Painting Prep Services in Tacoma
Preparing homes and businesses for fresh coats of paint, from Old Town to South Tacoma
Achieving a great paint finish in Tacoma begins with ensuring that the surfaces are conducive to the desired outcome. Between older houses that have endured many seasons, frequent moisture, a hilly landscape, and tightly spaced neighborhoods, the city has its share of challenges when it comes to maintenance and upkeep.
That’s why proper preparation is one of the key differences between a paint job that lasts and one that will need a refresh by next fall. Paint-Right Painting LLC provides a range of painting prep services because we know firsthand how they essential they are to a complete paint job.
Preparing Tacoma Homes, the Right Way
Tacoma has no shortage of character, but that character often comes with extra prep needs. Craftsman homes, early 1900s builds, and mid-century houses frequently require some attention before painting can begin.
We commonly help Tacoma homeowners with:
- Treating and removing moss or algae from moisture-prone siding
- Scraping and sanding peeling paint caused by long-term exposure
- Repairing soft or damaged trim near rooflines and gutters
- Caulking older windows and joints to prevent future water intrusion
These steps are essential in Tacoma’s climate, where damp winters and shaded lots can quickly compromise unprepared surfaces.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is often the first step of painting prep in Tacoma for exterior painting projects. We use it to remove built-up grime, moss, and loose paint so new coatings can adhere properly.
In neighborhoods with tree cover or limited sun exposure, pressure washing is especially important for:
- Siding that stays damp for long periods
- Trim and fascia near roof runoff
- Areas where moss returns quickly year after year
This process sets the foundation for everything that follows and helps extend the life of the finished paint job.
Carpentry Repairs and Surface Fixes
Painting prep often reveals issues that need to be addressed before paint can do its job. Our carpentry and repair services focus on the small-to-medium fixes that directly impact durability and appearance.
This can include:
- Replacing rotted trim or fascia boards
- Repairing damaged siding sections
- Tightening loose exterior boards
- Fixing interior baseboards, casings, or small framing issues
These repairs are especially common in Tacoma’s older homes, where moisture exposure and settling can create hidden problems that shouldn’t be painted over.
Drywall Repair
Interior painting prep often requires drywall work to create smooth, paint-ready walls. We handle common drywall repairs that come up before repainting, including:
- Patching nail holes, dents, and cracks
- Repairing water-damaged drywall
- Fixing ceiling damage from old fixtures or leaks
- Matching existing wall and ceiling textures
Addressing these issues ahead of time ensures your finished paint looks clean and intentional, not rushed or patched together.
Selective Demolition
In some cases, painting prep requires removing damaged materials entirely. Our selective demolition services take care of partial tear-outs that don’t require a full remodel.
Some examples include:
- Removing rotted porch steps or trim
- Tearing out damaged siding sections
- Clearing old sheds or exterior structures before painting
When demolition creates debris or large material removal, our
Tacoma-area junk removal services can handle hauling and cleanup so the project stays on track.
Gutter Cleaning
Clogged or overflowing gutters can undo even the best paint job. we often recommend gutter cleaning before new exterior paint is applied to prevent water from spilling onto siding, trim, and other freshly painted surfaces.
This step is particularly important in areas with:
- Heavy tree coverage
- Older gutter systems
- Rooflines that direct water toward painted surfaces
Proper gutter flow will help protect your home’s structural integrity long after painting is complete, making it a key step to painting prep as well as a key step in essential home maintenance in the PNW.
From Prep to Paint: Ready for the Next Step
Once prep is complete, your home is ready for the next step. Our painting prep services are designed to flow directly into professional painting, whether the project is interior, exterior, or both.
If you’re ready to move forward, visit our Tacoma painting services page to learn more about the painting process and finish options available once prep work is complete. For a broader look at our local services, you can also return to our Tacoma service area page to learn more.
Start With the Right Foundation
Good paint starts with good prep. If you’re planning a painting project in Tacoma and want surfaces that are truly ready for long-term results, we’re happy to help you plan the right approach from the beginning.



