Don’t you love that feeling of pride and satisfaction when you just finished painting a wall? But then – bam! A tiny mistake happens, and suddenly, it feels like the whole project’s a disaster. Sounds familiar? You’re in the right place! Our team put together a list of the 6 common painting mistakes (that, yes, everyone makes) and their solutions. Let’s make sure your next paint job is nothing but smooth sailing!
Mistake #1: Skipping Surface Preparation
Ensuring your surface is ready for painting gives you the best shot at a great-looking finish – maybe even perfect! Skipping the prep is like skipping sunscreen on a sunny day – it’s a decision you’ll regret later (and both can cause peeling 😅).
Why It Matters
Proper prep is the key for a flawless paint job! Why, you ask? It helps your paint stick evenly and last longer, so you don’t end up dealing with peeling, bubbling, or cracking later on. Paint on a dirty surface, and grease, dust, and dirt will act like a barrier, leaving you with uneven results!
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip
Clean. Sand. Prime (and don’t skip the next section for more primer tips!).
These three steps are your golden rules for any painting project, indoors and outdoors. Think of them as your prep guideline that will turn an okay paint job into a professional-looking finish (or… almost!).
So here’s the thing: painting isn’t something you just wake up and decide to do. To get pro-level results, you’ve got to set yourself – and your wall – up for success.
Some of the products we like to recommend are the Krud Kutter No-Rinse Prepaint Cleaner and quality sandpaper. Check mistake #4 down below for our pro recommendations regarding sandpaper.
Mistake #2: Overlooking the Importance of Primers
Primers are specially formulated base coats that are applied to a surface before painting. They are part of the surface preparation process explained above.
Why It Matters
Primers are not just some fancy, unnecessary step. It’s the MVP of your paint job! Primers create the perfect bridge between your surface and your paint, helping it stick and enhancing the color.
They’re amazing for sealing porous materials like wood, drywall, or plaster, so your paint doesn’t soak in all unevenly. They’re also stain blockers, dark color hiders, and surface smoothers – basically, they do the heavy lifting so your finish looks flawless.
Whether you’re painting new surfaces or covering old ones, the right primer makes all the difference for a great, long-lasting finish. Swing by Owenhouse Ace, and we’ll help you pick the perfect one!
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip
For interior and exterior projects, Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start is our go-to primer. In Bozeman, older wood and drywall repairs especially benefit from a solid primer base. Stop by Owenhouse Ace for recommendations Taylor-ed to your project!
Mistake #3: Ignoring Environmental Conditions For Outdoor Painting
Weather is a big deal when it comes to your paint job! It can affect the preparation, application, AND drying process! Let’s see why…
Why It Matters
In Bozeman, cold temperatures can prevent paint from drying properly, causing it to crack or peel. And humidity? It slows the drying process down even more. Then there’s the wind that can blow dust right onto your fresh paint! Whereas, high heat in the summer, dries paint too fast, leaving brush marks or uneven finishes…
Bottom line: check the weather forecast, pick the paint with our team, and work in the right conditions. It’ll save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle!
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip
Paint can wear off a lot over time, especially due to sun exposure. Here’s how to choose your paint for your outdoor projects:
A low-fade and UV-stable paint; like Benjamin Moore’s HC-178 Charcoal Slate (that we chose to repaint our tower!).
Acrylic latex paints are a solid go-to for outdoor paints. They resist cracking and peeling, making them ideal for outdoor surfaces.
Gloss or Semi-Gloss finishes reflect more sunlight, so they hold up better to UV rays than flat paints.
Mistake #4: Applying Paint Too Thickly
Thick coats? Yeah, paint doesn’t exactly let those slide. It might seem like a clever time-saver. But it’s quite the opposite!
Why It Matters
If you’re thinking about applying thick coats to finish the job faster, you might want to rethink your approach – here’s what it could lead to:
- Dripping: Extra paint loves to slide down walls, leaving you with messy drips and uneven textures.
- Peeling and Cracking: Thick coats may look solid at first, but they’re prone to cracking and peeling over time.
- Extended Drying Time: Thick layers take FOREVER to dry, upping the chances of smudges, dust, or even your curious dog leaving their “mark”…
- Wasted Paint: You’ll go through more paint than needed, plus end up sanding and fixing mistakes later. Not great!
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip
Long story short, we highly recommend sticking with thin, even coats. It’s worth the patience for a smooth, long-lasting finish! To get that smooth application, we always recommend tools like Purdy Nylox brushes and Purdy Parrot roller covers They’re a game-changer!
And if you end up with drips or funky textures, don’t panic. Just let the paint dry, sand it gently with 220-grit sandpaper (like the ones below), and touch it up with a light coat. Easy peasy. Your walls (and your pride) will thank you.
Mistake #5: Rushing The Drying Time
What paint needs the most (right after prep) is… patience! Rushing it might seem like a time-saver, but it’s a surefire way to end up with peeling and cracking.
Why It Matters
As we explained above, thick layers can take forever to dry. And rushing the drying time to apply a second or third coat will lead to the same bad results: peeling and cracking!
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip
The drying times totally depend on the type of paint and, of course, the weather! Most paints are happiest between 50°F and 85°F – that’s their sweet spot! But always check the labels on your paint can, and don’t forget to factor in temperature and humidity. You can check out Forecast Advisor, for example, to pick the best day to paint.
And here’s a friendly reminder: just because that first coat feels dry after an hour doesn’t mean it’s ready for round two (we’re serious on that one – patience really does pay off!).
Approximate Drying Times by Paint Type
- Latex or Acrylic Paint – great for interior and exterior projects. Faster drying and low odor.
Dry to the touch: 1 hour
Ready for a second coat: 4–6 hours
Fully cured: 2 weeks - Oil-Based Paint – more durable for high-traffic areas or furniture but takes longer to dry.
Dry to the touch: 6–8 hours
Ready for a second coat: 24 hours
Fully cured: 7–14 days - Stain or Varnish – perfect for decks or wood projects but needs extra time.
Dry to the touch: 2–4 hours
Fully cured: 48–72 hours
Mistake #6: Neglecting Safety
And here comes the reality check! We know, there’s something oddly satisfying about that fresh paint smell. But have you ever thought about what those fumes might do to your health? Spoiler alert: it’s not great. Let’s keep things safe while you paint!
Why It Matters
Painting might seem like a harmless DIY adventure, but it’s got some sneaky risks – especially when it comes to fumes and chemicals. Here’s why safety should always be your MVP:
- Paint Fumes: Those oil-based paints can hit hard, causing headaches, dizziness, or nausea. And trust us, you don’t want to feel dizzy on a ladder…
- Long-term exposure to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) can lead to bigger health problems.
- Skin & Eye Irritation: Paints, primers, and solvents don’t play nice with your skin or eyes. Goggles and gloves are your new best friends!
So, crack a window, gear up, and keep yourself (and everyone around you) protected!
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip
We recommend you use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints whenever possible. For example, Benjamin Moore prides themselves in having ultra low and zero VOC products. If you can’t work in a well-ventilated space, wear a respirator, like the 3M Odor Respirator, for extra protection.
Need Help With Your Next Paint Project?
At Owenhouse Ace, we’ve got everything you need to be successful with your next paint project, including that restroom wall you’ve been pushing for too long. And most importantly, we’ve got the safety gear AND the expert team you need! So stop by today, and let’s tackle those projects together!
