10 Common Painting Mistakes

1. Poor Surface Preparation

Situation: Painting directly over dirty, greasy, or moldy surfaces.Problem: Paint doesn’t adhere well, leading to peeling or uneven finish.Solution:

• Clean the surface thoroughly and sand it for smoothness.

• Remove mold with appropriate cleaners.

• Apply primer to improve adhesion.

2. Skipping Primer

Situation: Painting bare walls, wood, or metal without primer.Problem: Paint absorbs unevenly, causing stains or peeling.Solution:

• Use a suitable primer for each surface type.

• For metal, apply an anti-rust primer first.

3. Using Low-Quality Paints and Tools

Situation: Using cheap paint or poor-quality brushes/rollers.Problem: Uneven coverage, streaks, and a rough finish.Solution:

• Choose trusted brands like Dulux, Taubmans, or Wattyl.

• Use high-quality rollers, brushes, and painter’s tape.

4. Overloading Brushes or Rollers

Situation: Applying too much paint in a single stroke.Problem: Paint drips, uneven layers, and extended drying times.Solution:

• Apply thin coats (2–3 layers) instead of one thick coat.

• Roll excess paint off in the tray before application.

5. Ignoring Drying Times

Situation: Applying a second coat before the first is fully dry.Problem: Causes paint to lift, crack, or bubble.Solution:

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying times.

• Adjust for weather—humidity or cold may extend drying time.

6. Painting in Poor Weather Conditions

Situation: Painting during rain, direct sunlight, or high humidity.Problem: Uneven finishes, streaks, and reduced paint durability.Solution:

• Paint between 10–30°C with 40–60% humidity.

• Avoid direct sunlight and rainy days for outdoor painting.

7. Not Testing Colors

Situation: Painting entire walls without checking color samples.Problem: Color looks different under various lighting conditions.Solution:

• Test paint on a small wall section or use sample boards.

• Check colors under natural and artificial lighting.

8. Improper Masking and Taping

Situation: Rushed or incorrect masking of edges and trims.Problem: Messy lines, paint bleeding, or peeling when removing tape.Solution:

• Use painter’s tape (blue tape) and press it firmly.

• Remove tape slowly before the paint fully cures.

9. Poor Ventilation

Situation: Painting indoors with no airflow.Problem: Strong odors, VOC exposure, and longer drying times.Solution:

• Open windows and use fans for ventilation.

• Choose low-VOC or eco-friendly paints for safer indoor air.

10. Lack of Planning and Preparation

Situation: Starting without a plan or missing key tools.Problem: Paint spills, uneven coats, and wasted time.Solution:

• Prepare a checklist: brushes, rollers, primer, drop cloths, and tape.

• For complex jobs, consider professional painter Sydney services like bJ Total Coating.