15 Nov Most Common Painting Mistakes Made By Homeowners?
Thinking about repainting your home? You want to translate your creative vision into a reality, but you also want to make sure that it will be a success. While you’re painting, it can almost be too easy to get carried away. What may have seemed like a stunning design in your mind doesn’t always translate into reality.
At Pinnacle Painting, we’re familiar with some of the most common painting mistakes that homeowners make. Here are a few things to avoid during your next painting project:
The Wall Colours Don’t Match The Decor
Maybe you want to do more than paint the walls – you want to redecorate your home, too. If that’s the case, keep in mind how your new decor will look with the wall colours you choose. An abstract painting will look stunning against a grey or beige wall, but it might clash with one that’s red or blue.
Using The Wrong Brush
If you use a roller brush on a piece of trim, you’ll end up with paint all over the surrounding wall. For detail work, smaller brushes work best.
On that note, using a detail brush on a large wall will take all day! It’s best to use a paint sprayer or roller brush to coat a large surface area.
The quality of your brushes will also make a difference. Low-quality applications result in a low-quality paint job. It’s worth it to pay more for higher quality; you’ll definitely notice a difference in the finished product.
Skipping The Prep Work
At Pinnacle Painting, we see the preparation process as a critical stage in the overall paint job. Without it, the paint will have trouble adhering to the surface, and won’t last nearly as long.
Prep work prevents surface imperfections. It involves:
- Removing old, loose paint
- Filling any gaps and patching holes
- Priming the surface
Not Using Painter’s Tape
To get those clean, crisp paint lines that you see in home design magazines, you’ll need to use painter’s tape. Without it, the paint will bleed onto other surfaces.
If you use painter’s tape, another important step is to remove it properly. Wait until the paint has fully dried before removing the tape. As you peel it off, use a slow and steady motion.
Painting Over A Wet Surface
You’ve applied the first layer of paint, but you can still see the old colour through it. Is it time to add another layer?
Before you reach for the brush, take a pause. Has the first layer dried completely yet? If not, you risk creating surface defects. Be sure to wait until the paint fully cures and is dry to the touch. You may need to check the label on the product to see the recommended drying time.
Mixing Primer & Paint Types
If you’re painting a ceiling, do you really need to use ceiling paint? It might seem like a marketing gimmick, but various types of paint are intended for different purposes. If you use an interior paint on an exterior surface, it will fade away quickly due to sun and moisture damage.
Never mix an oil-based primer with water-based paint (or vice-versa). Also, use products that are a similar consistency to get smoother results.
Even though painting might seem like an easy DIY task, there’s a lot more that goes into it than you might think. Your home is a place you spend a lot of time in. If your paint job turns out less than impressive, it’s something you’ll notice every day.
Instead, why not leave it to the professionals at Pinnacle Painting and Decorating? Contact us today to schedule your free estimate!