--- title: "Building a Solid Foundation: Understanding the Significance of Prep Work in Painting" description: It's a given that prep work should be done before painting interiors, exteriors, cabinets, or decks, but little prep work by contractors in Omaha is not enough. Read for reasons that detailed and constant prep work is crucial for painting projects. image: https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/IMG_5996.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/significance-of-prep-work-in-painting#maincontent) [ «  Learning Center ](https://brushandrollpainting.com/learning-center) # Building a Solid Foundation: Understanding the Significance of Prep Work in Painting June 26th, 2023 2 min read By [Kaylea Kuhlman](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) ![](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_5996.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_5996.jpg) The prep work should be at least half of the work of any painting project. As a residential painter in Omaha, NE, at Brush & Roll Painting we believe any painting job is only as good as the prep. This is why our proven process always includes detailed prep work like no other.  Any kind of painting service is a big investment, whether it's painting bathroom walls or a whole house exterior, paint is intended to add value to your home. Detailed prep work is the foundation to durable work that can be carefree for years.  Like building a house, decorating a cake, or playing with building blocks, you have to begin with a solid foundation. To obtain a solid foundation for the paint to be applied onto, it has to be thoroughly cleaned, imperfections need to be repaired, and the surface needs to be sanded and primed.  Without any of these steps, the paint will fail and the value will be taken away from your home.  - If the surface is not cleaned, it will show through the paint. - If the damages are not repaired, the paint will sink in and it will be like the damages never left. - If the surface is not sanded, it will not be smooth.  - If the surface is not primed, the paint won't have good adhesion. The amount of prep work depends on the condition of the surface. Some projects might need cleaned or sanded more, while others don't. But in general, the 4 steps remain constant.  Keep reading to dive into the prep work steps for different surfaces. ## Cabinet Refinishing prep work ![Hart In Progress 26](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hart%20In%20Progress%2026.jpg?width=280&height=373&name=Hart%20In%20Progress%2026.jpg)       *The cabinet door is being cleaned and rough **areas are removed with a sander.*       Cabinet refinishing prep work is crucial for durable cabinets. Cabinets are the main feature of a kitchen and typically get used quite often.  Prep work for cabinets needs to be thorough. Each surface of cabinets; boxes, drawers, and doors, needs delicate and detailed work.  [![Crucial Steps That Make or Break Your Cabinet Refinishing Project](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/6838e05e-9fe7-4d00-8d97-3979213135ec.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/6838e05e-9fe7-4d00-8d97-3979213135ec) ## Exterior Painting prep work ![IMG_5996](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_5996.jpg?width=399&height=299&name=IMG_5996.jpg) *The exterior is being caulked in areas with nail holes and gaps in the siding.* Prep work for exterior painting is on a whole different level- as most houses are.  Because of their size, exteriors can take a while to prep, but each step makes the final result worth it. Cleaning alone takes a full day. Power washing the home as the first step is the definition of a clean slate.  Exteriors also call for caulking in many areas. Cracks, nail pops, blisters, you name it. Caulk fills in these imperfections so the paint can be applied seamlessly to the surface.  [![Importance of Exterior Prep Work for Lasting Paint](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/52153a45-5192-45b5-b894-90c562e165c0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/52153a45-5192-45b5-b894-90c562e165c0) ## Interior Painting prep work ![Untitled design (3)-1](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(3)-1.png?width=413&height=216&name=Untitled%20design%20(3)-1.png)*The baseboards is masked off, protecting the walls and floor from fresh paint.* Prep work for interior painting isn't as extensive as other projects, but still important. Interior painting prep work makes all the difference from messy work to seamless and clean.  [![The Power of Interior Painting Prep Work](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/31550d19-f41a-42a0-8a41-f032502585e5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/31550d19-f41a-42a0-8a41-f032502585e5) ## Deck Staining prep work ![IMG_5979](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_5979.jpg?width=371&height=278&name=IMG_5979.jpg)   *The deck is sanded and the railing is masked off, ready for wood stain.* Wood on decks will not hold a stain without prep. Without important steps like sanding, decks the stain won't adhere to the wood. [![Best Process for A Lasting Deck Stain](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/91411531-af6e-41a5-9f1b-5abf3899febf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/91411531-af6e-41a5-9f1b-5abf3899febf) [ Kaylea Kuhlman ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) Kaylea is the Content Manager at Brush & Roll Painting, where she leads the company’s marketing strategy, content creation, and brand messaging. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and a minor in Marketing, combining strong writing skills with a clear understanding of how to connect with homeowners. Since joining Brush & Roll Painting at the end of 2022, Kaylea has played a key role in shaping how the company communicates with its customers. She works closely with the team to turn real, on-the-job experience into helpful, easy-to-understand content that answers the questions homeowners are already asking. Her approach focuses on clarity, honesty, and making sure people feel confident before starting a painting project. Kaylea’s work helps bridge the gap between technical painting knowledge and everyday decision-making. Whether it’s explaining the difference between paint finishes, helping homeowners choose the right cabinet color, or breaking down what to expect from a professional painting process, her goal is always the same: to make the process feel simple and stress-free. Topics Kaylea Covers: Kaylea writes and creates content across all areas of residential painting, including: -Interior painting (walls, ceilings, trim, and woodwork) -Exterior painting and maintenance -Cabinet painting and refinishing -Deck staining and wood care -Paint colors, finishes, and design decisions -What to expect when hiring a professional painter -Common homeowner questions, concerns, and mistakes to avoid Her content is designed to give homeowners clear answers, set realistic expectations, and help them make confident decisions about their home. Topics: [ Pro Tips ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/pro-tips) [ Cabinets & Woodwork ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/cabinets-woodwork) [ Deck & Fence ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/deck-fence) [ Hiring A Painter ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/hiring-a-painter) [ Exterior Painting ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/exterior-painting) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [![Exterior of house in Omaha, NE with a ladder against it in the process of being painted by Brush & Roll Painting.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Havens%20during%201.jpg?width=1280&height=721&name=Havens%20during%201.jpg) ### 9 Things To Do Before Exterior House Painting July 6th, 2026|2 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/9-things-to-do-before-exterior-house-painting-omaha) [![Basement kitchen with a fresh black paint color and smooth finish on cabinets in a home in Omaha, nE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4532.jpeg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_4532.jpeg) ### 9 Mistakes for Choosing a Cabinet Paint Color & Finish June 26th, 2026|2 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/mistakes-for-choosing-a-cabinet-paint-color-finish) [![Caulk on the outside of a home before painting in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6018.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_6018.jpg) ### Why Your Exterior Caulk Is Cracking After One Year June 22nd, 2026|2 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-your-exterior-caulk-is-cracking-after-one-year) [![Wall of paint color swatches in a hardware store for homeowners to pick paint colors in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jun-19-2026-02-22-33-4456-PM.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jun-19-2026-02-22-33-4456-PM.png) ### Why Paint Chips Don’t Match Your Actual Paint June 19th, 2026|2 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-paint-chips-dont-match-your-actual-paint) [![Wall with imperfections with brown paint before painting again in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Burnham%20Before%201-1.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=Burnham%20Before%201-1.jpg) ### Why Do My Walls Look Worse After DIY Painting? 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