Top 10 common painting mistakes to avoid at home

1. Skipping proper surface preparation

Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a great paint job, and is often a common painting mistake that people make by not preparing properly. Painting over cracked, dirty, or uneven walls will leave you with a less-than-ideal finish. Take the time to sand rough spots, repair any cracks, and scrape away any loose paint. This may seem like extra work, but it makes all the difference.

2. Not protecting your space

Painting can be messy, and if you’re familiar with paint, you’ll know that it always seems to find its way onto floors, furniture, and trim if they’re not protected. Cover your floors with dust sheets, wrap doorknobs with plastic, and tape around trims and edges to save yourself from a major clean up later. Our easy-to-clean brushes and tools can also help ensure the paint stays exactly where you want it, but spills and leaks will still happen, so protecting the room is important.

3. Using low quality tools

We all love a good bargain, but cheap brushes and rollers can lead to frustration and is another common painting mistake. Low quality tools can shed bristles, leave streaks, and create uneven textures. Investing in premium brushes and painting tools will make a big difference in the final look, our brushes have been designed to help you achieve a smooth, consistent finish without the mess that comes with lower-quality tools. Explore our brush range here.

4. Ignoring light and space when choosing colours

Choosing paint colours is about more than what looks good on the sample card, this is another common painting mistake that people overlook. Think about the light and the purpose of each room, a colour that looks bright in natural light may seem darker and more subdued in a dimly lit space.

We also recommend taking into account when and how you use the room. Harris brushes offer a smooth application that lets you see the true impact of your colour choice on the wall, so you know exactly how the shade will look.

5. Improper paint storage

It’s tempting to leave leftover paint in the garage or shed, but improper storage can ruin its quality. Paint should be stored in a dry place with a temperature range between 5°C and 35°C. If you’re storing it in a metal tin, keep it away from moisture to avoid rust. Proper storage ensures your paint stays fresh, so you’ll have it ready for future touch-ups or additional coats.

6. Rushing the process

Painting takes time, especially when you’re aiming for a clean, even finish. Rushing leads to drips, uneven layers, and visible brush strokes. Give yourself enough time to work steadily and carefully, particularly on edges and trim. We understand that often you just want to get the painting out the way, but by avoiding this common painting mistake, the end results will pay off.

7. Using the wrong paint for the job

Choosing the right type of paint for each surface is essential. Interior and exterior paints have different formulas to meet the specific demands of each environment. Using exterior paint indoors, for instance, can lead to odour and durability issues, which nobody wants.

8. Choosing the wrong paint colour

With so many colour options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Testing paint samples on your wall is a smart move, this helps you see how colours will look in your space under different lighting conditions, and a smooth, even finish is key here.

9. Skipping primer

Primer isn’t just an extra step, it’s the key to a smooth, even colour that lasts. Skipping wood primer can lead to uneven colour. Take the time to apply primer to protect the wood before painting, as it reduces the risk of blotchy paint, peeling, raised grain and dark spots, and helps to improve finish and paint longevity.

10. Using the wrong painting techniques

Even with the right tools, a poor technique can lead to patchy areas and uneven coverage. Here’s a few of our hot tips when it comes to painting techniques:

•  Always start at the top (beginning with the ceiling) and work your way down
• Paint in small, manageable sections
• Avoid overloading your brush

By following these techniques, you’ll get smooth, even layers that look professionally done. Interested in more painting techniques? Check out our how to articles.