What Good Paint Prep Actually Looks Like

Most of a great interior paint job happens before the first coat. Good prep means protecting your floors and furniture, masking trim and fixtures, filling nail holes and dents, caulking gaps, sanding glossy surfaces, and priming bare or patched spots. Skip those steps and the paint shows every flaw underneath and starts failing early. Do them right and the finish looks flawless and holds up for years. When you get a painting quote, ask what prep is included. The answer tells you almost everything about how the job will turn out.