Painting Preparation in Maidstone

A flawless paint finish doesn’t just happen — it’s the result of meticulous preparation.

At McKenzie Plastering & Decorating Service, we follow a step-by-step professional process to ensure your walls are perfectly finished and built to last.

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Preparation of Walls & Ceilings

    1.  Initial Inspection
    •    Walls and ceilings are checked for cracks, holes, stains, or loose plaster.
    •    Any issues are noted and addressed before painting begins.
    2.  Surface Repairs
    •    Cracks and holes are filled with professional fillers.
    •    Larger areas of damage are repaired or skimmed to create a smooth surface.
    •    Once dry, filler is sanded flat to blend seamlessly with the wall.
    3.  Sanding
    •    Walls are sanded to remove minor imperfections, rough patches, or old paint nibs.
    •    This creates a smooth, even surface ready for painting.
    4.  Cleaning & Dust Removal
    •    All dust, grease, and marks are removed using appropriate cleaning solutions.
    •    A clean base is essential for paint adhesion and a flawless finish.
    5.  Priming / Mist Coat (if required)
    •    Newly plastered walls receive a mist coat (a diluted trade emulsion) to properly seal the surface.
    •    Problem areas (e.g. stains or watermarks) are treated with specialist primers such as Zinsser.

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Painting Process

    6.   Cutting In
    •    Using professional brushes, we carefully cut in along edges, corners, and around fittings to create crisp, sharp lines.
    7.   First Coat
    •    Trade-quality emulsion is applied evenly across all walls and ceilings.
    •    We use rollers and brushes designed to give a smooth, consistent finish.
    8.   Drying Time
    •    Manufacturer’s recommended drying times are always observed to allow proper curing between coats.
    9.   Second Coat
    •    A second full coat is applied to ensure depth of colour, durability, and uniform coverage.
    •    For bold colours or specialist finishes, additional coats may be required.
    10. Final Check

• Once complete, walls and ceilings are inspected in natural light to ensure a flawless finish.
• Any necessary touch-ups are carried out immediately.

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Why Our Prep Makes the Difference

    •    Smooth, even walls = longer-lasting finish.
    •    Correct priming prevents peeling, flaking, or patchy coverage.
    •    Trade-quality products give stronger colour, better coverage, and more durability.

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Note: If customers supply their own paints or request non-trade brands, we cannot guarantee the longevity or performance of the finish. For best results, we always recommend professional trade paints such as Dulux Trade or Johnstone’s.

Woodwork Preparation

At McKenzie Plastering & Decorating Service, we believe the finish is only ever as good as the preparation. That’s why we follow a strict, professional process on every job — ensuring long-lasting, high-quality results you can rely on.

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Preparation of Woodwork (Doors, Skirting, Architraves, Banisters)

    1.   Inspection & Assessment
    •    All woodwork is carefully inspected for existing damage, flaking paint, or surface irregularities.
    •    Any repairs (such as filling cracks or dents) are noted and addressed before painting begins.
    2.   Cleaning & Degreasing
    •    Surfaces are washed down to remove dust, grease, or contaminants.
    •    This ensures that primers and paints adhere properly.
    3.   Sanding
    •    All surfaces are sanded to create a smooth, keyable base.
    •    We use professional-grade sandpapers suited to each stage (from coarse for removing flaking paint to fine for smoothing).
    4.   Dust Removal
    •    After sanding, surfaces are wiped down and vacuumed where necessary.
    •    Clean, dust-free surfaces are critical to achieving a flawless finish.
    5.  Priming
    •    A trade-quality wood primer is applied to seal the surface, improve adhesion, and prevent future peeling or chipping.
    •    We always recommend and use trade brands such as Dulux Trade, Johnstone’s, or Zinsser.

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Painting Process

    6.   First Coat
    •    Once the primer is fully dry, the first coat of paint is applied evenly using professional brushes and rollers.
    •    Only trade-quality paints are recommended for woodwork and high-use areas.
    7.  Drying Time
    •    Adequate drying time is allowed between coats, in line with manufacturer guidelines, to ensure proper curing.
    8.  Second (and Final) Coat
    •    A second coat is applied to ensure solid coverage, durability, and a consistent finish.
    •    Additional coats may be applied for darker colours or specialist finishes.
    9.  Final Inspection & Touch-Ups
    •    All painted surfaces are inspected, and any small imperfections are touched up.
    •    Clean, sharp lines are guaranteed.

Why Preparation Matters

    •    Prevents peeling, chipping, and early wear.
    •    Ensures paints adhere properly and last longer.
    •    Gives a smooth, professional finish every time.

We are committed to professional preparation on every job — never cutting corners, and always aiming for the highest standards.

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Note: If customers supply their own paints or request non-trade brands (such as Valspar), we cannot guarantee the durability or performance of those products. For best results, we always recommend trade-quality paints.