8 Painting Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

It can be incredibly rewarding to have your exterior walls painted, but it can also be quite challenging. If you’re new to painting, or if you’ve been painting for years but still haven’t managed to perfect your technique, then you’ll want to read on. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common painting mistakes, and we will provide tips on how to avoid them. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro when it comes to doing a paint job, read on for some valuable information!

The Most Common Painting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Painting Over Dirty Walls

One of the most common mistakes when doing any paint project is painting over dirty walls. If your walls are covered in dirt, dust, or grease, your paint will not adhere properly and you will end up with an uneven finish or even peeling paint. To avoid this mistake, make sure to clean your walls thoroughly before you start painting. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust, or you can wash your walls with a mild detergent. If you’re painting over grease stains, you will need to use a degreaser and then rinse the area with clean water before painting.

Not Using Primer

Another common painting mistake is not using primer. Primer provides a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, and it also helps to hide imperfections in the walls to give it a flawless paint job. Without primer, your paint job will likely be streaky and uneven. To avoid this mistake, always use a primer before painting- even if you’re just painting over a previously painted surface or a second coat of paint.

Not Sanding Down Rough Surfaces

If you’re painting over a rough surface, such as wood or concrete, it’s important to sand down the surface before painting. Otherwise, your paint will not adhere properly and you’ll end up with an uneven finish or even paint bleed. To avoid this mistake, use sandpaper to smooth out the surface before painting.

Using the Wrong Paint Brush

One of the most common painting mistakes is using the wrong paintbrush. When painting, you should always use a brush that is appropriate for the type of paint you’re using. For example, if you’re painting with latex paint, you should use a synthetic bristle brush. If you’re painting with oil-based paint, you should use a natural bristle brush. Using the wrong brush can result in an uneven paint job and brush marks that are visible on the finished surface.

Not Mixing Paint Thoroughly

Another common painting mistake is not mixing paint thoroughly. When you open a can of paint, it’s important to mix it thoroughly before painting. Otherwise, the pigments will settle and you’ll end up with an uneven finish. To avoid this mistake, use a stir stick to mix the paint thoroughly before painting.

Applying Paint Too Thickly or Too Thinly

Another common painting mistake is applying paint too thickly or too thinly. If you apply paint too thickly, it will take forever to dry and it will be difficult to achieve a smooth finish. If you apply paint too thinly, it will likely drip and run. To avoid this mistake, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of paint you’re using.

Not Using Tape

One painting mistake that many people make is not using tape. When painting, always use tape to protect adjacent surfaces from paint drips and spills. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a messy painting job. To avoid this mistake, use painter’s tape to protect any areas that you don’t want to paint.

Not Wearing Protective Gear

Another painting mistake that many people make is not wearing protective gear. When painting, always wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Paint fumes can be harmful to your health, and paint particles can damage your eyes. To avoid this mistake, always wear the proper protective gear when painting.

Takeaway

Mistakes happen, but there are ways to minimize them. If you’re looking for a professional exterior or interior painting job done right the first time around, call Harmony Painting today. We’ll take care of everything and make sure your home looks great when we’re finished.