5 Commonly Made Painting Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Painting your home or undertaking any other type of paint project can be quite a task—and of all the different things you must take into consideration, there are several potential mistakes you might accidentally make if you aren’t careful or slip up. But you don’t need to worry; arming yourself with the proper knowledge or opting for a team of professionals can ensure that things turn out just as planned. Here are five of the most commonly made painting mistakes and how to avoid them!

1. Skimping on Prep

It’s understandable to want to excitedly jump right into the project, but you shouldn’t do so at the cost of prep time. There’s a lot that goes into preparing to paint, from everything like repairing the surfaces of the walls to laying down protective covers. Professionals usually spend a great deal of their time on prep, and this difference absolutely shows in the results.  

2. Buying Cheap Brushes and Roller Covers

Though it might seem tempting to save money on various materials, including not just paint but also brushes and roller covers, this is unwise. Good brushes and roller covers offer much better coverage and will save you on paint in the long run, plus they can often be reused later if necessary. You can count on a team of pros to use the best equipment available.

3. Going Without Primer

To put it simply, a primer is essential for giving you a smooth, long-lasting finish that looks great and also covers up any flaws. This is especially true if you’re painting a more difficult surface such as plaster, wood, concrete, glossy paint, or stained/porous drywall. Professional contractors always use high-quality primers in addition to high-quality paints to provide incredible results.

4. Painting Incorrectly

Be sure that you aren’t plunging your brush too far into the paint; dip it only about one-third of the way in, just so you’ll get enough on your brush without wasting or pushing it deeper into the bristles. As for brushing, always start near the ceiling and work your way down for the smoothest finish possible. That said, you won’t have to worry about incorrect techniques if you opt for a team of professionals; skilled contractors stay up to date on the latest methods and have years of experience.

5. Not Cleaning Up Thoroughly

The bottom line is that a painting project is a grand undertaking, and you’ll likely be wiped out and tired by the end of the job—which means you might not put all of the necessary efforts into cleaning everything up correctly! Protect your investment by ensuring that brushes are washed, tape and tarps are tossed in the trash, and any other debris is picked up. Of course, a professional painting team will guarantee cleanup at the end of the job, meaning it’s one less headache you’ll have to deal with if you go this route!

About Platinum Painting of Plano

The talented team at Platinum Painting of Plano has helped hundreds of homeowners in Plano and the surrounding areas with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor paint projects, and they’d love to help you next! If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to schedule a free in-home estimate, feel free to contact them online or by phone for further information: (469) 570-6137.