If you’re looking for a fast, affordable project to completely change the look and feel of your home, painting is a great option. But if you’re planning on tackling a painting project this summer, you can’t just jump right in; there are things you need to do first to ensure you get the results you’re looking for.

But what, exactly, are those things?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the key steps you need to take before you paint in order to get the best results, including:

• Clean. If you want to get the best results from your painting, you need a clean surface to paint. If you’re painting inside, make sure to dust, remove any cobwebs from corners, and wipe down surfaces to remove any lingering dust, dirt, or debris. If you’re painting the exterior of your home, using a power washer is the best way to prep for painting.
• Tackle repairs. If any areas need to be repaired (for example, repairing a hole in the wall or removing peeling paint from your home’s exterior), you’ll want to tackle those repairs before you paint.
• Protect your property. Painting can be a messy business—and you don’t want to end the project with floors, furniture, or a lawn covered in paint. Before you start your paint project, make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your property from paint-related damage (like removing area rugs and covering flooring or grass with drop cloths).