The 43 Steps Zooby Takes to Protect Your Home

You don’t need to know every step, but you should know they’re being done.

Here’s a preview of what most painters skip:

• Detailed surface inspection
• Moisture and adhesion testing
• Patch and repair all flaws
• Sand and smooth all surfaces
• Prime where required by the material
• Apply two coats with proper drying time
• Inspect all work under varied lighting
• Daily cleanup, complete protection, zero mess

Every job is logged. Every crew is trained. Every detail matters.

Surface Preparation (Interior and Exterior)

1. Conduct an initial walk-through with the homeowner or site manager.
   
   
   
2. Identify areas of concern and required repairs.
   
   
   
3. Move or cover furniture and belongings.

4. Protect the flooring with drop cloths or plastic.

5. Mask off windows, doors, hardware, and fixtures.

6. Remove switch plates and outlet covers.

7. Scrape loose or peeling paint.

8. Sand rough or glossy surfaces

9. Clean surfaces to remove dust, grease, and contaminants

10. Repair cracks, holes, and surface defects

11. Caulk gaps in trim and molding

12. Spot prime repaired areas

13. Seal water stains and problematic areas.

14. Test adhesion where necessary

15. Confirm all surfaces are clean, dry, and ready for primer.

Priming and Sealing

16. Apply primer to all bare wood or patched areas
    
    
17. Use an appropriate primer for surface type (wood, drywall, masonry)
    
    
18. Prime all new drywall or significant repairs
    
    
19. Ensure proper drying time before topcoat

Painting – First Coat

20. Choose the correct paint for the surface and conditions
    
    
21. Apply first coat using brush, roller, or sprayer as appropriate
    
    
22. Cut in edges and corners carefully
    
    
23. Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks
    
    
24. Inspect for coverage and consistency
    
    
25. Allow proper drying time per manufacturer specs

Inspection and Light Repairs

26. Inspect all surfaces under varied lighting
    
    
27. Address any missed spots or defects
    
    
28. Lightly sand surfaces to smooth imperfections
    
    
29. Clean dust from sanding before the final coat

Painting – Final Coat

30. Apply the second coat with the same method and care
    
    
31. Re-cut the edges for clean lines
    
    
32. Check for uniformity and complete coverage
    
    
33. Allow for full drying and curing

Cleanup and Detailing

34. Remove all masking materials carefully
    
    
35. Reinstall switch plates, outlet covers, and hardware
    
    
36. Touch up edges and corners where needed
    
    
37. Clean floors and work areas
    
    
38. Remove debris, trash, and equipment
    
    
39. Walk through and inspect with the customer or manager
    
    
40. Address any concerns immediately
    
    
41. Provide a touch-up kit if requested
    
    
42. Review warranty terms and post-project care
    
    
43. Collect final approval and signature