Painting the interior of your home can be a simple and satisfying way to update your space. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or tackling an entire home, interior painting can breathe new life into your surroundings. However, as with any home improvement project, mistakes can happen, leading to frustrating results and wasted time and money. By being aware of common painting pitfalls, you can avoid them and achieve the perfect finish every time.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most common interior painting mistakes and offer helpful tips on how to avoid them.

1. Skipping Surface Preparation

Why It’s a Mistake

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when painting is neglecting proper surface preparation. Clean, smooth, and properly primed surfaces are essential for the best results. If the surface is dirty, oily, or uneven, the paint won’t adhere properly, leading to an uneven finish, peeling, or bubbling over time.

How to Avoid It

Before you start painting, thoroughly clean the walls and remove any dust, grease, or stains. Fill in any holes or cracks with spackle, and sand the surface smooth. Priming the walls before applying the paint can also help to improve the paint’s adhesion, especially if you’re switching from a dark color to a lighter one or painting a porous surface.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Paint

Why It’s a Mistake

Choosing the wrong type of paint for the job can lead to unsatisfactory results. For example, using flat or matte finishes in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms may cause the paint to become stained or damaged more quickly. Likewise, choosing the wrong paint for specific materials, such as drywall or wood, can lead to peeling and poor coverage.

How to Avoid It

When selecting paint, choose one that is specifically formulated for the type of surface you’re painting. For high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, opt for paints with a satin or semi-gloss finish. These are more durable and easier to clean. For other areas, such as living rooms and bedrooms, a flat or eggshell finish can work well.

3. Not Using Enough Paint

Why It’s a Mistake

Running out of paint midway through your project is frustrating, and trying to stretch the remaining paint can lead to uneven coverage. Using too little paint can result in streaks, patchy areas, and a finish that looks incomplete.

How to Avoid It

Calculate how much paint you’ll need before starting the project. Typically, one gallon of paint covers about 350 square feet. If you’re painting a larger room or applying multiple coats, be sure to buy extra paint to avoid having to stop and go back to the store. It’s better to have a little extra than to run short during the process.

4. Not Using Proper Tools

Why It’s a Mistake

Using cheap or inappropriate painting tools can lead to uneven coverage and unsatisfactory results. For example, using a roller with too thick or too thin a nap can cause the paint to apply unevenly. Similarly, cheap brushes may shed bristles, leaving unwanted marks on the wall.

How to Avoid It

Invest in quality brushes and rollers that are appropriate for your surface. Use a high-density roller for smooth walls and a thicker roller for textured surfaces. For cutting in around edges and trim, choose a high-quality angled brush. Proper tools will give you a much smoother, more professional finish.

5. Rushing the Drying Process

Why It’s a Mistake

Patience is key when it comes to painting. Rushing the drying process, whether by applying a second coat too soon or not allowing enough time between steps, can lead to smudges, streaks, and uneven paint coverage.

How to Avoid It

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times between coats. Typically, it’s a good idea to wait at least two to four hours between coats. If you’re in a hurry, use a fan or open windows to speed up the drying process, but don’t rush it.

6. Not Taping Off Properly

Why It’s a Mistake

While some homeowners may skip taping off edges entirely, others might do it incorrectly, leading to uneven or messy lines between the wall and trim, baseboards, or ceiling.

How to Avoid It

Make sure to use painter’s tape designed for clean removal, and apply it carefully along edges. Press it down firmly to avoid any paint seeping underneath. Once the paint has dried, remove the tape at a 45-degree angle to avoid pulling off any dried paint.

7. Forgetting to Protect Furniture and Floors

Why It’s a Mistake

One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is not protecting your furniture and floors from paint splatters. Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, accidents happen, and paint can easily end up where it shouldn’t.

How to Avoid It

Before starting, move furniture out of the room or cover it with plastic sheeting. Lay down drop cloths or painter’s tarps on the floor to protect the surface from splashes. This will make cleanup easier and prevent any costly mishaps.

Conclusion

Interior painting is a great way to refresh your living space, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes to get the best results. Proper surface preparation, choosing the right paint, using quality tools, and giving adequate drying time are all crucial steps in achieving a smooth, professional finish. With these tips in mind, your next painting project will go off without a hitch.

For expert help with cabinet painting or any interior painting project, click here to learn more about our professional services.