Painting Your Home? Here Are Some Mistakes You Will Not Want To Make

---

​Repainting your home is undoubtedly one of the best ways to freshen the place up and give it a new lease of life, as well as potentially, a new look, depending on your choice of color. Of course, this is only likely to be the case if you actually do a good job of the painting and don’t mess it up. It only takes one DIY paint disaster to ruin your home!

That being the case, let's take a look at some of the most common house painting mistakes you will not want to make.

Painting Your Home? Here Are Some Mistakes You Will Not Want To Make

Skipping The Prep Work

Often, in the excitement to see a new color on the walls, we tend to bypass the vital step of prepping the surface, but this is really not a good idea. Cleaning the walls, scraping off the old paint, and smoothing the surface with sandpaper are essential steps to ensure a flawless finish. Basically, the smoother and cleaner the base, the better the final outcome is likely to be.
​​

Ignoring The Primer

Primer serves as the foundation that helps the paint adhere better to the walls, providing a uniform base. It also helps in hiding the stains and imperfections that would otherwise be visible on the walls within your home. So, never underestimate the power of a good primer; it can be the difference between a paint job that lasts for years and one that begins to peel prematurely. So, however much skipping this step[ might be appealing to you, please don’t. Your house will thank you!
​

Using The Wrong Tools

This brings us to one of the vital aspects of painting - choosing the right tools. Many people choose to paint their homes with rollers because they can cover more ground quickly and get a smoother finish. This is fine for the most part, but when it comes to trim and cutting in, it is often better to use a paintbrush for more accuracy. The roller vs. paintbrush debate is likely to rumble on and there is no real right or wrong, but there is also nothing wrong with using both - each to tackle a different task.
​

Choosing Colors Hastily

Colors have the ability to transform spaces dramatically, but choosing them hastily without considering the room's lighting and size can be a grave mistake that you will absolutely not want to make. It's always wise to try a small patch of your chosen color on the wall and observe it at different times of the day before making the final decision. That way, you will know for sure what the end result is going to look like and whether you can live with it long-term or not.

Disregarding The Weather

This is one thing a lot of homeowners and DIY enthusiasts have no idea about, but believe it or not, the weather can have a significant impact on your paint job. Painting during extremely humid or rainy conditions can prevent the paint from drying properly, leading to drips and an uneven finish. That is why you should always make an effort to check the weather forecast before you start to ensure the optimum conditions for painting.
​

Ignoring The Details

When painting, it's easy to overlook the tiny details like the corners and edges of the room you are working in. However, it is fair to say that precision in these areas can make all the difference in giving your space a professional touch. So, if you want to do a great job, be sure to make good use of painter's tape to achieve clean lines and avoid paint bleed.
​

Skipping The Second Coat

While it might seem that one coat of paint has done the job, adding a second coat can enhance the color depth and ensure durability. The second coat acts as a shield, protecting the first layer and providing a richer finish. So, you are always going to want to add that extra layer if you want your home to look really great.
​

Not Protecting Your Furnishings

The excitement to revamp your walls should not cloud the necessity to protect your furniture and flooring. Cover your furnishings with plastic sheets and your floors with drop cloths to safeguard them from paint splatters and spills. No matter how neat and precise you think you are, there is a good chance that you will end up dripping at least some paint in the process of revamping your home decor, and this will not be a problem if you have already prepared by covering up.

Picking The Wrong Finish

Paint comes in various finishes, from matte to glossy. Choosing the wrong finish can either dull down or excessively highlight your walls. This is why you should always consider the room's function and the amount of natural light it receives before selecting the finish. For instance, a semi-gloss finish is easier to clean, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. If you aren’t sure which finish will work best for your project, the person selling the paint will be happy to advise you in most cases.
​

Not Allowing Sufficient Drying Time

In our eagerness to see the final outcome, we might rush to remove the tape or move the furniture back in, but not allowing sufficient time for the paint to dry can ruin the finish. Be patient and give it ample time to dry to achieve the perfect look, and you will not regret doing so.
​

Disposing Of Paint Improperly

Once the job is done, ensure that any leftover paint is stored or disposed of responsibly. Storing it properly can come in handy for touch-ups in the future, while improper disposal can be harmful to the environment. A garage is ideal. 

---

If you can avoid making these very common mistakes when painting your home, then you can be sure that the finished product will look great, and that your furniture, and everything else, is kept as safe as possible during the process. Happy painting!

Comment Box is loading comments...