Painting a residential or commercial space doesn’t come without challenges. If you plan to DIY your next paint project, we recommend being as prepared as possible for those challenges that may arise, and doing the correct prep work to set yourself up for success. We’ve seen paint jobs go wrong because people didn’t put the proper preparation in before getting started, or they made another mistake along the way, so we’re sharing some of the most common mistakes we see people make when painting so you don’t make the same ones.
No Prep Work
Doing the correct prep work before getting started will leave you with professional looking results when you are finished. This includes repairing any damages on the surfaces you will be painting, sanding and smoothing out those surfaces, and cleaning the walls so that there is no debris when you start to paint. Not doing this and simply painting over damages, dirt and grime, or old paint will leave you with an uneven paint job that will start to chip fairly quickly.
Painting Without Painters Tape
Painters tape is your best friend when it comes to DIY paint jobs. Using this around the edges of the surface you are going to paint ensures you will have clean lines, and that you won’t get unwanted paint on any trim, windows, or other surfaces touching the walls you are painting. Tip: remove the tape before the paint dries completely. If you don’t, the paint may chip off when removing the tape.
Running Out of Paint
Not only is it a hassle to have to run back to the store halfway through your project, you may not end up with the same exact color if they are mixed at different times. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have enough paint to cover the surface you are currently painting, and have enough leftover for touch ups down the road so that you can ensure a smooth finish if you ever have to make a repair.
Not Paying Attention to the Weather
Humid or wet days generally aren’t great for painting, even if you are painting interior walls. If humidity is high, your paint may take a long time to dry and because of that, it could affect the finished product. The longer you have to wait for paint to dry, the more time there is for damages to be done or for the paint to get messed up.
Not Using Primer
Primer serves many purposes. It helps the paint stick better, creates a smooth finish as it helps to cover up what you are painting over, and it will also help the color you chose show up as its true hue. Some paints have primer already mixed in, so pay attention to what kind of paint you are buying and what will be appropriate for your project.
Only Using One Coat of Paint
Even if you think one coat of paint covered your surface fine, we still recommend doing a second coat. Using a second coat will cover any imperfections, even if you don’t notice them at the time, and leave you with a smooth surface. The second coat will also help with durability, so touch ups will need to be done less often.
Avoid the Mistakes – Let Us Help!
If this all sounds like too much to keep up with, you can avoid these potential mistakes altogether and work with U.S. Pro Painters! We will ensure that the proper steps are taken so you are left with a quality, professional looking product. Reach out to us today for a free quote!
