Common DIY Painting Mistakes you should Avoid (Part-2)

In the previous blog post we looked at some of the common mistakes people make when they attempt DIY painting. What follow are a few more, and these do not relate to the technicalities of painting as such, but to simple common sense errors that people make because they think painting is easy.

Not sanding

Sanding may appear to be counterproductive, especially if the new paint is being applied over a smooth coat of old paint. But paint needs to stick on to a wall, and for this it requires some texture or roughness. If the wall being painted has any shiny surfaces, scrub them gently with sandpaper till the shine is gone. Follow this up by rinsing down the wall. This is an important step that is often overlooked. If not done, grit from the sandpaper may remain on the wall, and if this is painted over, the finish will be ruined.

Drenching the brush in paint

It is a common misconception that you need to get as much paint on the brush as possible. Dipping the brush too far into the paint can is a mistake. First of all, the paint that collects at the base of the bristles will not flow on to the surface being painted. Next, it could start dripping and damaging the finish. And thirdly, the paint is difficult to clean out when the job is over. Dried paint will make the bristles hard and when the brush is used again, the paint will not apply properly. Ideally, the brush should be dipped only one third of the way in. This is the area from which the paint can optimally be applied.

Starting wrong

Painting randomly or starting at the easiest places is a big mistake. Always start at the top, near the ceiling, and work your way down. That will give you the smoothest finish and allow you to catch any drips that may occur.

Painting over wallpaper

It is possible, though not advisable often, to paint over wallpaper. If it has to be done, using water-based primers and paints is a mistake. The water content can reactivate the glue holding the wallpaper to the wall, and cause it to start peeling – often days after the painting is completed. If you have to paint over wallpaper, use only oil-based primers and paints that will not react with the glue.

Skipping the cleanup

Painting can be tiring and it is tempting to postpone the cleanup till later. If brushes are not cleaned immediately after use, they can become unusable. Wash them thoroughly with dish detergent and clean water. Once dry, wrap them in airtight plastic wrap and store them in the original packaging which will allow them to retain their original shape.

In theory, painting is easy. In practice, making mistakes is easy. The flaws in your painting may not be immediately visible, but they will appear soon enough. Painting is time consuming and messy; it would be a major hassle to redo a job to cover up flaws or achieve the expected finish. It also means greater expense. DIY is great for certain things, but when it comes to painting, which affects the look and ambience of a home, engaging a professional painting and finishing company makes a lot of sense in terms of quality, cost and convenience.