Ten house painting mistakes almost everyone makes

If you decide to take on a painting project, read this list of painting mistakes almost everyone makes before proceeding.

Choosing the wrong color

One of the hardest mistakes to fix on this list will be choosing the wrong color. If you make your selection based only on a paint chip from the store, you might end up disappointed with the result. After applying it, paint can look vastly different on your walls. This happens because of numerous factors, such as the lighting, the color you already have, and the contrast against the items in your room.

To avoid making this mistake, you can ask for a sample of your chosen paint. If you want an accurate picture of what the color will look like, then view it under natural and artificial lighting throughout the day and at night.

Over-brushing

You may think that painting over one spot a couple of times will fix all the imperfections, but that is a rookie mistake. Brushing over the same area repeatedly can leave brush marks behind, and you will end up dissatisfied with the result. The paint starts to dry quickly, so every additional stroke becomes more visible.

You should dip the brush in paint, then swiftly paint over the surface. After that, it takes only one or two more strokes to smooth it.

Don’t do the preparations

You don’t have to remove the furniture from the room to protect it. Instead, do preparation work by pushing the furniture as close to the middle as possible, then covering it with plastic sheets. Tape the sheets at the bottom for extra protection. Doing this will reduce the chances of ruining that new couch by paint splattering or dust falling on it.

Preparation work is essential, even if you decide to leave the work to the professionals. If you choose to seek assistance, select someone with good reviews. If you’re located in Canada, we suggest checking out experts such as these Calgary painters who will ensure your satisfaction.

Buy cheap supplies

If you’re thinking of saving money by buying cheaper tools and supplies, think twice. Not only is using cheap brushes harder, but it won’t save you any money.

A bad-quality brush will likely shed on your walls, leaving you more to fix afterward. It will also have worse coverage and take a lot longer to finish.

Make sure to choose the right brush based on the type of paint you’re using. Use a natural bristle brush for water and oil-based paints to get a clean finish. For latex-based paint, a nylon or plastic brush will work better.

Ignoring the weather

There is a right and a wrong time to take on a major painting project. Check the humidity levels first, especially for exterior painting projects. If the weather is too cold, it can prevent the paint from drying off properly.

Likewise, avoid extremely hot weather. If the paint dries too quickly, you won’t be able to distribute it properly, and you’ll be left with a splotched and bubbled surface.

You also want the temperature to be perfect for interior painting. You should be able to leave your windows open to air out the fumes, and the smell left behind.

Not pre-washing the rollers

This one is something you might not think about when you first buy the supplies. However, a brand-new brush may have some residue and bits of fluff that will inevitably stick to your walls when you begin painting.

To avoid this, wash the covers with warm water and a small amount of soap. This is called “preconditioning.” Additionally, waiting for the rollers to dry before using them is not necessary. Doing this won’t take much time and will add a professional touch to the finished product.

Using thin sheets instead of canvas

You don’t want to be left with more work and more to clean up after your paint job. Professional painters use canvas sheets, and you should invest in some too.

If you use alternatives like thin sheets or plastic sheets, you may end up creating more mess. Plastic will contain spills and splatters, but it will take a long time before the paint dries. In the meantime, you will step on the paint and inevitably spread it all over the room. Wet paint can also be slippery, which is a hazard.

Painting in bad lighting

It’s easy to miss details in a setting with poor lighting or similar-colored walls.

When painting in low light, the result can look good at first glance. Then, when the natural light hits, all the flaws and mistakes become apparent.

To properly do the work, ensure you have proper lighting. You can use a bright lamp or a flashlight to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Painting over greasy, dirty walls

When you hear about preparation work, it doesn’t only include moving your furniture and covering the hardware. You have to prepare the surface before starting a painting job.

Paint will not adhere properly to walls that are dirty and greasy. In places where filth is likely to accumulate, such as the kitchen and areas near light switches, you can use a degreaser to aid you with cleaning. Degreasers are strong solutions, so follow the instructions and use protective gear.

A gallon of warm water mixed with two cups of vinegar should be enough for other areas to clean them. Use a rug or a soft sponge.

Painting over glossy finishes

If your walls have been previously painted with varnish or glossy paint, you shouldn’t put another coat of paint on before taking off the previous one.

Prior to starting the job, use a deglosser to make sure the area is properly cleaned. An alternative is to sand the surface. A professional will likely use a deglosser, ensuring an excellent result and a cleaner look.