If you’ve been on social media for the past couple of years, you’ve probably heard about the “landlord special” — a trend where people show painting mistakes and lackluster DIY fixes in their rented dwellings. From colorful splatters on the floor to painted-over outlets and hinges, the lack of attention to detail can make an otherwise okay living space feel drab and dreary.
Despite its name, the “landlord special” can be performed by anyone, regardless of their profession. Don’t give in to the temptation to get the job done quickly and cheaply — when it comes to creating a warm, welcoming home, it’s worth it to spend a little extra time and money on doing things the right way.
Whether you’re a landlord or not, keep reading to learn six common painting mistakes you should avoid next time you decide to refresh your home.
#1. Insufficient Surface Preparation
Without proper surface preparation, you’re making a crucial painting mistake before even picking up a brush. It may not be very fun, but it’s essential for achieving a smooth finish that will last for years to come.
Ensure you clean, sand, and prime the walls before painting, along with filling any holes. Skipping these tedious steps may not seem like a big deal, but insufficient preparation can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and uneven surfaces.
#2. Skipping Test Patches
Choosing the perfect paint color is a crucial decision that significantly impacts the overall aesthetic of a space. Because of this, it’s important to paint small test patches on the walls before making your final decision. This allows you to see how the color appears in different lighting conditions and evaluate whether it works in the environment, saving you from costly mistakes and rework.
#3. Neglecting to Tape Edges
You may think you’re careful enough to paint the edges of your walls without taping off the ceiling, baseboards, windows, or shelves, but all it takes is one wrong move before you’ve accidentally smeared paint where it doesn’t belong. Removing paint is much harder than applying it. You can avoid this painting mistake by using painter’s tape to carefully mask anything you don’t want to get paint on.
In addition to taping edges, it’s also a good idea to use drop cloths to protect your furniture and floors. Drips and splatters happen, no matter how cautious you are. It’s better to get paint on an old bedsheet or tarp than on your dining table or carpet.
#4. Not Removing Outlet Covers and Hardware
Before painting, you should remove everything that’s in the way. This may include outlet covers, light switches, hinges, doorknobs, light fixtures, and other hardware. If it can be taken off, do it! Never paint over anything because you’re too lazy to remove it — this “landlord special” is one of the most common painting mistakes you see in halfhearted painting jobs.
#5. Using Low-Quality Paint and Tools
In an effort to save money, you may find yourself reaching for cheap paint and tools. Don’t fall victim to this painting mistake! Low-quality paint often results in subpar finishes, inadequate coverage, color variations, and increased labor. In addition to using quality paint, investing in top-of-the-line brushes, rollers, and other tools will give you better control over the painting process and ensure smoother application. These products may cost a bit more, but the end result is worth the investment.
#6. Rushing the Drying Process
In your busy day-to-day life, you may not have a lot of time to dedicate to home improvement projects. However, patience is an important virtue in the world of painting. Rushing the drying process by applying additional coats before the previous one has dried completely is a definite painting mistake, resulting in streaks, smudges, and an uneven finish. It’s essential to allow each coat to dry sufficiently (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) before proceeding to the next step.
Avoid Painting Mistakes by Hiring a Professional
The easiest way to avoid these painting mistakes is to hire a professional painting contractor like Brush Brothers. We have extensive experience completing painting projects large and small, and we are known for our attention to detail throughout every step of the process.
When you work with Brush Brothers, you can rest assured that we will carefully prepare the surfaces to be painted, protect your furniture and floors, tape off all edges, use only the best products, and allow the paint to fully dry between coats. Experience the Brush Brothers difference by contacting us today to get started on your next project.
