Start with a clean, dry and sound surface
The Sherwin-Williams preparation guide calls for a sound surface, removal of contamination and suitable treatment before finishing. The contractor should adapt that guidance to the material and selected products.
A wall with old adhesive, a glossy cabinet door and a weathered exterior are different starting points. Ask for the preparation to be described in ordinary terms so you can understand what the quote includes.
Record defects before they disappear under paint
Point out the areas you already know about: recurring cracks, stains, loose paint, old fixings or earlier patches. A dated photo and a short note about when the issue appeared can support the assessment.
Do not assume that covering a mark resolves its cause. If a surface is damp, loose or repeatedly failing, ask who will investigate it and whether painting should wait. Separate that decision from choosing a new color.
Interior and exterior preparation checklists
| Indoors | Outdoors |
|---|---|
| Furniture and belongings | Plants, paving and adjoining property |
| Floors, fixtures and hardware | Glazing, lights and other fixtures |
| Patches, adhesive and surface cleaning | Loose coating, contamination and repairs |
| Room access and daily cleanup | Equipment access and weather changes |
For both settings, record who performs each task. “Owner to prepare” is too vague if nobody has said what that means. Do not begin hazardous surface removal yourself simply to make the site ready.
Set the boundary between painting and repair
Cosmetic patching may fit the painter’s work; structural repairs, unresolved moisture and specialist remediation may not. Ask for those boundaries in writing.
For work disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes, EPA consumer guidance explains lead-safe renovation considerations. Ask an appropriately certified firm about the applicable requirements. House age alone does not establish whether lead paint is present.
Request painting help with the condition you can see. You do not need to diagnose the surface first.