Painting your home is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to freshen up your indoor space. There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to give a room a new look and feel! However, painting mistakes are very common. Many DIYers find out the hard way that achieving the best results involves much more than just slapping on a coat of paint. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid when painting your house.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Paint
There are several different sheens of paint and each is suited for a different purpose. For example:
- Flat or matte sheens are best for hiding imperfections and are ideal for low-traffic areas such as the dining room or ceilings.
- The eggshell finish is one of the most popular types of interior paint and is perfect for mid-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, bedrooms, and living rooms.
- Glossier sheens are easier to clean, but flaws are more visible. Semi-gloss or gloss sheen is commonly used for kitchens, bathrooms, doors, or trim.
Before buying paint, think about which room(s) you’re going to be painting and which type of paint will work best for your area.
2. Choosing the Wrong Colour
Choosing a colour can be one of the most overwhelming parts of the painting process! Pick a colour that will complement your current furniture and decor and consider your personal style. Of course, you’ll want to choose a colour that you like! Before painting, try out a few samples first. Factors like natural lighting can affect the way a paint colour looks on your walls.
3. Skipping the Prep Work
Some of the most important parts of the painting process happen before you even pick up a brush, and this is where many DIYers go wrong. Prep work might seem tedious and time-consuming, but it’s crucial to getting the results you want. Preparing your space to paint includes tasks like cleaning your walls, repairing damaged areas, scraping or sanding any rough areas, taping off edges, removing outlets and switch covers, and protecting your floors and furniture from splatters. If you take your time and do a thorough job while prepping your space, you’ll ensure that the rest of your project goes smoothly and efficiently, whether for residential or commercial painting.
4. Skipping Primer
Paint primer is a base coat to apply to your surface before painting. When you prime your walls before painting, you give your paint the perfect foundation to adhere to. Primer creates a smoother finish, gives better paint coverage, covers imperfections, conceals stains, brings out your paint colour, and gives your paint better durability. Don’t skip the primer! If you’re looking to save time, some paints are available as a 2-in-1 paint and primer. This approach can be especially beneficial when working with exterior painters to ensure long-lasting results against the elements.
Using Cheap Painting Tools
If you buy the cheapest brushes and rollers, it will probably show up in your final results. Cheap brushes can shed bristles, while cheap rollers might not provide even coverage. Plus, higher-quality painting tools absorb less paint, so cheaping out here might not save you any money in the long run. Invest in good-quality paint supplies and clean them immediately after use. They’ll last a long time, make your paint job easier, and your final result will look better, whether you’re working on interior walls or stucco painting.
6. Not Buying Enough Paint
Not only is it frustrating to run out of paint mid-project, but can lead to colour mismatches as different paint batches can vary slightly. Before purchasing paint, carefully measure out your space and consider how many cans you’ll need to buy. If you’re in between sizes, buy the larger amount. This will save you a trip back to the store and maintain colour consistency, plus you’ll have extra for future touch-ups if necessary.
7. Not Using Proper Technique
Ok, you’ve finally chosen the perfect paint colour and finish, purchased the proper supplies, and you’ve prepped and primed your space. Now comes the fun part! Using the proper painting technique will ensure your project ends up looking great. Paint one wall at a time, starting by cutting in the edges with a brush and keeping the brush wet with paint. Continue by painting the large surface with a paint roller, rolling in as close to the cut-in edges as possible. Cover your entire surface in large V or W-shaped strokes until the entire area is covered.
8. Not Allowing Enough Dry Time
Depending on your space and paint colour, you will likely need 2-3 coats of paint before your project is complete. Allow your walls to dry completely before applying the next coat of paint. If you apply your second coat of paint too quickly, it could result in visible brush lines or peeling paint. Read the instructions on your paint can or, when in doubt, wait 24 hours between coats.
Painting your house requires time and diligence, but when done right can have a huge impact on your space. You can avoid all common painting mistakes by hiring a professional interior painter to get the job done. Look no further than Perry Wellington’s Painting! Call us today for a free quote.