If you’re planning to give your home a new paint job, you might think that hiring painters to do the job is the best way to go. While this will definitely get the task done in a short time, it also means that you have no control over the result.
There are many things that can go wrong with a painting project if you don’t hire the best painting services in Melbourne. If you want to ensure that the final outcome meets your expectations, it’s important to understand some of these common home painting mistakes and how to avoid them. You’ve made the decision to paint your house – congratulations! You’re well on your way to a fresh, new look. But before you get started with choosing colors and hiring painters, consider these five common home painting mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the prep work
You want the paint job to last for years, so make sure you start with a clean surface by washing walls and doing any necessary scraping or patching. Don’t forget about the edges, corners, and trim around windows and doors – these are important areas that can be easily overlooked. A good painter will do all of this work for you, but do you really want to pay extra?
2. Not choosing the right paint
While choosing a color is fun and exciting, there’s actually a little more to it than just picking out something you like. The type of paint you use is important; different types are better suited for different areas.
3. Skipping proper surface preparation
One of the most common mistakes people make with painting projects is not preparing the surface properly before starting to apply paint. Some people don’t even bother cleaning the wall, let alone applying primer or sanding rough surfaces.
It’s very important to prepare the surface before painting so that you can achieve an even finish. A smooth surface will help your paint look its best and last longer, too.
4. Not using enough primer
On a similar note, some people who do bother with priming don’t use enough primer for the project involved. If you’re painting a light color over a dark one, for example, you’ll need multiple coats of primer in order to allow your paint to adhere well and cover thoroughly.
5. Buying Cheap Paint
It seems like a good idea at the time, but buying cheap paint is a big mistake. You’ll save money up front, but you might end up paying more in the long run since cheaper paints don’t cover as well and may require several coats to get the job done.
The same goes for buying cheap brushes and other accessories. Invest in high-quality equipment for a better outcome.
6. Not Cleaning Walls
Before you start painting, you should clean your walls with soap and water to remove built-up dirt and grime that will keep your paint from adhering properly. If you skip this step, you might end up having to do it all over again because your paint doesn’t stick or because it looks streaky.
7. Unprepared surface
Whether you’re painting a wall or a piece of furniture, it’s crucial to prepare the surface before applying paint. If there are holes in the wall, fill them with putty and sand them smooth before painting. Chipped paint needs to be scraped off — and possibly sanded — before applying new paint. Stains need a coat of primer before fresh paint goes on, or they may bleed through the new layer of color. And if you’re dealing with peeling paint or moldy spots, you’ll need to address those problems first as well. A good rule of thumb is that if the surface feels rough when you run your hand over it, it needs more preparation before painting.
8. Not repairing walls before painting
Before you paint, be sure to repair any holes or cracks you see in the wall. Patching is a simple way to prevent those imperfections from showing through the paint. You can use spackling paste and a putty knife to fill in any holes or dents. For larger holes, you can buy a self-adhesive wall patch at your local home improvement store. After your holes and dents are filled in, sand them down so they are smooth and ready for painting.
