The 80/20 Rule of Painting
Professional painters know the secret: great paint jobs come from great prep. We typically spend 60-80% of project time on preparation, not rolling paint.
Essential Prep Steps
1. Surface Cleaning
- Remove dust, cobwebs, and grease
- Clean walls with TSP or degreaser in kitchens
- Wipe down baseboards and trim
Professional interior painting
Clear scope, accurate dimensions, and job-site photos help any project move faster. For current ASB work, that usually means welding, fabrication, gates, railings, stairs, and repair across Central Kentucky.
2. Repair Work
- Fill nail holes and small dents with spackle
- Address cracks with mesh tape and joint compound
- Sand rough patches smooth
- Prime repairs before painting
3. Caulking
- Seal gaps between trim and walls
- Fill cracks at corners and ceiling lines
- Use paintable caulk (not silicone)
4. Protection
- Remove outlet covers and switch plates
- Tape edges with quality painter's tape
- Cover floors with drop cloths
- Move or cover furniture
Common DIY Mistakes
We often repaint rooms where shortcuts were taken:
- Painting over wallpaper (bubbles and peels)
- Skipping primer on repairs (flashing)
- Using cheap tape (bleed-through)
- Insufficient coats (visible roller marks)
Paint Selection Tips
For Central Kentucky homes:
- Flat - Ceilings and low-traffic areas
- Eggshell - Living rooms and bedrooms
- Satin - Kitchens, bathrooms, trim
- Semi-gloss - High-traffic areas, doors
When to Hire a Pro
Consider professional painting when:
- Ceilings are high or vaulted
- Walls need significant repair
- Lead paint might be present (pre-1978 homes)
- Time is limited
Request a painting quote - we'll confirm scope and prep needs.
Ready to Get Started?
If you have a live metalwork scope, we're here to help with welding, fabrication, gates, railings, stairs, and repair work across Nicholasville, Lexington, and Central Kentucky.
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Use this article as planning reference, then contact ASB for active welding, fabrication, gate, railing, stair, and repair work across Nicholasville, Lexington, and Central Kentucky.