Giving your home a lick of paint can breathe new life into it however, it does come with its challenges especially for those who don’t have any prior painting experience, so if you are going to tackle some painting around your home, make sure you do your research first, to ensure you don’t make any of these mistakes mentioned below. A poor paint finish can look worse than before you started.
Not patch testing the paint first.
One of the biggest mistakes avid DIY painters make is comparing the colour charts and choosing one without testing the colour on the surface first. Often the paint colour will look vastly different to how it appears on the chart. This is because the amount of shade or light that hits the area can affect how it appears once it’s painted. It’s always best to grab a few of your favourite colours in a sample pot size, paint a large patch around the size of an A4 page of each on the area. Wait for the paint to dry and check how the colours appear at different times of the day. For example, some whites throw hints of blue or grey, and it may look completely different once the shade or sun hits it. Testing the colours first before buying all your paint can save you money, and it will ensure you are entirely satisfied with the finished product. Also you can request free consultations with rye brook painting to help pick your colors.
Not preparing the surface before painting
Another common mistake people make is painting without adequate preparation first. This can see contaminants mixing in with the paint, not only that but painting on a poorly prepared surface will also reduce the quality and therefore, the longevity of the paint. Make sure you give the surface a good clean, and if there is old paint that has bubbled or is peeling off, you’ll have to remove this entirely before repainting. Depending on the surface, you may be able to get most of it off with a paint scraper and any remaining flakes with a sander. Once you’ve got your surface clean and ready to go, you’ll likely need to prime it. Many quality paints have primer included which allows you to skip this step.
PRO TIP: Before removing old paint, it’s a good idea to test it for traces of lead, even if your home isn’t old. You can do this yourself with a lead testing kit. You can purchase them from most hardware stores.If you wonder why you need lead testing, it’s best not to spend much time on finding answers as lead can be hazardous.
Using the wrong paint for the job
Heading into your local hardware or paint shop can be overwhelming there are thousands of different paint types and colours. Many make the mistake of using the wrong paint for the job. For instance, interior paint is not going to be able to withstand outside elements such as UV rays and rain. Not using the correct paint is a sure-fire way to get an inferior finish.
Using the wrong technique and equipment
Using the wrong technique or equipment can give you just as bad of a finish as the wrong paint. You should be aware of what equipment you need before you start painting, the last thing you want is to start and then have to stop because you don’t have everything you need. Ensure that the roller and brushes you buy are suited to the paint and the surface. Another consideration is your painting technique, repetitive brushing can lead to streaks, and if the paint starts drying, it can leave behind blemishes and ridges in your finish.
Leaving paint on brushes
If you’ve started painting and then decide to take a break from it for an hour or two, make sure you wash your brushes first. If you leave paint on them, even partially it will start to dry and can leave marks on your paintwork. Once you have got enough paint in your tray, put the lid back on the paint tin. This will prevent paint from going all over the floor if it’s accidentally knocked over. It will also reduce the chances of the paint drying out and will stop dust and dirt from falling into it.
Painting when the climate is harsh
Paint doesn’t go well with high temperatures or low ones. When the weather is extremely hot, the paint dries at a rapid rate, and this can cause imperfections when it’s not done quick enough. Rushing to slap on the paint before it dries can leave you with a substandard finish, and hurrying is never recommended as it can lead to accidents, especially if you are working at a height. Painting when the weather is exceptionally cold isn’t good either, it takes far longer for the paint to dry, and bugs and dirt can get stuck in it. It can also cause oil-based paints to thicken which can lead to a poorer application.
Painting can be a time-consuming task that requires a certain level of skill. If you’ve tried painting by yourself with no luck or if you have any questions about painting your place, get in touch with our team of expert painting and decorating professionals here at MDC Specialists. With more than two decades experience in the industry, we know a thing or two about painting and would love to help if we can. Contact us today!
