When it comes to interior painting, DIY’ers often find themselves in a bit of a pickle. Whether you’ve had problems with your paint not adhering to the surface or coverage issues, there are plenty of things that can go wrong for those who attempt their own painting projects. It doesn’t have to be that way, of course. While some mistakes are inevitable, no one needs to be a victim of the most obvious slip-ups. In this guide, you’ll find several common mistakes made by painters you should avoid.
1: Not Preparing the Surface Adequately
It’s incredibly important to make sure that your surface is clean and free of dust or debris before you begin. If the surface isn’t totally dirt-free, it won’t be very receptive to paint, which means you’ll end up with a subpar finish. Take the necessary time to ensure your walls are as clean as possible before applying fresh coats of paint.
2: Using Low-Quality Paint
When you’re ready to begin your DIY paint project, be sure you have a steady supply of high-quality paint on hand. More expensive paints will cover better and adhere to your surface more completely than the cheap stuff. As a bonus, they’ll also dry more smoothly and beautifully. It’s also important to make sure your paint can is fresh. If you don’t use the paint quickly enough, it will dry out and become useless before you finish your project.
3: Not Using Primer
While some DIY painters want to cut corners at every opportunity, using a primer is one of those things they should never skip. Primer ensures that your paint adheres properly to your surface and creates a smooth base. If you don’t use primer, there’s a chance that the paint won’t cover completely or will look uneven once it’s dry.
4: Failing to Tape Off Areas
Do yourself a favour and make sure all of the areas you want to be left untouched are properly taped off. Otherwise, your paintbrush might accidentally go where it doesn’t belong, then the only choice you’ll have is to repaint that area as well as those you’d originally planned to cover.
5: Not Letting Your Paint Dry Completely
If you don’t let your paint dry completely, the result will not only look bad but may also be vulnerable to damage. Depending on the type of paint you used, it could peel or wear away after it’s semi-dried, leaving your fresh paint job looking like a mess and costing more time and money than necessary.
When you’re ready to begin painting your interior walls, it can be wise to hire professionals like Pacific Coat Painting. By doing so, you’ll escape many of these common mistakes, and you’ll be left with a project you can be proud to witness every day in your own home.
