Transforming a room with a fresh coat of paint seems straightforward enough – just grab a brush and get started, right? Unfortunately, no.
From choosing the wrong type of paint to underestimating coverage needs, these errors can result in streaky walls, and premature peeling, and force you to start all over.
Most painting disasters are preventable with the right knowledge. By understanding where other DIY painters have gone wrong – and why proper preparation is crucial – you can achieve the smooth, even coverage you want. Let’s explore the eight most frequent mistakes that plague home painters and how to avoid them from the start.
Mistake No. 1: Painting in Bad Weather
If you’re going to paint outside, one of the first things to consider is the weather. Painting in bad weather can keep paint from adhering properly or drying evenly. It’s important to choose a day with mild temperatures and low humidity for the best outcome.
The best temperature for painting outside is 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but anywhere from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is also fine. Humidity should be between 40 and 70%.
Additionally, avoid painting in direct sunlight, as it can cause the paint to dry too quickly and result in cracks and imperfections.
Mistake No. 2: No Prep Work
Painting can quickly become a messy business if you don’t properly prepare your surface and surroundings. This may include cleaning, sanding, and priming the area to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Depending on what you’re painting, it may be a good idea to lay a tarp or a drop cloth to prevent accidental paint splatters. And don’t forget to use painter’s tape to mask off any areas that you don’t want to be painted, such as trim or windows.
Additionally, it’s important to remove any hardware or fixtures that may get in the way or be damaged during the painting process. Taking the time to do proper prep work will save you time and effort in the long run and help you achieve professional-looking results.
Common Mistake No. 3: The Wrong Tools
Not all paint brushes are alike. Different brushes are designed for different types of paint and surfaces. Using the wrong brush can result in uneven coverage, streaks, or bristle marks.
It’s important to choose a brush that is appropriate for the type of paint you’re using, the surface you’re painting on, and your project. It’s also necessary to take into account the size of your brush; small brushes are better for details, and big brushes are better for covering large areas.
However, you may choose to use a paint sprayer or a paint roller. In that case, you’ll also need to know which one to get. For instance, did you know that not all paint sprayers are right for all surface types? Whichever method you choose, make sure you get the right tool for the job.
Mistake No. 4: The Wrong Technique
You can get the best equipment on the market, but if you don’t use the right technique, your painting results may be in vain. For instance, holding your paint sprayer too far from the surface may cause it to dry too soon. Moreover, painting in the wrong pattern when using a paint roller can cause splatters. You get the idea; one thing going wrong in your painting project can create a domino effect of disaster.
So before you get started, make sure you familiarize yourself with the right painting techniques for the tools you’re using.
Mistake No. 5: The Wrong Paint
Using the wrong type of paint can lead to a subpar finish and wasted time and money. It can even result in peeling, cracking, or uneven coverage, which will require additional time and effort to fix.
Before starting your project, make sure to carefully read the labels and choose paint that’s suitable for the surface you will be painting. For instance, the best paints for brick homes aren’t the same as what you’ll want to use on your exterior wood surfaces. Additionally, consider factors such as durability, ease of application, and sheen, to ensure the best results
Our article The Best Paint Sheens for Outdoor Projects will tell you more about how shiny your paint should be.
Remember: don’t try to save money by buying a low-quality product. Instead, invest in high-quality paint that will provide a long-lasting and professional-looking finish.
Mistake No. 6: Only One Coat of Paint
Applying just one coat of paint can create an uneven and patchy finish. To achieve a professional-looking result, apply multiple coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will ensure smooth and consistent color coverage on your walls or surfaces.
But to use multiple coats, you have to make sure you have enough paint (see the heading below). Take note that dark and bright paints (whether you paint with them or over them) and textured walls need both more paint and more primer.
Mistake No. 7: Not Enough Paint
You don’t want to get near the end of the completion of your masterpiece only to realize… there’s no more paint. Missing this step can have detrimental effects on the final look of your paint job, too, especially if you’re applying a color that was mixed in the paint store or home improvement center. Sure, you can return to the store and have them mix another batch, but if the new batch isn’t mixed precisely the same, you will end up with slightly different color tones.
You can purchase slightly more paint than you’ll need to account for any potential touch-ups or additional coats. This way, you can ensure a smooth and uninterrupted painting process without any last-minute trips to the store.
But you can also estimate how much paint you’ll need with a simple calculation. 1 gallon of paint is enough to cover approximately 400 square feet.
Mistake No. 8: Bad Clean Up
Don’t neglect cleaning up after you finish painting. Failing to clean brushes, rollers, and other painting tools can lead to dried paint buildup, making them less effective for future use. Additionally, not cleaning up spills or drips immediately can result in stains or damage to the surrounding surfaces.
Taking the time to thoroughly clean up after painting will help maintain the longevity of your tools and ensure a neat and professional-looking end result. Check out our articles to help you clean up paint spills and give your paint brushes and paint rollers a good wash.
Prepare Yourself
It’s easy to make a mistake as a newbie, but if you paint in the right weather, do your prep work, and use the right equipment the right way, you set up your DIY painting project for success. But if you would rather leave the hard stuff to a pro, Home Gnome will connect you with a painter who will do the job right.
Main Image Credit: Andrii Lysenko / Adobe Stock
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