5 Common Home Painting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Painting is one of the fastest, most effective ways to improve the appearance and saleability of your home. It can also increase the value of your home depending on which color you choose.

It’s tempting to keep your home painting budget down by carrying out painting tasks yourself. Be sure to avoid these home painting mistakes in the process though.

1. Insufficient Preparations

Cleaning before painting is a vital step in the process since it impacts everything you do afterward. Grease and dirt will affect how your paint sticks to the wall and create an ugly blotchy appearance.

Always dust or vacuum your walls and use a damp cloth to wipe off any marks before you start painting.

2. Skipping the Primer

Applying a primer before painting is the key to a flawless finish, especially on a new surface. It helps the paint stick more easily and evenly.

If you’re painting over existing paint always roughen the surface slightly with sandpaper before you get started.

3. Choosing the Wrong Paint

Another common mistake is choosing different paint colors from swatches and then discovering it doesn’t look like you thought it would once you’ve completed the job.

There are so many factors that can affect the final outcome of a paint job. So, always ask for a small sample and test it on your wall before you buy an entire can of paint.

4. Incorrect Painting Techniques

There are so many ways to go wrong when you’re learning the ropes about painting. The correct home painting tools go a long way towards creating the perfect finish.

Always use a roller for large areas and an angled brush to deal with edging. Pour the paint into a paint tray, don’t use paint directly out of the can. You could accidentally contaminate the entire can of paint with dirt or dust.

Painter’s tape’s essential for getting straight lines where needed. Be sure to remove the tape gently and before the paint’s dried completely. That way you’ll avoid tiny chips that could spoil your finish.

5. Paint Storage Mishaps

Cold temperatures have a bad effect on all kinds of paint. Always bring your paint inside before freezing winter temperatures arrive.

Likewise, don’t paint when temperatures are too hot or cold. Cold paint won’t dry properly and hot paint dries too quickly.

How to Avoid Home Painting Mistakes

The best way to avoid slip-ups with a paintbrush is to hire professionals to take care of your painting needs. It’s the best way to ensure you get the results you want.

Read here if you need any more convincing that DIY isn’t the way to go when it comes to painting your house.

More Helpful Home Improvement Tips

While it’s difficult to avoid these common home painting mistakes, that doesn’t mean you should abandon all your attempts at self-powered home improvements.

You can get a lot of satisfaction out of decorating your own home when you put some thought and sufficient research into the task at hand.

Keep reading our blog for more interior decorating tips to help you avoid any style mishaps in your efforts to add those personal touches to your home.