Common Mistakes DIY Painters Make

Although it is quite rewarding to paint one’s home in a self-help project for personalized touches, it may also be cost-effective. However, mistakes are just so easy to make that may be costly to the turnout of the entire job. To help you achieve a professional finish, we have compiled a list of common mistakes DIY painters make and how to avoid them.

It may be a simple act, but painting is an art that needs a lot of attention to minute details. Many enthusiastic DIY painters literally jump into the project without realizing later that they have achieved a much less perfect finish than was warranted. It pays, therefore, to understand where most go wrong. Let us find out some common mistakes people commit while painting and how to avoid them to get that perfect finish.

Skipping the Prep Work

It is the beginning of any successful paint job. Failure to do so can lead to bad adhesion and uneven finish.

Cleaning of Surfaces

Clean your walls by washing them to remove dust, dirt, and grease from the walls. Clean surfaces have good paint adhesion since it lasts longer.

Sanding and Filling Holes

Using spackle, even out the humps and any holes or cracks in a wall and sand the area so that the surface is even and free from imperfections.

Wrong Paint

Picking out the right paint for a job is first and foremost of the utmost importance. The wrong type may bring about poor coverage and, as such, the paint job will not last quite so long.

Interior vs. Exterior Paint

Know your surroundings, and paint accordingly. Exterior paints are formulated to handle weather conditions, while interior paints are formulated for indoor conditions.

Finish Matters

The finish you select will determine the painting’s final look and durability: matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. The most durable finishes, and thus best suited for high-traffic areas, are semi-gloss and satin finishes.

Not Priming

Primer offers a smooth surface on which to paint and allows paint to adhere more strongly. Without primer, the color may seem to look uneven, and peeling happens.

When to Prime

Always prime bare wood, new drywall, or repaired areas. For dramatic color changes, a primer helps get you to the true color with fewer coats.

Types of Primer

Choose the right primer for your surface-there are primers formulated for wood, metal, and drywall.

Disregarding the Weather

Weather conditions can impact your painting project, especially for exterior jobs.

Humidity and Temperature

High humidity can slow drying times, while extreme temperatures can affect how paint adheres and dries. Ideally, paint when temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F.

Wind

Wind blows dust and particles onto wet paint and makes spraying too messy. Paint on a day when the winds are calm.

Overloading the Brush or Roller

Applying too much paint at once can lead to drips, uneven coverage, and longer drying times.

How to Properly Load

Dip your brush or roller lightly, tap off the excess. It is far better to do several thin coats than to try to get by with one thick coat.

Working in Sections

Paint a small section at one time and keep a wet edge to prevent lap marks and uneven texture.

Not Taping Well

Painter’s tape keeps lines clean and protects surfaces that you don’t want to paint.

Taping

Apply the tape to any baseboards, trim and edges where you are going to want a sharp line. Press firmly to prevent paint from seeping underneath.

Removing Tape

Remove tape when paint is not quite dry, but to avoid peeling off the paint with the tape.

Rushing the Job

Patience is the most essential virtue in getting professional-looking paint job at home. Rushing inevitably leads to mistakes and sloppy finish.

Drying Times

Allow adequate drying time between coats. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding drying times to ensure an optimum outcome.

Multiple Coats

Never try to completely cover with one coat of paint. Most projects need at least two coats to create a well-distributed finish.

Using Cheap Tools

Good quality tools can really make a great difference in the result of your painting.

Brushes and Rollers

Invest in good-quality brushes and rollers. Inexpensive tools can produce widespreadsolutions such problems as streaks, lost bristles, and an uneven finish.

Cleaning Tools

Clean the tools properly after use and they will last much longer and function optimally the next time they are used.

Not Cleaning Up Immediately

Cleaning up spills and equipment immediately will prevent damage and make any future projects easier.

Paint Spills

Immediately wipe spills with a damp cloth to prevent permanent stains.

Storing Leftover Paint

Seal paint cans tightly and store them in a cool, dry place. Pr