Most Common DIY House Painting Mistakes
Introduction
I don't think it's ever been studied, but the overwhelming majority of homeowners admit to making mistakes when painting the interior of their homes. Working on your home can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to liven up your space. Painting covers such a broad area, is noticed by everyone, and has so many detail strokes involved that it's easy to make many small mistakes that seem to add up over time.
In this piece, we will investigate people's most frequent missteps when painting their homes and how you can prevent yourself from making them. By learning about these customary errors and applying uncomplicated solutions, you can attain professional-looking results without breaking a sweat!
Choosing the Wrong Type of Paint
One of the most common missteps in DIY house painting is selecting an improper paint type. It's vital to pick the right kind of paint for the job because diverse surfaces necessitate different sorts of colors.
One prominent example is if you apply interior paint to the outside. That paint isn't built for the same environment and would likely result in flaking, cracking, and fading relatively early in the paint's life.
When selecting between interior paint types, the finish is often neglected to the detriment of the home. Glossy finishes are more indestructible and easier to clean, making them suitable for high-traffic spots such as kitchens and bathrooms. Flat or matte finishes are ideal for low-traffic spaces such as bedrooms or living rooms because they hold bright colors longer and create an elegance that higher sheens have trouble matching.
Spending the time to analyze and opt for the applicable type of paint will ensure a successful DIY painting venture. Don't skimp out on the right color to save money when you can save yourself a lot of cleaning and touching up later by buying the correct paint
Skipping Proper Surface Preparation
The cardinal sin of painting is not doing all the essential prep work. Before embarking on the painting process, it's imperative to prepare the surfaces to receive and adhere to the paint. But many homeowners want to get to the fun part of rolling on the new color. The trouble with this step is that it can lead to uneven surfaces, bubbling, cracking, and poor adherence. The logic is simple: if you want your paint job to last a long time, you must spend time doing the prep work.
Here are five reasons why preparing the surface is essential:
It enhances the paint's ability to adhere and endure.
It ensures a level and consistent finish.
It prevents sloughing, fracturing, and blistering of the paint.
It eliminates dirt, dust, grease, and other contaminants from the surface.
It allows for any vital repairs or patching to be done prior to painting.
Neglecting to Use Primer
The next big mistake we see from homeowners is skipping the priming step. Many homeowners don't know that neglecting to use primer can be akin to constructing a house with no stable foundation; it may appear fine initially, but it won't pass the test of time. The reason homeowners skip it is that primer is usually applied everywhere the paint is going to go; it's essentially doing twice the work.
Primer is an indispensable step in any painting project, as it assists in forming a uniform and consistent surface for the paint to attach to. Without primer, the color may not connect suitably, leading to a speckled and irregular finish. (1) Plus, utilizing primer can help obscure blemishes on the surface and prevent discolorations from permeating. It also aids in sealing porous surfaces, hindering moisture destruction, and assuring that the painting job lasts.
There's a big difference between getting a job done and getting it done well. So prior to commencing painting, don't forget to coat with a layer of primer; it's a fundamental step that will make a world of difference in the final consequence of your DIY project.
Overloading the Paintbrush or Roller
If the homeowner did the prep work and primed their home, the next big mistake comes from over-enthusiastic homeowners trying to get the paint on thick. Applying excessive paint to your brush or roller can result in a haphazard calamity, making you disheartened and disappointed with the ultimate result. To circumvent this common misstep, remember these tips:
Utilize a paintbrush or roller that's suitable for the size of the area you're painting.
Do not submerge the roller in the paint. Dip just a sliver of the roller into the top of the paint in a tray, and then roll the roller on the top of the tray until the paint is even distributed.
Initiate by applying a thin layer of paint and steadily rolling it out as required.
Utilize your time wisely and employ even, steady strokes to confirm an even application.
If needed, revisit areas that need more coverage instead of attempting to fill up your brush or roller all at once.
A professional finish is possible if you take your time and follow these techniques. Have a great time painting!
Ignoring Proper Cleanup and Storage
Your walls are painted, and you feel like you are done. Or maybe you have another day of painting ahead of you. One of the most common mistakes made out of ignorance is the improper storage of painting tools. Paintbrushes and rollers cannot be left to bake and dry in the sun for long periods if you expect to use them again. Remember to always take the time to properly clean and store your painting tools so that they remain in good condition and perform optimally. After you complete painting, clear the brushes, rollers, and trays of any remaining paint. If you are using water-based paint, you can use an outdoor hose or a sink without doing damage. An oil-based application day will use special paint thinners to get the brushes and rollers ready for another day. Utilize warm, sudsy water to scour away the excess pigment from the bristles or nap on the roller. Carefully brush them until every trace of paint has been removed.
Rinse them off completely and allow them to air dry fully before storing them in a cool, dry area. Refrain from leaving brushes or rollers in water or solvent, as this could damage the bristles or nap. Make sure to store your tools in an upright position or hang them up to avert bending of the bristles or nap.
By properly cleaning and storing your painting tools, you'll be ready for your next DIY project with tools that are in good condition and work properly.
Conclusion
Don't let these damaging DIY house painting missteps ruin your decorating dreams! Selecting the correct paint, cautiously prepping surfaces, utilizing primer correctly, and dodging overloading your brush or roller will turn your dwelling into an impressive artwork. Employing these skillful techniques, you'll create a charming, reenergized home. So grab that brush and begin.
If you ever decide not to confront this task and want to hire someone to take over, consider All American Trade Work. We are local, and friendly, and have worked on some seriously detailed projects, including preparing your house for painters. Give us a call at (541) 601-3667 to receive your free consultation!
When it comes to interior painting services in Medford, Oregon, All American Trade Work is your go-to choice. Our expert team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to tackle any project with precision and care, from carefully preparing your house for painters to delivering exceptional results that transform your home into a haven of beauty and style. Don't hesitate to reach out to us and let us bring your vision to life with our top-notch painting services.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover the difference of working with All American Trade Work. We look forward to making your interior painting project a resounding success!
References:
(1): https://www.azcentral.com/story/sponsor-story/arizona-painting-company/2019/03/29/5-situations-where-you-must-apply-primer-before-painting/3311598002/