VANCOUVER BC’S PREMIER RESIDENTIAL PAINTING COMPANY
VANCOUVER BC’S PREMIER RESIDENTIAL PAINTING COMPANY
Whether you are a first-time painter or a veteran interior remodeller, it is important to be aware of some of the top interior painting mistakes that many people make before getting started on your home’s paint job. There are more intricacies to be aware of than most people anticipate when painting a home’s interior, so it can often be useful to seek the insight and assistance of an experienced professional painter, like the ones at Dunbar Painting.
Many mistakes that people make when painting a home’s interior can be avoided with the proper knowledge, planning, and preparation. Some of the most common mistakes to be aware of include:
One of the easiest mistakes to make is to purchase an improper paint for the surface being painted. Different rooms will require different types of paint in order to adhere and last as long as possible. The paint used in a kitchen or bathroom will need to be more moisture and mildew resistant than that used in a bedroom and trim paint will usually be more durable and have a higher sheen than wall paint. It is also important to consider that paint used in high-traffic areas or in homes with children or dogs will need to be more easily washable. If you are looking for a matte or flat look that is easily washable, you will need to go with a higher end product, so talk to a professional painter if you have kids or dogs in the home and want to get a specific look for your space.
Find out some of the top mistakes made when choosing paint.
Painting is messy; no matter how good you are at painting, the paint is going to splatter and drip. Many people think that they can keep tidier than is practical when painting. Put the extra work into setting up the room for the paint job. Move furniture, cover everything in drop clothes, and make sure to tape off all baseboards, trim, and corners properly.
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.
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.
If you would like to learn more about some common interior painting mistakes to avoid, or to learn more about our services and how we operate, please contact the team at Dunbar Painting so that we can help you to find the information you need.
