Painting your home can be an exciting project, whether you’re refreshing a single room or transforming your entire space. However, even a seemingly simple paint job can quickly go wrong without proper preparation and techniques. To ensure a smooth, professional finish, avoid these five common interior painting mistakes and follow our expert tips to get it right the first time.
1. Skipping Surface Preparation
The Mistake: One of the most common errors people make is painting over dirty, uneven, or damaged walls without proper preparation. Dust, grease, holes, and cracks can ruin the paint’s adhesion and lead to peeling, bubbling, or an uneven finish.
How to Avoid It:
- Clean the walls thoroughly with a damp cloth or mild detergent to remove dust, dirt, and stains.
- Repair any cracks or holes with spackle or filler, and sand the area smooth once it dries.
- Use a primer to create a clean, smooth surface and help the paint adhere properly. This is especially important when covering dark colours or stains.
Tip: Don’t skip sanding! Lightly sanding glossy or uneven surfaces ensures better paint adhesion and a professional-looking result.
2. Choosing the Wrong Paint or Finish
The Mistake: Using the wrong type of paint or finish can lead to poor durability, unwanted shine, or difficulty in cleaning. For example, using flat paint in a high-traffic area can result in visible scuffs and marks.
How to Avoid It:
- Consider the purpose of the room and choose the right finish:
- Flat/Matte: Great for low-traffic areas and ceilings but harder to clean.
- Eggshell/Satin: Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms; easy to clean with a slight sheen.
- Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim due to its durability and easy maintenance.
- Use high-quality paint that suits the needs of the room. While cheaper options may save money upfront, they often require additional coats and touch-ups later.
Tip: Consult with your local paint expert if you’re unsure which product works best for your space.
3. Not Using Painter’s Tape Properly
The Mistake: While painter’s tape is a great tool for achieving clean edges, many DIY painters apply it incorrectly or skip it altogether, resulting in messy lines and paint bleeding.
How to Avoid It:
- Apply painter’s tape carefully along baseboards, trim, ceilings, and other edges.
- Press the tape firmly with a putty knife or your fingernail to create a tight seal.
- Remove the tape at the right time: peel it off slowly at a 45-degree angle while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid tearing.
Tip: Avoid using regular masking tape, as it doesn’t adhere as well and can pull off existing paint.
4. Overloading the Paintbrush or Roller
The Mistake: Dipping brushes or rollers too deeply into the paint or overloading them leads to drips, streaks, and an uneven finish. It also wastes paint and makes cleanup more difficult.
How to Avoid It:
- For brushes: Dip only a third of the bristle length into the paint to prevent excess paint buildup.
- For rollers: Roll the roller evenly in the paint tray and remove excess paint by rolling it on the tray’s ridged section.
- Apply paint in thin, even layers. It’s better to do multiple coats than to overload the surface with paint.
Tip: Use high-quality brushes and rollers to avoid bristle loss or uneven coverage.
5. Neglecting Drying Times Between Coats
The Mistake: Impatience can ruin even the best paint job. Applying a second coat of paint before the first one has fully dried can cause smudging, streaks, or an uneven texture.
How to Avoid It:
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended drying times, which can vary depending on the paint type and room conditions.
- Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans to speed up drying.
- Be patient! Give each coat enough time to dry completely before moving on to the next.
Tip: If you’re unsure whether the paint is dry, lightly touch an inconspicuous area. If it feels tacky, wait longer.
Hire the Pros
Avoiding these common painting mistakes will help you achieve a beautiful, professional-quality finish you can be proud of. While DIY painting can be rewarding, it does require time, patience, and the right tools. If you’re looking for a flawless result without the hassle, consider hiring a professional painting company to bring your vision to life.
Need help with your next painting project? Contact us today to discuss your ideas and get a free quote!
Contact us:
👉 Email us: sales@larrsypainting.ca
📞 Let’s talk: (416) 690-3890
