Many homeowners expect painting their homes to be an easy weekend task, only to find that this isn't the case. Painting your home without the proper tools, preparation, and knowledge can lead to costly mistakes that'll be hard to fix. Learn some of the most common painting errors, how to avoid them, and when to hire a professional interior painter with this guide.

What Mistakes Do DIY Interior Painters Make?

1. Painting Over Glossy Paint or Wallpaper

Without proper preparation, new paint won't stick to old glossy paint, causing chips, discoloration, or cracks after application. Shiny paint should be sanded and wiped down before it's painted over with a new coat.

Similarly, if you paint over old wallpaper, the moisture from the paint can cause the old glue to release. This will lead to peeling paper that’ll ruin your hard work. Seal the wallpaper with an oil-based primer or remove it before painting to avoid this error.

2. Bumping the Ceiling or Floor

A slight slip of the wrist can cause you to leave an unsightly mark on your ceiling, floor, or baseboards when using a foam roller. To avoid this mistake, make sure to apply plenty of painter's tape and paint a thick horizontal line across the top of the wall before painting vertically.

3. Choosing the Wrong Paint Color

Before choosing a specific color, select a few options and bring them home to see them outside of the fluorescent lights of the store. You can also ask for a paint sample to test on the wall, allowing you to see the color in your home's light at different times of the day. 

4. Treating a Ceiling Like a Wall

Many non-textured ceilings are more uneven than they appear, and painting them will only highlight the imperfections. To avoid this, spread a layer of joint compound over the ceiling before painting it. You should also test a small patch before completing your textured ceiling, as some popcorn ceilings can come off in sheets after being painted. When in doubt, hire a professional interior painter to make sure you don't cause any significant damage.

5. Purchasing Cheap Tools

While it can be tempting to save money on cheap tools, you won't be able to get the professional results you want without investing in better ones. Opt for high-quality rollers, brushes, paint sprayers, and painter's tape, or hire a professional interior painter for the best results.

 

If you want your room to be painted correctly the first time, hire an interior painter from Harbour Painting in New London County, CT. These professional painting contractors have been serving clients since 1977, so they can help you avoid making unsightly DIY mistakes. Schedule your consultation with an interior painter by calling (860) 444-0705, or learn more online.