Preparation & Repairing

Aaron’s dad always said, “Painting is 70% preparation,” and experience has proven him right. At BUFO Paint, every high-quality finish begins well before the first coat is applied. Our painters follow a clear system that starts with thorough preparation, because if the preparation is poor, the finish will be too, no matter how good the paint is.

We meticulously patch and repair holes, cracks, and surface imperfections to return walls and ceilings to a smooth, even canvas. To make sure nothing is missed, we shine a light across the wall at a low angle, revealing even the smallest scratches, dents, and inconsistencies. This ensures minor defects don’t hide until the final coat exposes them. From tiny nail holes to more noticeable damage, we use high-quality fillers, proven repair techniques, and careful sanding and priming so repairs blend seamlessly into the surrounding surface.

We also repair very minor issues as we go. This may include punching proud nails, sinking the occasional screw, or tightening small fixings so surfaces sit flat before painting. While we’re highly skilled in surface preparation, we’re not carpenters, and any repairs we carry out are cosmetic in nature only.

We handle minor plaster repairs to walls, ceilings, and cornices, and can reset joins or repair damaged sheets where required. Some cracks, particularly in ceilings, are caused by structural movement. While we repair these carefully, continued movement in the building may cause them to return over time. Most commonly, we address popped screws in ceilings, general wear and tear, and the everyday marks of family life. We also fill gaps and cracks in cornices, door frames, and skirting boards using flexible acrylic gap fillers to create a continuous, refined finish with no places for dirt or shadows to hide.

On exterior timber, we can rebuild small areas of rot or damage using builder’s bog and Sikaflex, doing everything possible to maximise longevity and protect the surrounding paint system. However, these repairs are not a like-for-like substitute for replacing the affected boards and should be understood as a cosmetic and preventative measure rather than a structural fix.

These preparation skills are not rushed or assumed, they’re taught. Our apprentices work extremely hard to master this part of the craft, learning that patience, consistency, and attention to detail are what separate an average paint job from a truly professional one.