When it comes to house painting, there are plenty of ways to go wrong. Fortunately, there are also some simple mistakes you can avoid to ensure that your finished project looks great.
One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing the wrong paint color. This can lead to a dismal end result and cause you to waste time and money on a project that doesn’t turn out the way you want it.
1. Not Preparing the Walls
When it comes to painting your house, preparation is key. It can make all the difference in how your finished product looks and feels.
The first step in preparing your walls is to clean them off of dirt, debris and dust. This will help the paint stick better to the surface and be less likely to chip off when you’re done.
You can use a sponge or a bucket of warm soapy water to scrub the wall, but be sure to rinse it thoroughly when you’re done. This will ensure that you get a smooth finish for your paint job and also helps your brushes do their job.
Finally, be sure to find the biggest flaws in your walls, such as holes and dents. It’s a good idea to mark these on the wall with tape.
You should also inspect the walls for a few other minor flaws. This includes cracks and dings, which are easy to spot using a bright light (or a piece of wood). The best way to do this is to hold the light next to the wall and rake it across it.
2. Not Using the Right Paint
A fresh coat of paint can transform the look of a room and add value to your home. However, there are some painting mistakes that you should avoid if you want to get the best results.
One of the most common house painting mistakes is not using the right paint. While low-quality paints may seem like a good deal, they will not last as long and can easily chip or fade.
Buying a high-quality paint will help you save money in the long run and will also help you save time because you won’t have to paint as often. You can find some great options at stores like Home Depot (opens in new tab) or Lowe’s (opens in new tab).
Another painting mistake is not testing colors first. When you choose a paint color at the store, it is important to take a sample home and test it in the light of your room.
This is especially true if you’re trying to pick out a neutral paint for a living room. You want to choose a paint color that is neutral enough to work with your furniture and other pieces, but still give you the desired effect. To avoid such mistakes, the best course of action would be to hire professional house painters like the Old Charleston Painting Company.
3. Not Using the Right Tape
When you’re painting your home, it’s important to use the right tape. Not only does it help protect your walls, but it also ensures that the lines are sharp and clear.
If you’re not sure which kind of tape to buy, you can always test it out in an inconspicuous area before deciding to use it. You can also check to see if the tape will peel up paint or damage the surface you’re covering.
You can also find tape that’s specially designed for delicate surfaces, like wallpaper or wood. This type of tape is less likely to damage the material, and it can be removed cleanly in a few days.
Tape also comes in different widths and tack levels, so make sure to choose the one that fits your needs best. For example, if you’re working on skirting, go with a high-tack tape that will stick down well and won’t pull away from the paint when it dries. On the other hand, if you’re using it for painting, pick a tape that’s light enough to adhere well but isn’t going to damage your painted surface.
4. Not Covering the Area
A well executed paint job can make a house feel like a home. It can also make the place a lot more fun for your kids and pets as well. If you are considering a fresh coat of paint, there are many factors to consider, including the time you have available for the big project and your budget. You might want to start with a quick check of your HOA guidelines to see what colors are acceptable for your particular property. The key is to find a balance between cost and quality to get the best possible result. The best way to do that is to hire a Denver area painting contractor to handle the job from start to finish.
5. Not Using the Right Brushes
Whether you’re painting your entire house or just a touch-up, your paint job won’t turn out right if you don’t use the right brushes. You’re wasting your time and money by using the wrong tools, and you’ll end up with a streaky, blotchy, or sloppy paint job.
The size of the brush is important to consider, especially if you’re planning on painting wide or long areas, or you need to paint around trim. A wider brush with a short handle gives you better control and flexibility to work around corners and trim.
It’s also important to choose the right type of brush for the job. Natural bristle brushes work best with oil-based paints, and synthetic bristles are better for water-based paints.
They’ll hold more paint, and they’re more durable than natural bristles, so you can work faster.
If you’re painting a rough surface, such as a wood deck, choose a synthetic brush that won’t break the tips off of the natural bristles.
Another common mistake is skipping the step of priming before painting. Professional painters recommend primer as it helps the paint stick to the wall, prevents uneven color, and can help the paint last longer.
6. Not Using the Right Rollers
Using the right rollers is one of the most important steps you can take to get professional-looking results. Not only do they make painting a room faster and easier, but they can also help you avoid some of the most common painting mistakes.
The best paint rollers are designed to cover larger areas in less time, while still producing a smooth finish. For instance, a nine-inch roller can handle most jobs with relative ease, while an 18-inch model will help you complete a large project in record time.
When choosing the perfect roller for your painting needs, it’s important to consider the type of surface you’re working on and what kind of paint you’ll be using. A quality roller should be able to hold a lot of paint, deliver a smooth application and provide good gripping power to prevent slipping and sliding.
A top-notch roller also helps you avoid painting mistakes, which can be costly and even dangerous in the wrong hands. For example, a cheap roller could end up skidding across the floor and leaving a sticky residue on the furniture. You can keep this from happening by investing in a high-quality frame and comfort grip handles.
7. Not Taking Care of Your Tools
The tools you use when painting your house can make or break the job. Using them properly can help make your work easier, safer and more successful, which will save you time and money in the long run. It’s also important to take care of them by cleaning them after each use and storing them in their proper place. Using the wrong storage solution can lead to rust, moisture and corrosion which will damage your tools and decrease their effectiveness.
It’s also important to clean the walls before you start painting because grease, oil or residue can make their way onto your paint if it’s not removed first. This is particularly true if you have a kitchen or bathroom. You can use washing up liquid or degreaser to get rid of any stains.