Painting is fun, but it's just as technical. But too many people start off painting without proper preparation, and when they're halfway done, they realize there's something they should have done or gotten.
So before embarking on your house painting project, here are the top painting mistakes to avoid.
Not mixing all the paints together
Your room may be a large one that needs several buckets of paint. You may think, "Fine, when this gallon gets exhausted, I'll buy and burst open another." But painting doesn't work that way. You have to get as much paint as you'll need at once and mix them all in a large container to obtain a uniform consistency. If you apply different paints of the same colour at different times, you'll discover they don't really blend, and the finish is poor.
Not cleaning the walls
Paint doesn't adhere well to dirty surfaces. So you want to ensure your walls are clean before painting. It's a great idea to use a power washer before an interior painting as there's bound to be dust build-up that's difficult to get off using traditional washing techniques.
Using the wrong paint for the wrong surface
It's a mistake to paint a surface without knowing what paint is more suitable for it. Different paints are manufactured with a focus on certain surface types, such as brick, stucco, wood, porch, and siding. If you use unsuitable paint, you may likely complain it's of low quality because it may not adhere well to the surface.
Lack of prep
While painting can be such an exciting experience, it requires prep work. Forgetting to prepare can make it an unsatisfactory experience. Ensure you have all the required tools readily available before starting. Also, prepare the walls for the paint.
Before painting, some important surface prep work includes power washing, caulking, filling holes, removing loose paint, repairing damaged surfaces (paint won't stay long on cracked and rotting surfaces).
Not applying primer
Just like asphalt coming upon a primer coat, your paint should come upon a primer. This primer serves as a uniform, ideal surface for the paint to adhere to.
The primer goes over old paint, dust, and everything else on the surface, locking them in, after which you can then paint on a dust-free, uniform surface.
Not using or buying the right brush
You can have the best paint in the world but it won't give you the best finish if you use the wrong applicator. Using a good brush and paint cover will save you in the long run as you'll get the best out of your paint.
Using regular interior paint for high-traffic areas
Some high-traffic areas in your home, such as the closet and kitchen, would need a more washable semi-gloss paint. You can also use a more durable interior premium matte finish such ad Benjamin Moore's Classic Premium Interior Paint.
Dipping your brush too far into the paint
You really don't have to go all the way in. Having the brush just a third of the way in is enough, and it prevents the paint from getting into the bristles, which often prove hard to clean.
Irregular motions
If you paint from the bottom up or sideways, you'll later realize drips are soiling what you've already done below. So it's crucial you always paint from top to bottom to catch drips. And each stroke should overlap the previous by about 8 inches.
Not seeking help
There's a ton of DIY house painting tips on the Internet. Before painting, try to gain some insight to ensure you get it right.
You could also contact a painting company for painting consultation. A professional painter will always give you the right directions and what tools are required.
Get help and avoid mistakes by contacting a professional painter near you today.
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