Perfect finishes start with perfect preparation. With over 18 years of experience serving Ashford and all of Kent, A.P.T. Builders understands that surface preparation is the foundation of any successful painting or decorating project. Whether you're preparing walls in Canterbury, smoothing ceilings in Tunbridge Wells, or treating woodwork in Maidstone, our meticulous preparation ensures excellent paint adhesion, smooth finishes, and results that last for years. We never compromise on preparation because we know it makes all the difference.
Surface preparation accounts for 70-80% of a successful paint job's longevity and appearance. Skimping on preparation leads to paint failure, visible imperfections, and disappointing results. From modern homes in Ashford to period properties in Sevenoaks, every surface presents unique challenges requiring appropriate treatment. Our experienced decorators know exactly what each surface needs for optimal paint adhesion and a flawless final finish.
Properly prepared surfaces ensure paint bonds effectively preventing peeling and flaking over time.
Filled and sanded surfaces provide perfect base for paint creating professional, smooth appearance.
Well prepared surfaces help paint last significantly longer reducing redecoration frequency and costs.
Sealed and primed surfaces ensure even paint absorption preventing patchy appearance and reducing coats needed.
Thorough preparation delivers the flawless finishes that distinguish professional work from amateur attempts.
Cracks, dents, and surface defects filled and smoothed creating perfect canvas for decoration.
Different wall and ceiling surfaces require specific preparation approaches. From new plaster needing mist coats to old gloss-painted walls requiring thorough keying, our expertise ensures every surface receives the right treatment. Across Kent properties from new builds in Ashford to Victorian houses in Canterbury, we understand what each surface type needs for perfect painting results.
Fine cracks filled with flexible fillers, reinforced with mesh tape where needed, and sanded smooth for invisible repairs.
Multiple thin filler coats built up and sanded progressively achieving level surfaces ready for smooth paint finish.
Specialized stain-blocking primers sealing tar and nicotine preventing bleed-through to new paint layers.
Complete stripping, paste removal, and surface smoothing ensuring no ridges or residue affect new decoration.
Existing painted woodwork cleaned, lightly sanded to key surface, filled, spot primed, and undercoated for smooth repainting.
For: Repainting doors, skirting, frames
New timber requires knot treatment, wood primer, filling grain if needed, sanding, and building up undercoat layers.
For: New doors, replacement joinery
Badly damaged woodwork requires scraping failing paint, extensive filling, heavy sanding, and complete prime/undercoat system.
For: Neglected, weathered woodwork
Removing all existing finish using heat gun, chemical strippers, or sanding revealing bare wood for complete refinishing.
For: Heavy buildup, changing stain to paint
We use quality materials and proper tools for every preparation task:
Multi-purpose, fine surface, exterior, and flexible fillers chosen for specific applications and surfaces.
Coarse through ultra-fine grits, sanding blocks, and powered sanders for efficient, smooth results.
Wood primers, metal primers, stain blocks, and stabilizing solutions for all surface types.
Steam strippers, chemical removers, and heat guns for wallpaper and paint removal.
Sugar soap, fungicidal wash, and specialist cleaners removing dirt, grease, and contaminants.
Decorator's caulk, expanding foam, wood hardener, and repair systems for various damage types.
Dust sheets, masking tape, protective film, and corner guards protecting surrounding areas.
Scrapers, filling knives, orbital sanders, and vacuum systems for professional preparation.
Examining existing condition, identifying issues, and determining appropriate preparation methods required
Covering floors, furniture, and fixtures with dust sheets and protective materials
Removing old coverings, washing surfaces, and eliminating dirt, grease, and contaminants
Filling cracks and holes with appropriate fillers, allowing proper drying time between coats
Progressive sanding with finer grits creating perfectly smooth surfaces ready for decoration
Applying appropriate primers ensuring uniform absorption and excellent paint adhesion
As Ashford Kent's meticulous painting and decorating specialists with over 18 years of experience, A.P.T. Builders understands that preparation is the secret to outstanding, long-lasting results. We've prepared thousands of surfaces across the county, from new plaster walls in modern Ashford developments to damaged Victorian woodwork in Canterbury townhouses. Our commitment to thorough preparation means we never rush, never skip steps, and always use the right materials for each specific surface.
Our reputation is built on doing things properly. While others might skimp on preparation to save time, we know this is false economy leading to premature paint failure and poor finishes. Whether you're preparing walls for painting in a Tunbridge Wells bedroom, smoothing ceilings in a Maidstone living room, or treating external woodwork on a Sevenoaks property, our experienced decorators bring the patience, skill, and attention to detail that separates exceptional work from merely adequate.
We proudly serve all areas of Kent including Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Dartford, Gravesend, Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Dover, Folkestone, Margate, Ramsgate, and surrounding villages. Our local knowledge and extensive experience across all Kent property types ensures we understand exactly what preparation each surface needs.
We allocate proper time for thorough preparation understanding it's foundation of quality results.
Premium fillers, primers, and preparation products ensuring compatibility and lasting performance.
18+ years expertise identifying what each surface needs for optimal paint adhesion and finish.
Allowing adequate curing between preparation stages preventing cracking and adhesion failures.
Vacuum sanding systems and careful containment minimizing dust spread throughout your property.
Identifying and addressing underlying issues like damp, poor previous work, or structural problems.
Multiple sanding grades creating glass-smooth surfaces that showcase paint quality perfectly.
Transparent recommendations on necessary preparation work with detailed quotations explaining costs.
Get your free assessment and detailed quotation from Kent's preparation specialists