Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Your House
Painting your house is a great way to freshen its look and add value. It does, however, also have its own unique set of difficulties.
Whether you are an experienced painter or just a do-it-yourselfer, there are inevitable mistakes you should avoid. Here are some of the most common:
Not Using Painter’s Tape
Using premium painter’s tape is one of the finest methods to keep paintwork appearing beautiful. It can prevent drips, bleed-through, and uneven painting around baseboards, built-in cabinets, and ceilings.
You can find a wide variety of painter’s tape in stores. Some are designed for general use, others for specific tasks like masking or edge-sealing.
Some are even water-resistant. It is a plus because removing the tape without splintering is easier.
Hiring an exterior paint service with the right type of tape for your project is also essential. It must be strong enough to hold up to the surface you’re using it on and be removed without peeling off the paint.
A good-quality tape will have a label showing how long you can leave it on before cleaning it off. It can vary from three days to up to 14 days, depending on the brand.
Not Applying the Right Amount of Paint
The right amount of paint can make or break a house painting job. You want to avoid ending up with an uneven finish or, worse yet, paint dripping off your walls. The rule of thumb is 1 gallon of paint per 400 square feet. To get an accurate estimate, measure the area of your walls and ceilings. If you have an open floor plan, consider the square footage of the kitchen and living areas in addition to the mainstays.
The best way to calculate the right amount of paint is to use a measuring device, such as a tape measure or ruler. An interior painting company helps determine your chosen piece’s actual surface area for a more systematic approach. Then, multiply the result by a factor of four (two times three is ideal) to find the correct number of gallons. The math is easy, and the results are well worth the effort.
Not Cleaning the Walls
Not cleaning the walls before painting can lead to uneven paint coverage and poor paint adhesion. It is especially true for frequently used rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Dusting the walls before painting them is the most straightforward approach to avoid this issue. It will help prevent dust, hair strands and other small particles from moving around and causing problems with the paint job.
If the walls still look dirty after dusting, a mild soap solution is usually sufficient for washing. A more robust cleaning product such as TSP or trisodium phosphate may be required for tougher stains and odors.
It’s also essential to clean the walls around light switches, outlet plates and other electrical components. It can be done with a sponge or cloth moistened in warm water and gently rubbing the area until the stain is gone.
Not Preparing the Surface
An uncontaminated, immaculate surface is required to ensure the paint adheres correctly. Even small traces of dirt, grease or grime can interfere with the paint system and cause it to fail.
Similarly, moisture can make it impossible for the paint to dry correctly, making it less effective. It also makes it more susceptible to cracking and chipping, so you should ensure it is adequately prepared before painting.
Preparing a surface before painting is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when completing home renovations. By skipping this step, they risk compromising the durability of their finished product and wasting money on repainting it sooner than necessary.
