Some of the Most Common Mistakes in Painting to Avoid
Painting is probably one of the most popular DIY jobs that people initiate without the help of professionals. And while it is not an overly complex task, it does require a little planning and careful consideration. If you are not careful, you may end up making some of the most common mistakes with painting, which will jeopardise the final result. In this guide, we will take a look at what you should consider the next time you grab a brush and paint. Let’s begin.
- You don’t prepare the room – often you will think that you will be careful enough not to make a mess, or that the area is small enough and you will not need to protect it with covers. But know this: painting is a messy job. It is always a good idea to cover the floors and furniture in the room. A simple plastic cover will do the trick nicely, catching any drips and splatters. Don’t forget about light switches and doorknobs. It is best to remove switches, especially if you are painting around them. Make sure you use painter’s tape there, which brings us to the next point.
- You don’t use painter’s tape – using painter’s tape is the best way to ensure that the edges are clean and that the finish is nicely polished. Use painter’s tape around all of the baseboards and windows, to prevent bleeding. You then only have to remove the tape once the paint has fully dried. Delaying this for too long may lead to the paint peeling off.
- You don’t clean the walls – another common mistake people make with painting is ignoring the cleaning process of the walls before that. Dust and hair particles are well stuck to the walls, and it is a good idea to remove them. Do this by cleaning the area to be painted. Water alone does fine, though you may want to consider the drying time. You may clean the walls with a vacuum cleaner as well. Use the appropriate attachment to clean around baseboards and corners.
- You don’t buy enough paint – if you want to avoid having to run to the store in the middle of the painting process, you best ensure you get enough paint. Measure the area to be painted properly and consider how much of it you can cover with a single bucket of paint. There should be an expert to help you with that. Bear in mind that if you are getting a colour mix, it is highly recommended to get all of the necessary amount on your first go, as further mixes can be slightly different.
- You use the wrong paintbrush – using the right brush for a painting job is essential. One with polyester or nylon bristles works best. A brush with natural bristles is best for oil-based paint. By using the right brush, you ensure that you will be able to paint quickly and effectively.
- You use the wrong paint – for areas that have already been treated, and you want to add new paint over them, it is essential to consider whether it is an oil-based formula. Applying latex paint over it may lead to peeling and cracking.
- You dunk the brush in the can – when reaching for the paint with your brush, make sure to avoid dunking it in. This will only lead to wasting a lot of paint and drips. Only dip the brush a third of the way.
Knowing how to avoid all of these mistakes will ensure that you make the most of your paint and see the project to successful completion.
