When getting ready to paint the interior walls of your home, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to do. Certain preparations and actions can negatively impact the quality and durability of your paint job. Avoid these common mistakes before painting to ensure you end up with an interior paint job that looks professionally done and lasts for years to come.
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Don’t Paint Without Proper Prep Work
Perhaps the biggest mistake when painting interior walls is failing to properly prep the walls prior to painting. Proper prep work ensures the paint adheres well and provides maximum coverage and protection. Here are some key prep work steps you should take before painting interior walls:
Fill Holes and Imperfections
Examine walls closely and fill any holes, cracks, indentations, or other imperfections with spackle or drywall compound. Allow compound to dry completely before sanding smooth. This provides the paint with an even surface to adhere to.
Sand Glossy Surfaces
Use fine grit sandpaper to scuff up any existing glossy paint or varnish. This deglossing helps the new paint bond. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth after sanding.
Remove Wallpaper
If painting over wallpaper, remove wallpaper completely before painting. Paint applied over wallpaper often peels or bubbles up.
Wash Walls
Clean walls thoroughly with TSP cleaner or other degreasing solution to remove dirt, grease, and grime that could cause paint failure. Rinse well and allow to fully dry before painting.
Apply Primer
Priming ensures better paint adhesion and provides added protection for the finish paint. Use an appropriate primer for each surface, such as drywall primer or masonry primer.
Don’t Paint Under Unfavorable Conditions
Pay attention to temperature, humidity, and ventilation when planning your paint project. Unfavorable painting conditions can negatively affect the look and durability of your paint job.
Avoid High Humidity
Painting when humidity levels are high can cause problems like blistering or cracking as paint dries more slowly. Ideal humidity for painting is around 50%. Consider using dehumidifiers if humidity is above 65%.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Paint fumes can linger without proper air circulation. Open windows and doors and use fans to ensure adequate airflow when painting indoors. If possible, paint when air temperatures allow keeping doors and windows open.
Don’t Paint in Direct Sunlight
The sun’s direct heat can dry exterior paint too quickly, leading to visible roller marks and uneven sheen. Paint exterior surfaces early in the day or when not in direct sunlight.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Very warm or very cold temperatures can impact paint viscosity and drying time. The ideal air temperature range for painting is between 50-90°F.
Don’t Use the Wrong Type of Paint
With all the choices on the market, it can get confusing selecting the right paint for your particular project. Using the wrong type or quality of paint can lead to disappointment with the end results. Here are some tips:
Choose Interior Paint for Indoor Surfaces
Be sure to use only interior paints inside the home. Interior paints are formulated to stand up to humidity and everyday wear and tear in occupied spaces.
Use Exterior Paint Outdoors
For surfaces outside the home, only use paints formulated for exterior use. Exterior paints resist weathering from sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
Select Finish Based on Room Use
Consider how each room is used when choosing paint finishes like flat, eggshell, or semi-gloss. For example, bathrooms and kids’ rooms benefit from wipeable finishes.
Verify Quality Standards
Check that any paint you purchase meets standards set by organizations like the Master Painters Institute or ASTM International. Quality paint adheres better and provides superior protection.
Don’t Rush the Painting Process
Trying to cut corners or rush through painting often backfires. Allow adequate time for each step of the painting process. Here are some key points where rushing can lead to problems:
Wait for Proper Dry Time Between Coats
If you don’t wait the manufacturer’s recommended dry time between coats, you may end up with uneven sheen, peeling, or other issues from paint not curing properly.
Don’t Skimp on Coats
Applying fewer paint coats than recommended may lead to inadequate coverage or durability. Most interior paints require at least two coats for best results.
Brush Out Lap Marks and Stripes
Carefully brushing out paint overlap lines avoids the visible “tracking” of cutting in and rolling if paint dries too quickly.
Allow Proper Cure Time Before Touch-Ups
Full paint cure takes longer than dry time. Avoid retouching painted walls until paint has fully cured, often at least 14 days for latex.
Don’t Paint Without Proper Safety Gear
Painting requires handling hazardous materials. Don’t skimp on taking proper safety precautions. Be sure to:
Use Painter’s Tape Around Trim
Masking off with painter’s tape prevents paint bleeding onto surfaces not intended to be painted. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries fully.
Protect Floors and Furniture
Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and interior furnishings from paint drips, spills, and splatters.
Wear Protective Equipment
When painting, wear safety gear like gloves, goggles, mask or respirator. These items protect against hazards like inhaling paint fumes.
Ventilate the Space
In addition to wearing a mask, ventilate the workspace well while painting and as paint dries to dilute and exhaust paint odors and fumes.
| Prep Work Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fill holes and cracks | Creates an even surface for paint to adhere to |
| Sand glossy surfaces | Helps paint grip smooth surfaces |
| Remove wallpaper | Avoids bubbling and peeling over wallpaper |
| Wash walls | Removes dirt and oils for better adhesion |
| Apply primer | Enhances paint adhesion and coverage |
Conclusion
Avoiding common mistakes like inadequate prep work, painting in unfavorable conditions, using the wrong type of paint, and rushing through the job will ensure your interior painting projects turn out looking fantastic and lasting for years of use. Paying attention to details like proper dry times, number of coats, and paint choices makes all the difference in getting professional-looking results even for DIY painters. Don’t forget essential safety steps too like prepping the area and wearing protective gear to stay safe amidst painting materials and fumes. Follow these tips for success on your next interior painting project.