VANCOUVER BC’S PREMIER RESIDENTIAL PAINTING COMPANY
When done right, painting can be a highly effective way to breathe new life into your home and make a familiar space feel like new again. Unfortunately, painting is often far more difficult and complex than it first appears. This is especially true for interior painting projects that involve bathrooms and the kitchen, as these spaces require additional considerations and work to ensure optimal results. As a leading provider of comprehensive interior painting solutions, the team at Dunbar Painting knows how complex some projects can be. That is why we have provided a list of common interior painting mistakes to help you determine if your painting project is something you want to handle or if it would be better left in the hands of a professional.
Learn how to paint textured walls and ceilings.
Many mistakes that people make when painting a home’s interior can be avoided with proper knowledge, planning, and preparation. Some of the most common interior painting mistakes to be aware of include:
One of the biggest steps that people tend to skip is the preparation of the surfaces being prepped. If the surface is not sufficiently prepared, it can result in paint that does not adhere properly, peels easily, or has too much texture. The first step in any surface prep work is to give the area a comprehensive cleaning. Dirt can often be wiped off, but any area that might have accumulated grease, soap scum, and hair products will need to be cleaned using a chemical degreaser, especially if the previous paint was oil-based. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to require special attention, but many other areas can accumulate this type of grime as well. Once the surface is adequately cleaned, it should be scuff sanded to ensure proper adhesion of the paint. In many cases, damage is not properly repaired before painting. Gaps in trim should be caulked, holes in walls should be filled, and all repairs should be given time to dry before painting.
Primer is not always necessary, but many people avoid priming and end up needing to apply extra coats of paint. The need for primer will depend on what kind of paint is being used and the colour and type of paint currently on the wall. With the right high-quality paint, it is possible to cover an oil-based paint with an acrylic without a primer, so talking to a professional painter could save you money on the amount of paint needed. Any time that bare drywall or drywall fixes are being painted, those spots should be primed to prevent the paint from flashing.
What mistakes should you avoid when painting walls?
It is crucial to choose the right paint product(s) for the surfaces being painted. Different rooms and surfaces will require different types of paint to ensure proper adhesion and long-lasting durability. For example, paint for bathrooms and kitchens will need to be more resistant to moisture and mildew than paint that is used for bedrooms. Trim paint will also typically be more durable and have a higher sheen than wall paint, so it is important to ensure that you do not try to use trim paint on your walls.
Painting is a messy and time-consuming task regardless of your skill level and experience. Paint will splatter and drip throughout your project, so it is crucial to ensure that every room is sufficiently masked and protected. Before starting your project, you will need to move all furniture away from your walls, cover these items, tape off baseboards and trim, and ensure that your floors are covered with a paint-resistant material such as plastic or drop cloths.
Some paints work better with different types of roller sleeves. The wrong sleeve can give your paint a different texture than you might have been hoping for, so check with your paint supplier before getting a roller sleeve.
Find out if it is better to roll or spray paint.
Paint can often feel dry to the touch minutes after application; however, if you apply the next coat too soon, it can reactivate the paint and you will end up just moving paint around. Read the label of your paint to find out how long you should wait to paint the next layer. A light scuff sand between coats can also help with adhesion.
To learn more about our interior and exterior painting services or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Dunbar Painting. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.