Ten Painting Mistakes To Avoid
Before you add that gorgeous new paint color to your walls, read these Ten Painting Mistakes to avoid.
#1 Not sampling the color before buying. I made this mistake in 2 rooms and less than a year later we repaint them. Most stores will sell tiny sample pots for a few bucks, so after narrowing it down to your favorite paint chips invest in a few. Put a sample of each color on different walls in your room and see how they look in different lighting over the course of a few days before making a final decision.
#2 Assuming white is white. Nope! With a bazillion shades of white to choose from it’s tempting to roll your eyes and grab a can of the untinted base, but choosing the right shade of white is just as important as with colors. Here’s a great list of favorite white paints to get you started. Remember, invest in some test pots.
#3 Choosing the wrong sheen.
#4 Ignoring your ceiling. Don’t forget the 5th wall! Pinterest is full of inspiration for unique ceiling treatments but even if you stick with white, a fresh coat can really lighten up your room.
#5 Buying the cheapest paint. Brand name paint has a better consistency (fewer drips), better coverage (fewer coats), and doesn’t look streaky where I’ve cut in at the edges. Saving time and hassle is well worth the slightly higher price tag to me.
#6 Buying the cheapest brushes. Low-quality brushes will end up leaving streaky marks on your walls and little bristle hairs stuck in the paint. Spend a few dollars more and save yourself the headache.
#7 Sloppy paint lines. Invest in some frog tape or one of these fancy edging tools, they’ll make your job faster and neater.
#8 The wrong trim paint. Trim needs to hold up to a lot of wear & tear and you should ideally use a tougher paint for the job. Oil-based paints are the traditional choice but they’re pretty stinky and harder to clean up when you’re done painting.
#9 Not mixing your paint. When you need more than one gallon to paint a room, it’s important to mix the cans together to ensure that there won’t be any inconsistencies in the color.
#10 Not storing the leftovers properly. Store your leftover paint properly to ensure you’ll have something on hand for touching up scuffs or nail holes. Latex paint can spoil in extreme temperatures so keep it indoors.