Avoiding Common Painting Mistakes During Home Renovation

1. Skipping Proper Surface Preparation

One of the biggest painting mistakes is jumping straight into painting without preparing the walls properly. Dirt, dust, old paint, or moisture can prevent the new coat from adhering correctly, leading to a rough or patchy finish.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Clean walls thoroughly using mild detergent and water.
• Repair any cracks, holes, or imperfections with spackle or filler.
• Sand rough patches to ensure a smooth surface.
• Use a high-quality primer, especially on previously painted or porous surfaces.

2. Choosing the Wrong Paint for the Space

Not all paints are created equal. Some are designed for high-moisture areas, while others are better suited for low-traffic rooms. Using the wrong type of paint can result in peeling, cracking, or an unattractive sheen.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Matte or Eggshell Finish: Ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and ceilings.
• Satin or Semi-Gloss: Best for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways due to easy cleanability.
• High-Gloss Finish: Works well for trim, doors, and cabinets but highlights imperfections.
• Exterior Paint: Always choose weather-resistant formulas designed for Edmonton’s climate.

3. Ignoring the Importance of Primer

Many homeowners skip primer to save time and money, only to regret it later. Primer ensures better paint adhesion, prevents stains from showing through, and provides a more professional finish.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Use a primer on bare drywall, previously unpainted wood, or surfaces with significant stains.
• If switching from a dark color to a lighter one, a primer helps prevent bleed-through.
• Choose a stain-blocking primer for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

4. Using Low-Quality Paint and Tools

Cheap paint and poor-quality brushes or rollers can lead to streaks, drips, and an uneven finish. Investing in better materials will save time and provide better, longer-lasting results.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Purchase high-quality, durable paint for better coverage and longevity.
• Use premium brushes and rollers to minimize streaking and bristle shedding.
• Don’t forget painter’s tape to achieve clean, sharp edges.

5. Rushing Through the Painting Process

A rushed paint job often results in drips, missed spots, and uneven layers. Homeowners eager to finish quickly may not allow enough drying time between coats, causing peeling and patchy coverage.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Take your time and apply paint in thin, even coats.
• Wait for each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• Follow the manufacturer’s drying time recommendations (usually 2–4 hours between coats).

6. Overloading the Brush or Roller

Dipping the brush or roller into too much paint creates thick, uneven layers and increases the risk of drips and streaks.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Lightly dip the brush about one-third of the way into the paint to prevent excess dripping.
• Roll off excess paint on a tray before applying it to the wall.
• Use long, even strokes instead of pressing too hard on the roller.

7. Not Testing Colors Before Painting an Entire Room

Paint can look dramatically different on the wall compared to a small sample in the store. Factors like natural light, artificial lighting, and existing decor can affect how the color appears.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Test paint colors by applying small swatches to different walls in the room.
• Observe the color at different times of the day to see how lighting affects it.
• Consider neutral, timeless colors for spaces with high resale value.

8. Forgetting to Protect Floors, Furniture, and Trim

Paint splatters and drips can ruin floors, furniture, and fixtures if they’re not properly covered. Many homeowners skip this step, leading to unnecessary cleanup and damage.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Use drop cloths or plastic sheets to cover floors and furniture.
• Apply painter’s tape around trim, windows, and door frames for clean edges.
• Remove outlet covers and light switch plates to avoid messy edges.

9. Ignoring Temperature and Humidity Levels

Edmonton’s fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can affect how paint dries. Painting in extreme conditions may lead to poor adhesion and uneven drying.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Avoid painting in high humidity, as moisture can cause paint to dry too slowly or develop bubbles.
• Paint indoors when temperatures are between 15–25°C (60–77°F) for optimal results.
• For exterior projects, check Edmonton’s weather forecast and avoid painting right before rain or extreme heat.

10. Not Sealing and Storing Leftover Paint Properly

Improper storage can cause leftover paint to dry out or become unusable. Homeowners often waste perfectly good paint because they don’t seal it correctly.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Close the lid tightly and store paint in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Label the can with the color, room used, and date for future touch-ups.
• Store the can upside down for a tighter seal to prevent air exposure.