Interior Painting Tips from Sussex Pros – How to Prepare Your Home for a Flawless Finish

At R Drummond & Son, we understand that interior painting is more than just a fresh coat of paint – it's about creating a space you love. As trusted painters and decorators in Sussex since 1983, our family-run business has helped homeowners across Worthing, Brighton, and beyond achieve stunning results through careful preparation, professional techniques, and premium materials.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps you need to take before your painter arrives, as well as the insider tips we use to ensure every job is completed to the highest standards. If you're looking for interior painting in Sussex, this is your ultimate preparation checklist.

Why Preparation is Key to a Professional Finish

Interior painting isn't just about aesthetics – it's a key investment in your property's longevity and value. But without proper preparation, even the best paint won't adhere correctly or stand the test of time. Here's why prepping matters:

• Ensures smooth, even coverage

• Helps paint adhere properly to surfaces

• Reduces chances of peeling or blistering

• Saves time and money on touch-ups later

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to preparing your home like the Sussex pros at R Drummond & Son do it.

Step 1: Choose the Right Paint and Finish

Before we even pick up a brush, it’s vital to choose the correct type of paint for your space. The choice depends on:

• Room type: Kitchens and bathrooms need moisture-resistant paints

• Natural light: Lighter shades make rooms feel bigger and brighter

• Desired finish: Matte, eggshell, satin, or gloss?

At R Drummond & Son, we only use top-quality brands and offer expert advice on the perfect colour scheme and finish for your interiors.

Step 2: Clear and Protect the Space

Professional painters will always take care of your furniture, floors, and fittings. But preparing the space in advance helps speed things up:

• Remove furniture or move to the centre and cover with dust sheets

• Take down curtains, blinds, and wall decor

• Cover floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting

• Remove outlet covers and light switch plates

This protects your belongings and gives your Sussex decorators the space to work efficiently.

Step 3: Clean the Walls and Surfaces

Dust, grease, and grime prevent paint from sticking. A simple cleaning routine makes a world of difference:

• Use sugar soap to remove grease, especially in kitchens

• Wipe walls with a damp cloth

• Allow everything to dry thoroughly

We recommend this to all customers from Brighton to Worthing, especially in rental properties or homes with kids and pets.

Step 4: Fill and Repair Damaged Areas

Even the smallest imperfections will show up once painted. Take time to:

• Fill holes and cracks with Polyfilla or similar filler

• Sand the surface smooth after it dries

• Check for damp or mould spots and treat as necessary

Our professional decorators in Sussex always complete this step as part of our preparation.

Step 5: Tape Off Edges and Fixtures

Using painter's tape around:

• Skirting boards

• Window frames

• Light fittings and sockets

...ensures clean, crisp lines every time. This is one of the key differences between DIY and professional decorating.

Step 6: Prime Where Needed

Some surfaces need a primer coat:

• Bare plaster

• Patched areas

• Stains or water damage

A primer helps even out porosity and enhances paint adhesion, especially in older Sussex homes.

Step 7: Ventilate the Space

Open windows where possible, and keep the room well-ventilated throughout the job. This helps:

• Speed up drying

• Reduce strong paint smells

• Minimise condensation on walls

Our Brighton decorators often work in seafront properties where moisture levels are higher, making this step essential.

FAQs from Sussex Homeowners

Q: Do I need to be home while the painters work? A: Not at all! Many clients give us access and come home to a freshly painted home.

Q: How long will interior painting take? A: It depends on the room size and prep work, but most single rooms take 1–2 days.

Q: Do you paint rental properties and holiday lets? A: Yes, we specialise in rental redecoration and offer fast turnaround for landlords across Sussex.

Q: Are your painters fully insured? A: Absolutely. Learn more about us here.

Why Choose R Drummond & Son for Your Interior Painting?

• Over 40 years of experience

• Local, family-run business

• Trusted across Brighton, Worthing, Hove, Shoreham, and beyond

• Rated 5.0 on Facebook

• Excellent reviews and repeat customers

• Fully insured, free quotes, no mess

Check our full list of → areas we cover

Book Your Interior Painter in Sussex Today

We offer free, no-obligation quotes for homeowners, landlords, and businesses across East and West Sussex. Whether you need one room or a whole house, we're here to help.

✅ Friendly Local Service✅ Fully Insured & Reliable✅ Expert Prep & Finish

Call now or request a free quote via our contact form.

Follow Us Online

• Google Business Listing →

• Facebook Reviews & Photos →

Looking for More Decorating Advice?

Explore our full list of decorating services or browse more blog posts for expert tips.

R Drummond & Son – Interior & Exterior Painting in Sussex Since 1983 Fully Insured | Excellent Reviews | Free Quotes

Visit Our Homepage | Get a free quote today!