Avoid These Common Residential Painting Mistakes
Whether you want to paint the exterior of your home, or paint an access wall or baseboards inside, there are some mistakes you need to try and avoid. These are common mistakes many people make, most often when they don't have a lot of painting experience. Here are some mistakes and tips for avoiding them.
Not Prepping the Surface First
This is a very common mistake people often make the first time they are painting something. It is tempting to just buy the paint and supplies, then get started. Unfortunately, even on a wall that looks perfectly clean, there is probably some dirt and debris that needs to be clean. When you are done painting and let it dry, you will see how uneven it is in certain parts and might see the loose debris more easily. It is best to wash the surface beforehand and make sure it is completely smooth before you start painting.
Using Cheap Supplies
It is extremely important that you spend a little more on your painting supplies when you are able to. It is especially important when talking about paintbrushes and rollers. You will have a hard time getting a perfectly smooth paint job and clean lines if you try to use old or cheap brushes. One of the worst things that can happen is that the bristles start coming off in the wet paint when you are painting, which is hard to correct. Just start with some new, high-quality brushes and you will save time and a major headache.
Failing to Learn How to Cut In
Even the steadiest of hands isn't going to be able to paint flawlessly without cutting in. Cutting in is when you paint around things like windows and doors by painting a line between the wall and the frame. It is a good way to avoid accidentally painting the frame, ceiling, or baseboard you don't want to paint. Cutting in also takes some practice, but it is much easier to have a good finished result if you can learn to do this properly instead of skipping the step altogether.
Not Getting Extra Paint Mixed
If you are looking for more of a custom color, you will probably have a local paint store mix it for you. However, don't forget to get more paint in this custom color than you think you need. You might end up needing a little extra if you make mistakes, plus it is good to have it in your garage for touch-ups. This saves you from having to return later on and get an entire bucket of custom paint, hoping they mix it exactly like the last batch.
For more information and assistance, talk with a residential painting service in your area.