Common Painting Mistakes

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In today’s topic, we’re shifting our focus to common DIY painting mistakes. While painting a room is a project that many homeowners can confidently take on, it’s important to be aware of the frequent errors that can compromise the final result. By understanding these pitfalls, you can ensure a smoother process and a more polished, professional-looking finish.

While choosing paint colours is a topic deserving of its own in-depth discussion, today we’ll focus on some of the most common mistakes people make when preparing and painting a room. Having encountered many of these challenges firsthand over the years, I’ve learned valuable lessons with each project. By sharing these insights, I hope to help you avoid the same pitfalls and ensure your next painting job goes smoothly and delivers great results.

Before Painting

Before you even open up that can of paint, there are painting mistakes that can be made…

Overlooking Paint Finish: While colour often gets all the attention when choosing paint, finish plays a crucial role in both the appearance and durability of your surfaces. The type of finish can affect how the colour looks in different lighting and how well the surface holds up over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right finish for the job:

• SGP (Low Sheen / Matt Acrylic): This is ideal for interior walls where a subtle, elegant finish is preferred. It helps hide imperfections and creates a soft, non-reflective look. Perfect for bedrooms, ceilings, and living areas.
• Dura Star (Semi Sheen Acrylic): A durable and washable option, Dura Star is great for high-use areas like hallways, kitchens, and children’s rooms. It offers a balance between a smooth appearance and ease of maintenance.
• Super Sheen (High Sheen Acrylic): This high-gloss, washable acrylic is excellent for walls that need to be cleaned often or have more exposure to moisture. It adds a sleek, polished look and is highly durable.

Gloss and Eggshell Finishes: While these finishes are commonly used, they are more suited to metal surfaces like door and window frames, rather than interior walls. Gloss provides a very shiny and wipeable surface, while eggshell offers a softer sheen but isn’t as commonly used in modern wall applications.

Cheap Paint: One of the most common questions I’m asked is which paint brand to choose. While different brands offer various benefits, the key factor to consider is the quality of the paint itself, not just the name on the can. In my experience, opting for the most affordable option often leads to needing multiple coats, which can quickly increase both time and cost. Investing in a higher-quality paint from the start generally results in better coverage, a smoother finish, and long-term satisfaction.

Using a Low-Quality Brush: When it comes to painting tools, quality is just as important as the paint itself. Using a low-quality brush often results in loose bristles getting stuck in the paint, leading to a messy and uneven finish. For a smoother, more professional result, I always recommend investing in high-quality brushes like those from Academy Brushware or Hamilton’s Brushes. With proper care, these brushes can be reused for multiple projects and deliver consistently excellent performance.

Using the Wrong Roller Nap: I don’t have a particular brand that I love for rollers, but I always emphasize that you should buy the correct nap for your job. The longer the nap, the more texture it adds to the paint job. Here’s where you should use each kind…

• 1/8″: Very smooth surfaces (like furniture or cabinets)
• 3/8″: Smooth surfaces (like drywall)
• 1/2″: Textured surfaces (like textured drywall)
• 1″: Rough surfaces

When painting a room, I usually go for a 3/8″ nap roller.

Not Prepping the Walls: Prep work is tedious, but it’s so incredibly important. If you’re painting a room that hasn’t been cleaned in a while, I recommend using a dry rag and wiping down the walls to get any dust off.  You should also do this to the baseboards before you tape. Then, take the time to use painter’s tape to tape off windows, trim, baseboards, the ceiling, etc.

During Painting

Now that you’re ready to get started, let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes people make during the actual painting process, and how you can avoid them for a flawless finish.

Forgetting to Remix the Paint: Forgetting to remix your paint is a common oversight that can affect your final results. While the team at Star Paint will thoroughly shake and mix your paint before you leave the store, it’s essential to give it another good stir just before you begin painting. Be sure to reach all the way to the bottom of the can to properly blend the contents. If you don’t have a stir stick, a clean wood shim or similar tool will do the trick. Properly mixing the paint ensures that the colour and sheen remain consistent throughout your project.

Overworking the Paint: This is probably the most common painting mistake. Once you get the paint on the wall and it starts to dry, resist the urge to go back over it! I like to work in small sections – about three feet at a time. That way, I can make sure I don’t have any drip marks as I go. Once the paint starts drying, the last thing you want to do is go back over the section.

Only Painting One Coat: While many paints on the market claim to offer one-coat coverage, in reality, achieving a smooth and consistent finish almost always requires at least two coats. Even with high-quality paint, small inconsistencies in application, such as uneven pressure or missed spots can lead to patchy results. For the best outcome, plan on applying a second coat to ensure even coverage and a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Not Waiting for Paint to Dry Before Coat Two: You’ll want to make sure the paint is fully dry before adding that second coat. If the color is still splotchy and uneven, it’s probably still drying. Wait until all of the paint is completely dry before getting back to it.

After Painting

So, your walls are painted and looking great, but the job isn’t quite finished yet. To protect your hard work, be mindful of these common post-painting pitfalls that can affect the final result.

Leaving the Painter’s Tape On: I always like to remove the painter’s tape right after I’m done painting. If I let it dry completely, I’ve found that it can peel the paint off a bit. So, get in there right away and get your painter’s tape off.

Not Cleaning Your Brushes Immediately: It’s important to clean your brushes as soon as you’re finished painting before the paint has a chance to dry on the bristles. High-quality brushes, like those from Academy Brushware or Hamilton’s Brushes, are designed to last through multiple projects when properly cared for. Rinse them thoroughly with the appropriate cleaning solution (water for water-based paint or mineral spirits for oil-based), and gently reshape the bristles. If the brush came with a protective sleeve, be sure to store it in that sleeve to help maintain its shape.

Improper Paint Storage: Storing leftover paint incorrectly can ruin it, making it unusable for future touch-ups or projects. Paint should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, both heat and cold can negatively affect its consistency and performance. Avoid storing paint in areas like garages or outdoor sheds where temperatures fluctuate. Instead, choose an indoor storage space such as a utility room, cupboard, or interior storage closet. Always ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in, and consider labeling each can with the room or surface it was used for to make future touch-ups easier.

We hope these tips helped you avoid some of the most common painting mistakes. Painting is a cost-effective and impactful way to transform any space, and with the right approach, it can be both enjoyable and rewarding. So go ahead, give it a try, and keep these pointers in mind for a smooth, professional-looking result!