Why Prep Work is 70% of a Quality Paint Job: Inside CertaPro’s Process
Posted on July 16, 2025
When it comes to painting, most people focus on the color. But if you ask any experienced professional, they’ll tell you the real secret behind a beautiful, long-lasting finish, something far less glamorous: prep work.
At CertaPro Painters®, we say it all the time: prep work is 70% of a quality paint job. That might sound like a lot, but after thousands of successful projects and happy customers, we’ve seen firsthand how surface preparation can make or break a paint job. In this article, we’ll show you exactly why prep matters so much and how our team gets it right, every time.
What is Paint Prep, Exactly?
Paint prep is everything that happens before the paint goes on the wall. That includes:
- Clean the surfaces
- Scraping and sanding peeling paint
- Repairing holes, cracks, or drywall damage
- Caulking gaps and seems
- Priming
Each of these steps ensures the surface is clean, dry, smooth, and ready to accept new paint. Skip any of them, and even the highest-quality paint won’t perform like it should.
Why Prep Work Makes or Breaks the Paint Job
1. Better Adhesion
Paint needs a solid surface to stick to. If the wall is dusty, oily, or flaking, the paint will eventually peel, bubble, or chip. Good prep work creates a clean, even surface for paint to grip, making for a stronger, longer-lasting finish.
2. A Smoother Appearance
Even small imperfections, like tiny nail holes or uneven textures, can show through fresh paint. Sanding and patching during prep removes these visual flaws so the end result looks flawless.
3. Longer Lifespan
Prep doesn’t just make your paint look better, it helps it last longer. Proper sealing, patching, and priming can protect surfaces from moisture and wear, helping your paint stay fresh for years.
How CertaPro Painters® Handles Prep Work
We don’t cut corners—especially during the prep phase. Here’s a look at what our process typically includes:
1. Inspection & Planning
Every job starts with a detailed walkthrough. We look for signs of previous paint failure, water damage, and structural issues that could affect the outcome.
2. Surface Cleaning
From pressure washing exteriors to wiping down interior walls, we remove dust, grime, and mildew so paint can adhere properly.
3. Scraping & Sanding
Loose or peeling paint is carefully removed. Then we sand rough areas to create a smooth transition between old and new surfaces.
4. Repairs
We fill nail holes, patch cracks, and fix minor drywall damage. For exterior jobs, we also replace rotted wood or damaged siding as needed.
5. Caulking
We apply caulk to close up gaps along trim, windows, and doors—keeping moisture and pests out and giving you a clean, sealed finish.
6. Priming
If the surface requires it, we apply primer to ensure even coverage and proper paint bonding.
Prep Work: Where Quality Paint Jobs Begin
It might be tempting to think of painting as the fun, colorful part of a home improvement project. But the truth is, paint only performs as well as the surface underneath it. At CertaPro Painters®, we understand that high-quality results come from high-quality paint and high-quality preparation.
Whether we’re painting a single room or the entire exterior of a home, we follow a proven process that prioritizes prep work first—because that’s what sets the stage for a beautiful, lasting finish.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about painting your home, don’t settle for shortcuts. Trust a team that takes the time to do it right from the ground up.
