10 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Your Home

Home renovation can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. The prospect of painting your home’s exterior can seem like a never-ending task. However, with proper planning and execution, you can avoid common painting mistakes and make the process enjoyable. Here are ten mistakes to avoid when painting your home:

10: Skipping Pressure Washing

Before painting your home, it’s crucial to clean it thoroughly. Pressure washing is the most effective way to remove grime, mildew, and mold from the exterior surface. Skipping this step can lead to a poor paint job that won’t last long.

9: Ignoring Lead Paint

If your home was built before 1978, it may have lead-based paint. Lead can cause severe health problems, so it’s essential to determine if you’re dealing with lead paint and take the necessary precautions when removing it. Hiring a contractor who has experience with lead-based paint removal can be a smart move.

8: Rushing the Job

Painting your entire house in a weekend may seem like a great idea, but it’s a mistake. Rushing the job can lead to uneven coverage, missed spots, and other problems that can affect the longevity of your paint job.

Remember, proper planning and execution are key to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting paint job. Avoid these mistakes and enjoy the process of transforming your home’s exterior.

If you’re thinking of painting your house yourself, keep in mind that it’s not as easy as it seems. Professionals estimate at least three or four days for three painters on an average-sized house. If it’s just you and a friend, give yourself at least a week to do all the same steps. Underestimating your timeline can lead to an annoyed spouse or a forecast that’s far stormier than expected. When it comes to weather, don’t paint in the rain or scorching hot weather. Either condition could mean the paint dries too fast or not at all. Too humid, and the paint will sweat, just like you. Lastly, be careful not to overestimate your abilities. Using a sprayer might seem efficient, but it’s far from foolproof. It might be a better idea to stick with old-fashioned rollers and brushes.

5: Importance of Buying Enough Paint

Save yourself the hassle of multiple trips to the store by buying enough paint to begin with.
gemenacom/iStock/Thinkstock

This tip falls under the category of not being stingy, along with the next few pages. Although it may seem like the paint industry is trying to rip you off by insisting on using primer, multiple coats, and high-end exterior paint, it is not advisable to try to cheat the system by purchasing the least amount of paint possible.

The problem with this approach is twofold. Firstly, someone has to rush to the hardware store every time you run out of paint, which can be a hassle. Secondly, even if you do manage to get the right color, there is no guarantee of a uniform hue. Purchasing the right amount of paint, from the beginning, allows you to mix all the cans together. This ensures that you get an even tone as each shade can vary by bucket [source: DIY Network].

For every 400 square feet (37 square meters) of area, you should buy 1 gallon (almost 4 liters) of paint. Don’t be stingy.

4: Don’t Compromise on Quality

Buy high-quality paint to save yourself the hassle of having to redo a cheap paint job every few years.
angela940/iStock/Thinkstock

In our “cheap effort begets cheap look” section, it is worth noting that buying cheap paint is not worth it. The Paint Quality Institute of Dow Chemical Company conducted field tests that showed high-quality acrylic exterior paint can hold up nearly twice as long as cheaper exterior paint [source: Zimmer]. Although Dow manufactures materials used in paint, most professionals agree that high-quality paint will last substantially longer [source: Schwartz].

While buying a cheaper can of paint may seem like a great saving, it will probably cost you in the long run when you have to redo the chipping, flaking, and fading job. Consider it an investment.

3: Importance of Quality Applicators

Invest in quality brushes or rollers to ensure a pretty coat of paint on your house.
Viktoriia Khorzhevska/Hemera/Thinkstock

Although it may be tempting to buy cheap brushes or rollers, choosing quality applicators will go a long way in achieving a beautiful coat of paint on your house.

The Paint and Decorating Retailers Association suggests that using higher-quality applicators is more beneficial than using inexpensive ones. High-quality brushes are designed better with tapered bristles that won’t shed and can hold more paint, resulting in faster job completion. It is important to take precautions before beginning the painting process, such as covering the surrounding area with tarps or drop cloths and taping windows, trim, and doors to avoid splotches of paint. Painting the exterior of a house can be a challenging task and can be better left to professionals who can guarantee the desired result. It is essential to consider factors such as job size, timeline, cost, and materials before deciding to paint the house yourself.

Related Articles

• Exterior Paints
• 10 Factors to Consider When Purchasing House Paint
• 10 Paint Colors That Can Help Sell Your Home
• How Spray Paint Operates
• Top 5 Painting Supplies

Sources

• Doug Bonderud. “4 common DIY house painting mistakes.” AngiesList.com. 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 16 June 2014.
• California Paints. “Painting Exterior Surfaces.” Californiapaints.com. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Mike Chism. “Is it worth buying the most expensive paints?” Chism Brothers Painting. 2014. Web. 16 June 2014.
• DIY Network. “10 things you must know when painting a house exterior.” DIYNetwork.com. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Maureen Blaney Flietner. “Painting the House.” BobVila.com. 2014. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Al Heavens. “5 steps before tackling an exterior paint job.” Chicago Tribune. 31 Jan. 2011. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk. “How to paint your house’s exterior.” This Old House. 2014. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Jefferson Kolle. “How to strip years of paint off a house.” This Old House. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Minnesota Department of Health. “Exterior Lead Paint Removal.” Minnesota.gov. 4 June 2013. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Paint and Decorating Retailers Association. “Frequently asked questions about paint applicators.” PDRA.Org. 2013. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Resene. “Check the weather before painting.” Resene.com. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Donna Boyle Schwartz. “What type of paint is best for exteriors?” BobVila.com. 2014. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Bob Tedeschi. “The How-Tos of House Painting.” The New York Times. 13 July 2011. Web. 17 June 2014.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “About lead-based paint.” HUD.gov. Web. 16 June 2014.
• Debbie Zimmer. “Best paint offer return on investment.” Paint Quality Institute. Apr. 2011. Web. 16 June 2014.

FAQ

1. Should I skip the primer and just paint directly on the walls?

No, it’s important to use a primer before painting. A primer helps the paint adhere better to the surface and can also hide stains or discoloration on the walls.

2. Can I use the same paint for every room in my house?

It’s not recommended to use the same paint for every room in your house. Different rooms have different lighting and functions, so it’s best to choose a paint that fits the specific needs of each room.

3. Is it okay to paint over wallpaper?

No, it’s not recommended to paint over wallpaper. The wallpaper can peel or bubble and the paint won’t adhere properly to the surface.

4. Can I just use any type of paint brush or roller?

No, it’s important to use the right type of brush or roller for the type of paint you’re using and the surface you’re painting. Using the wrong type of brush or roller can result in an uneven or streaky finish.

5. Should I apply only one coat of paint?

No, it’s recommended to apply at least two coats of paint for a consistent and durable finish.

6. Is it okay to paint in a poorly ventilated area?

No, it’s important to paint in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes and to allow the paint to dry properly.

7. Can I skip the taping and just paint freehand?

No, it’s important to use painter’s tape to create clean lines and avoid getting paint on areas that shouldn’t be painted.

8. Is it okay to paint over chipped or peeling paint?

No, it’s important to remove any chipped or peeling paint before painting to ensure a smooth and even surface.

9. Can I mix different types of paint?

No, it’s not recommended to mix different types of paint as they may not adhere properly to each other and can result in an uneven finish.

10. Is it okay to paint over wet or damp surfaces?

No, it’s important to paint on dry surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and to avoid mold or mildew growth.