The term PREPARES TO PAINT can be broken down into two crossword solutions: SCRAPES (7 letters) and PRIMES (6 letters). Scraping is a preparatory step in painting that involves removing old paint, dirt, or other debris from the surface to be painted. Priming is another preparatory step in painting that involves applying a base coat of paint to the surface to be painted. Both scraping and priming are important steps in preparing a surface for painting, as they help ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts longer.