer visible brush marks, and a professional look that lasts.

Step 7: Finishing Touches and Cleanup

Once your last coat has dried, remove painter’s tape carefully, reattach fixtures, and step back to admire your work. Don’t forget to dispose of old paint responsibly or store it properly for future touch-ups.

At Allure Painting, we leave every home clean, tidy, and ready to enjoy — because a beautiful finish deserves a beautiful handover.

Ready to Refresh Your Space?

If you’d rather skip the sanding, patching, and priming, leave it to the professionals.
Allure Painting provides expert residential and commercial painting services across Perth, delivering finishes that stand the test of time.