The Most Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid: Tips from a Professional Contractor

Published Tuesday, May 02, 2023

As a professional painting contractor, I have seen my fair share of painting mistakes. While some mistakes may seem small, they can end up costing you time, money, and frustration in the long run. In this blog post, I will share some of the most common painting mistakes to avoid, as well as tips to ensure that your painting project is a success.

Mistake #1: Skipping Prep

The fastest way to product failure and a cleanup nightmare can be failing to properly prep the surface you’re painting on. Prep is an absolutely essential step in producing a durable paint job and an even finish. Before starting your project, make sure to clean the surface thoroughly and remove any flaking or peeling paint. Any previous product with a glossy sheen will need to be scuffed with sandpaper. The top surface of paint will only be as durable as what’s underneath, so make sure you’re painting onto a clean, dull and dry surface. You may also want to fill any holes or cracks with putty and, in some cases, sand the surface smooth.

Mistake #2: Using Low-Quality Materials

Another mistake is using low-quality painting materials. The temptation to save a few bucks on inferior products will almost always lead to more time spent painting or results that don’t last. If you are willing to spend a little more on decent quality brushes, rollers and paint, the benefits you reap afterward will outweigh the slightly higher upfront costs.

Mistake #3: Not Using Primer

Primer is an essential step in achieving a smooth and even finish, and a requirement for any bare wood or drywall. Without using primer on these surfaces, your paint job will not last long. A fingernail can often scrape 2 coats of paint from bare drywall, and peeling will happen on bare wood within a short period of time. Primer is also needed to properly cover a dark surface with a lighter color, to cover water stains and, with certain types of primer, to cover smoke stains before painting. Always use primer when needed.

Mistake #4: Painting in the Wrong Conditions

Painting in the wrong conditions can also lead to a poor finish. Avoid painting in extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly or not dry at all. Additionally, make sure to paint in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

Mistake #5: Rushing the Project

Finally, rushing the project is a common mistake that can result in a sloppy finish. Take time to plan your project step by step, gather your tools and materials and have a plan before you paint. You must also allow each coat of paint to dry completely before adding another. Rushing can cause mistakes to happen as you paint, and attempting to second coat an area before the first coat is fully dry can leave your project with a lumpy or smeared finish.

In conclusion, painting can be a fun and rewarding DIY project, but it is important to avoid these common mistakes. Proper preparation, using high-quality materials, using primer, painting in the right conditions, and taking your time are all essential steps in achieving a professional finish. If any further questions come up, feel free to call Apollo Painting for guidance. We will be happy to help you work through hangups in your painting project, no strings attached.