Top 5 Common House Painting Mistakes to Avoid

Are you planning to paint your home yourself? Before you start, it’s essential to understand that painting is not just about slapping paint on the wall. Many homeowners who take on this type of project make common house painting mistakes in an effort to save money – but end-up spending more in the long run. 

From skipping surface preparation to using the wrong type of paint, to not using proper painting tools, to painting in unsuitable weather, your painting project can go wrong in plenty of ways.

In this article, we’re listing common house painting mistakes made by DIYers so you can avoid them and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The first, and arguably the most important mistake to avoid, is skipping surface preparation. Surface preparation is crucial when painting because it creates a clean and smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. It ensures a long-lasting and even finish that can extend the life of your surfaces. Skipping this crucial step can lead to the paint peeling, cracking, or flaking off over time, leaving the surface looking unattractive and requiring a costly and time-consuming repair.

Using the wrong type of paint can lead to multiple problems, such as poor adhesion, blistering, peeling, cracking, and fading. For instance, using interior paint on an exterior painting project can result in the paint quickly deteriorating due to exposure to harsh weather conditions. Interior paint isn’t designed for exterior surfaces. Similarly, using oil-based paint over a surface previously painted with latex paint can cause the new paint to peel off quickly – which will require repainting.

Using the proper painting tools is important because it affects the overall quality and appearance of your painted surfaces. The right painting tools can help ensure an even, smooth, and consistent finish, while the wrong tools can result in drips, streaks, and uneven coverage.

Aside from brushes and rollers, other painting tools such as drop cloths, painter’s tape, and paint sprayers can also help achieve professional-looking results. Drop cloths protect floors and furniture from paint splatters, painter’s tape helps to mask off edges and trim for a clean and straight line, and paint sprayers can help to achieve a more even and consistent finish.

With the proper painting tools, you can ensure high-quality and long-lasting painted walls.

Another common house painting mistake is not waiting before painting between coats. You need to allow the previous coat to dry and cure properly before applying a new coat. A new coat of paint before the previous coat has dried can result in a multitude of problems, such as uneven coverage and premature peeling.

The drying time between coats depends on the type of paint, the surface being painted, and the temperature and humidity in the room. As a general rule, it is recommended to wait for at least 2-4 hours between coats of paint. However, there are some types of paint that require a longer curing time.

For a professional and polished finish, it’s important to take the time to prepare everything properly before you begin painting. One of the most crucial steps in this process is taping off trim and edges. Taping off may seem like a small and time-consuming detail, but it can significantly affect the overall quality of your interior painting project. Taping off not only saves time, effort, and cost but also helps to create clean and straight lines and get the results that look beautiful and professional-looking.

While painting your home seems like a simple task, it can quickly become a burden, particularly if you lack the necessary experience, tools, and patience. That’s why hiring professional painters is a better option. 

Professional painters have the expertise and training to assess your home’s needs, prepare surfaces, and execute your vision to perfection. They can also provide valuable insights into color choices, finishes, and textures that best complement your style and home. Additionally, professional house painters have access to high-quality materials and tools, ensuring that the job is done efficiently and with precision.

Coastal Home Professionals is a locally owned and operated painting company in Seagrove Beach that provides trusted interior and exterior services for all of your painting needs. We serve homeowners in Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Inlet Beach, and throughout the 30A area.

Our skilled house painters are highly experienced in various painting projects, ensuring a smooth and efficient customer experience. Providing clear and ongoing communication to customers is part of our everyday process – ensuring our clients stay updated throughout their project.

Make Coastal Home Professionals your go-to painting company for all of your residential painting needs. Click here to schedule a consultation or call us at (850) 909-9844.