When it comes to DIY painting, mistakes are practically a right of passage, especially if you are a rookie with a roller in hand. But there’s some good news. You don’t have to make the rookie errors yourself. Instead, learn from the mistakes others have made, and set yourself up for a flawless, professional-looking finish. With a little preparation and a few insider tips, your walls can go from ‘oops’ to ‘wow’ without a hitch!
9 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting
From picking the perfect finish to mastering the final brush stroke, here are some common mistakes to watch out for and how you can avoid them if you’re attempting a DIY paint job.
Before Painting:
- Choosing the wrong paint finish – When you choose the paint color, you will also need to consider the finish that is right for the area you will be painting. For instance, a high-gloss finish that looks stunning on an accent wall also emphasizes every little imperfection, making it a poor choice for textured surfaces like a popcorn ceiling. In this case, a flat or matte finish would be ideal, as it helps hide bumps and nicks. Similarly, each paint finish has unique characteristics and should be used in the area best suited for it.
- Choosing the wrong tools – Cheap paint – While there are many brands available, ensure that you buy good quality paint. The better the paint quality, the smoother the finish, and the fewer coats you will require to paint the wall.
- Roller nap thickness – Selecting the wrong roller nap (thickness of the roller) for a job may result in an uneven finish and bad coverage. While a 1/4th to 3/8th inch roller nap will work for smooth surfaces like dry walls, a semi-smooth surface requires a ½-inch thick roller nap. If you are painting a textured surface, a roller nap thickness of 3/4th inches or more is recommended.
- Not enough prep work – Imagine if you don’t use painter’s tape around sockets and wall edges and end up with paint strokes on the wrong wall or bleeding in the ceiling! Getting rid of that can be quite a challenge. Similarly, not putting a drop cloth on the floor or forgetting to protect your belongings can lead to undesired paint spillage. Prep your walls by cleaning them, filling gaps with spackle, and priming the walls.
During Painting:
- Not mixing your paint before painting – Not mixing the paint before painting can lead to uneven color, patchy texture, poor coverage, and reduced durability. Pigments and solvents separate over time and need stirring to ensure a consistent finish and better adhesion.
- Not applying a second coat of paint
A second coat of paint is needed for even coverage and enhancing color depth. The additional layer also ensures the wall is well-protected and more resistant to wear and fading. It’s important to always apply the second coat after the first coat dries up.
- Not loading the roller fully – Load the roller with paint by rolling it back and forth on the roller tray to avoid air bubbles on your walls.
After Painting:
- Delaying peeling off painter’s tape – This can cause the paint to peel off with the tape. To avoid this, ensure the paint is only semi-dry before peeling the tape off.
- Not waiting for the paint to dry up –Moving the furniture back in place too early can damage the finish of your walls. Wait 24 to 48 hours for paint to cure to avoid smudges or dents.
- Not cleaning the tools and storing them improperly – Neglecting to clean the brushes immediately with warm water can ruin them. Clean your tools with warm, soapy water to remove latex paint or paint thinner for oil-based paint. Make sure you close the lid of the paint container tightly and keep it in a cool, dry place for further use.
Get Ready to Paint with Confidence
Now that you have your paint selected and armed yourselves with the dos and don’ts of painting, you are ready to paint! If you have any questions about painting your walls or need expert help, contact your trusted home interior and exterior painting professionals to do the job for you.
Transform your Philadelphia home or workspace with Mastercraft Painting and Finishes – your trusted local experts in Montgomery & Bucks County, PA. Contact us at 267-496-5307 or visit us online for a FREE estimate