Painting And Wallpapering: Tips And Techniques

Costly Mistakes to Avoid Before Painting the Interior of Your Home

Panting your own house can be all fun and games until you mess up and have to call professional painters to come and correct your mistakes. Besides losing valuable time, you will have to pay for the professional service. Painting your home does not have to be complicated, but if you are an amateur, you are likely to make mistakes in the process. Therefore, to prevent the costly outcomes that result from errors, there are some things you need to avoid before painting your house. 

Choosing the Wrong Paint/Finish/Mix

The first step to getting your painting project right is to have the correct paint, finish or mix. Since these products come in different types, it is easy to make mistakes during selection. Some paints may require you to apply a coat of primer before the final coat of paint, while others come with the primers already mixed into them. If you are an amateur, it would be ideal to go for the latter to make your work easier. The area you intend to paint can also give you a clue on the right type of finishes to use. For instance, satin or glossy finishes tend to work perfectly for high-traffic areas such as hallways. For low-traffic areas and accent walls, you can go for matte or flat finishes. 

Skipping Prep Work

Painting your house can be an exciting experience, and you may find yourself jumping right into the project. However, a little prep work will make all the difference when it comes to the results of the painting. First, you need to thoroughly clean the surface you want to paint, whether it's the walls or ceiling. Paint doesn't look good on soiled or dirty surfaces. Some areas may look rippled, or you can even find hair or particles of dust stuck on your walls after painting, so cleaning is crucial. While you're at it, remember to scrape off glossy surfaces as well as any peeling or flaking paint to allow your new coat of paint to stick well. 

Ignoring the Weather Forecast and Climate

The weather forecast, as well as the overall climate of your area, can significantly affect the success of your painting project. For instance, if it turns out to be humid on the day you choose to paint, your paint will be affected, especially if it's water-based. It will take longer to dry if the level of moisture in the air is too high. This also goes for an area that is extremely cold. If the paint takes too long to dry, it may not adhere well to the walls. If you live in a freezing climate, schedule your painting in autumn when the temperatures are favourable. Too much heat is also bad because the paint can dry before you can spread it evenly. To avoid this mistake, paint your walls in the evening or morning when the intensity of the sun is low. 


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