Painting is a rewarding endeavour and a simple way to get your interiors looking their best. While we believe that everyone should feel empowered to undertake their personal painting project and paint their own possible, it certainly helps to have an understanding of the basics. After all, even the most experienced do-it-yourselfers can fall prey to common painting mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for, and tips on how to avoid them for a professional-looking finish.
1. Choosing low-quality tools: Bad brushes and rollers can lead to uneven application, visible brush marks, and pesky shedding bristles. To keep this from happening, we recommend investing in high-quality equipment from a reputable shop or brand. Good tools may cost more upfront, but they perform much better and will last much longer. Look for brushes with synthetic bristles for water-based paint and natural bristles for oil-based paint.
2. Using low-cost paints: You’ve probably heard the phrase you get what you pay for—and paint is no exception. Using low-cost paint can significantly undermine all of your hard work. Bad paint can cause poor coverage, uneven texture, and a finish that lacks durability. These formulas will usually need multiple coats to achieve the desired colour, wasting both time and money, while their ingredients can lead to a duller and less consistent appearance. Investing in a high value paint ensures proper adhesion, flawless application, and a long-lasting, professional-looking finish on the surface.
3. Skipping the preparation steps: Many people are so eager to start painting that they skip the eseential prep steps and end up regretting it in the end. Be patient and take the time to properly prep surfaces. Things such as cleaning walls to remove dirt and grease, filling holes or cracks and sanding down rough areas may not be the most exciting of tasks, but they are necessary.
4. Forgetting the primer: Similar to the above, neglecting to use primer will likely result in an uneven finish and poor paint adhesion, especially when it comes to previously untreated walls or areas that have been repaired. Make sure to always use the correct primer for your surface and chosen paint formula. In addition to helping paint adhere, primer creates a smooth and uniform base to build upon for the best possible results.
4. Overloading the Brush or Roller: Loading too much paint on your brush/roller will lead to drips, problems with application, and of course– wasted paint. Dip your brush or roller gently into the paint and then carefully tap off the excess. If you’re using a roller, also use a roller tray and make sure to roll off excess paint before application. Applying paint in thin, even coats will give you a professional finish and reduce the risk of drips.
5. Not leaving enough time between coats: Painting over areas that are not fully dry from previous coats can lead to streaks and uneven texture. Be patient and wait for each individual coat to dry completely before moving on to the next. The paint packaging will inform you of the recommended drying times for that formula, so be sure to follow them carefully.
6. Painting without enough ventilation: Painting in space without adequate ventilation can lead to a build-up of fumes, which can be harmful and also slow down the drying process. This is especially problematic with solvent based trim paints. Whenever you begin a painting project, make sure you’re using a big enough space that also has proper ventilation. Open windows and doors and use fans to keep air cirulating while assisting with the drying process. Luckily, our paints have a unique breatheasy® 99% solvent free formulation to offer you the confidence to decorate your home safely. This innovative formula limits exposure to airborne triggers of asthma and allergy, and helps create a healthier space for the whole family.
7. Running out of paint before your project is done: Running out of paint when you’re in the middle of your project is not only annoying—it can result in colour inconsistencies. To make sure you’re never caught unprepared, we recommend taking the time to carefully calculate the amount you need before you start and ensuring you even have some extra just in case as colour batches can sometimes vary. We highly suggest talking to an experienced professional to assist you with this.
Avoiding these common painting mistakes can make all the difference between a DIY disaster and a beautiful new room. Thoughtful preparation along with the right tools and techniques hold the key to a professional looking finish. For everything you need for your painting project, call into your local Crown Paints retailer.
