Preparation Checklist: Interior

Step 1

Before the Project

Submit your final paint colors.Email all selected colors, room names, and relevant notes to Liane at liane@agwilliamspainting.com before the project begins. If you are using multiple colors, labeling each color by room and surface can help prevent confusion.
Schedule a color consultation, if needed.If you would like help selecting colors, contact your sales representative or Liane to arrange a complimentary Sherwin-Williams color consultation. Viewing samples in the actual room at different times of day can also help you see how lighting affects the color.

Disconnect electronics.Disconnect wiring and cables from computers, televisions, stereos, and other electronics in the work area. Place remotes, cords, and small accessories in a labeled bag so they are easy to find after the project.
Remove wall-mounted televisions.Remove televisions from their brackets before our crew arrives. Reconnecting electronics is the client’s responsibility, so please arrange for assistance in advance if needed.

Mark areas for repair.Use a Post-it note or small piece of painter’s tape to identify cracks, holes, peeling areas, or other blemishes you would like addressed. You may also include brief instructions, such as “patch this hole” or “repair this crack,” for our crew.
Remove wall hangings.Take down pictures, artwork, mirrors, and other wall-mounted items in areas to be painted. Store the items and their hardware in labeled bags to make rehanging easier after the project.
Identify wall hardware.If you would like existing hardware to remain, remove the wall hanging but leave the hardware in place. If an item is being relocated, remove both the item and its hardware so we know which holes should be patched.
Clear horizontal surfaces.Remove items from counters, tabletops, dressers, shelves, and other surfaces in the work area. A clear workspace gives our crew safer and easier access to the surfaces being painted.
Empty closets being painted.Remove clothing and personal items from closets scheduled for painting. If only part of a closet is being painted, please clear enough space for the crew to work safely.

Empty cabinetry being painted.Remove all contents from cabinets, built-ins, and other cabinetry scheduled for painting. Keeping the contents in labeled boxes or bins can make it easier to put everything back in its proper place.
Relocate or secure large furniture.Move or secure large, delicate, or valuable items, such as grandfather clocks, pianos, and heirloom furniture, before work begins. If an item is too heavy or difficult to move, let us know in advance so we can help coordinate assistance.

Remove window treatments.Take down curtains, draperies, blinds, and other window treatments before our crew arrives. Keep rods, brackets, and other hardware together in a labeled container.

Secure pets.Arrange for pets to remain safely away from the work area throughout the project. Even friendly pets can become anxious around unfamiliar activity, open doors, ladders, and equipment. Please let your crew leader know about any pets, doors, gates, or special considerations.
Keep children away from active work areas.Establish a safe alternative area for children during the project and follow the crew leader’s instructions regarding access.
Plan for household comfort.We use low- and no-VOC products whenever appropriate. If anyone in your household is pregnant, has respiratory concerns, or is especially sensitive to odors, consider staying away from active work areas while painting is underway.

Provide current contact information.Share a phone number or other contact information where you can be reached throughout the project.
Report existing damage.Inform the crew leader about any existing damage before work begins, including damaged walls, trim, flooring, furniture, or other items near the work area. Taking a few photos of delicate or damaged items beforehand can also help document their existing condition.
Identify fragile items.Notify the crew of any broken glass, unstable objects, or delicate furniture near the work area.

Step 2

Complete a project walkthrough.Walk through the work area with the crew leader at the start of the project and again on the final day to review expectations, confirm rooms and colors, and discuss any areas requiring special attention.
Allow painted window sashes to dry.Do not operate freshly painted window sashes until they have dried for at least four hours with standard paint or eight hours with oil-based paint. Follow your crew leader’s instructions, as drying times may vary.
Communicate questions promptly.If you have a question or notice a concern during the project, speak with your crew leader so it can be addressed as soon as possible.