Oops! 3 Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid

Painting a room seems easy. Grab a brush, slap on some color, and voilà, instant transformation! But if you’ve ever stood in front of a wall, paint roller in hand, wondering why your DIY dreams look more like a DIY disaster, you’re not alone. Let’s delve into three common painting mistakes most people make and how to avoid them. 

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Paint Color 

How many times can you repaint the same room? My personal best (or worst) is six. Yes, I repainted the family room in one of our homes six times! I could not seem to find the right color. I learned a lot from that experience. Reality check: your lighting and walls are not the same as what you might see in a magazine or online. The color that reminded you of a calm blue oasis might in reality look more Smurf-like. 

How to avoid it:  

Always test paint samples on your wall. Use big samples and look at them all throughout the day, in different lighting (natural and artificial). It will take a little extra time, but it’s worth avoiding the time to avoid surprises and achieve the look you envisioned. 

Mistake #2: Skipping the Prep Work 

Prep work is the unglamorous, tedious part of painting. You want to get to the good stuff – the transformation. The last thing you want to do is spend an hour taping off corners, moving furniture, wiping down walls and removing outlet plates. But, like with most things in life, shortcuts can come back to bite you. In this case, that bite might be a paint-splattered floor, crooked lines, or dust particles forever memorialized in your lovely new wall color. 

How to avoid it: 

Clear the Room – Yes, all of it. Don't just shove things into a corner and hope for the best. Move the furniture out or cover it entirely with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. It might be annoying now, but it'll save you from explaining to your partner why there’s a blue streak across the couch. 

Tape It Like a Pro – Painter’s tape is your best friend. Don’t skimp. Taping off trim, windows, light switches, and baseboards might feel like a chore, but it’s essential if you want those clean, sharp lines. 

Cover Your Floors – Drop cloths aren’t just for neat freaks. If you’ve ever tried scraping dried paint off hardwood, you’ll know why this is a must. Even if you think you won’t spill… you will. 

Clean the Walls – This one gets overlooked way too often. Dust, dirt, and grime are not a good foundation for paint. If you paint over dirty walls, don’t be surprised if your beautiful new finish looks like it has acne. A quick wipe down with some warm, soapy water is all it takes.

Bottom line: Think of prep as an insurance policy against disaster. You can skip it, but you may pay for it with regret. 

Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Tools 

You’re standing in the hardware store, eyeing the wide selection of brushes, rollers, and trays, thinking, “What’s the difference? A brush is a brush, right?” Wrong. Using the wrong tools leads to poor results. 

Ditch that cheap brush with bristles falling out. It’s going to leave streaks and rogue bristles stuck in your paint. And that old roller from the last time you painted will surely let you down.  

How to avoid it: 

Invest in Quality Brushes – You don’t need to buy the most expensive brushes but avoid the ultra-cheap ones. Opt for synthetic bristles for water-based paints and natural bristles for oil-based paints. And take care of them—wash them out thoroughly after each use so they last longer. 

Pick the Right Roller for the Job – Rollers come in different nap lengths, and the wrong one will leave your walls looking splotchy. For smooth walls, go with a short-nap roller (¼-inch or ⅜-inch). For textured surfaces like popcorn ceilings, you’ll need a thicker nap (¾-inch or higher).  

Don’t Forget the Tray Liner – It’s a small detail, but a tray liner will save you from having to scrub your paint tray clean every time. Plus, it keeps the paint even when you’re rolling. 

Use an Extension Pole – Save your back and get an extension pole for your roller. Trust me, your shoulders will thank you after a few hours of painting. It also gives you more control and helps you reach those high spots without wobbling on a ladder. Safety first. 

Paint Paddles and Strainers – Don’t neglect the little things. Stir your paint thoroughly before using it, and strain it if there are clumps -- especially if you’ve opened the can after it’s been sitting a few months. 

So, while it might be tempting to use whatever you can find in the garage, investing in proper tools will save you frustration and get you that smooth, professional-looking finish.  

Now, what will you do next to love where you live? 

Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed. 

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