What should you steer clear of when painting rooms? What are the potential pitfalls and factors not to underestimate? We've compiled a list of 6 mistakes you can sidestep during the painting process. However, don't expect it to be a breeze, as painting is no walk in the park, especially if you opt for a DIY approach. Whether you view it as a means to combat boredom during long days or a method to cut costs (which isn't always the reality, as you'll soon discover), the following advice will guide you towards achieving optimal results.
1. "It won't get dirty"
However, the opposite holds true. Nobody wants damaged furniture and a dirty floor, and this can be easily prevented with proper pre-painting preparation. The primary goal is to ensure easy access to all walls. While smaller items can be temporarily relocated to other rooms in your apartment, larger furniture pieces will need protection in place. This is where tarps, masking tape, and cardboard come into play.
Anything left in the room being painted should be covered. Modern cover foils are cost-effective and readily available. You can easily cover all furniture with these foils. The floor can be reliably shielded using cardboard. If needed, flatten out old boxes, which you can often acquire from any supermarket—just inquire. Make sure to secure everything in place with adhesive tape. After taping, remember to use masking tape around windows, doors, and ceilings. You certainly wouldn't want your room to resemble a coloring book by a five-year-old.
2. “Hole here, hole there”
Furniture, floors, and any surfaces susceptible to paint are all sorted. Now, the question arises: "Can I commence painting?" The answer is a resounding no. First and foremost, inspect all the walls earmarked for painting. If you spot holes, sizable cracks, or even minor abrasions, they need to be addressed.
For most minor abrasions and cracks, a touch of grout or joint compound will suffice. However, if your wall bears significant cracks, seeking advice from professionals is prudent. Nobody wants these cracks to reappear on the freshly painted walls. Additionally, consider the history of painting in the room. If you observe a thick layer of peeling paint on the wall, it's time for some scraping. If there are multiple coats but the walls are not peeling, contemplate applying a primer before painting. This primer will fortify and even out the wall's surface, allowing the new paint to adhere better.
3. Not just the wrong type of color
You likely have a few questions on your mind at this point. The first one is undoubtedly, "Which type and shade of color should I choose?" Selecting colors might seem like a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in the painting process. Understanding the various paint types, where terms like acrylic, dispersion, or enamel might seem unfamiliar, is essential. The type of paint you use for regular wall touch-ups will vary significantly from the one you select for the initial paint job. It also heavily depends on the surface being painted. When making a purchase, don't hesitate to ask manufacturers or retailers for guidance; they'll be more than happy to assist you in your selection.
But the type of paint isn't the only consideration. Another question that's likely on your mind is, "How much paint will I need?" Every paint can provides information about the coverage area it can handle. It's a good idea to purchase two cans, as a second coat is typically necessary when painting rooms. However, keep in mind that the quantity or type of paint can influence the cost of your painting project.
4. Roller vs. brush
An ongoing dilemma you'll encounter: to use a roller or a brush? Here too, mistakes can be made, but it's not a matter of dwelling too much on it. The roller is generally best for covering larger areas. However, be mindful of the surface you're painting on. If you're painting walls with layers of old paint that haven't been adequately scraped, the roller might strip off the existing paint. The paint is tacky, and the roller can do more harm than good.
On the flip side, the brush is better suited for painting details near tape or working in corners. Additionally, you can use it for priming the surface. However, be cautious—you'll need to choose from a wide array of available brushes, whether they have artificial or natural bristles. In general, flat brushes work well for covering larger areas and can function similarly to a roller.
5. Little patience
Everyone is eager to complete the painting swiftly, but patience is key. This applies to applying the second coat as well. The simplest approach is to adhere to the instructions provided with the paint. However, if instructions are absent, waiting 24 hours between the first and second coat is a safe bet. The second coat of paint should be slightly thicker, but you can opt to dilute the color a bit if needed.
6. You won't take any advice
Painting is not a task to rush through; it takes time. Moreover, achieving a professional finish can be quite costly. Before making equipment purchases, consider if you'll genuinely use them. We've stressed throughout this article that consulting with experts is crucial—especially if your walls require repairs. Consider using Adam and granting yourself a break!
We streamline the entire painting process, alleviating any worries. Leveraging the extensive network of skilled painters at painteradam.com, we offer competitive prices and superior quality, all on your terms. No more adjusting to craftsmen's schedules. Adam caters to all your needs. So, whether you seek a painter in Brooklyn or New York, reach out to Adam. They handle not only rooms within your home but also offices, houses, and various interior projects. Furthermore, you know the price upfront—simply click the "get a free quote" button on the menu, and our online calculator will provide you with an estimate instantly and transparently.