3 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Your Home Interior

published on: 19.09.2024 last updated on: 01.10.2024

Painting your home interior is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your space. It’s like giving your walls a much-needed spa day. 

However, like any DIY project, there are plenty of pitfalls that can turn your dream makeover into a nightmare. Before you dip that brush into the paint can, let’s talk about three mistakes you definitely want to avoid.

Home Interior Painting Mistakes You MUST Avoid

If you are planning to ensure that you have a brighter-looking house that you come to, then let me tell you something. You are making a few novice mistakes.

For instance, getting too excited and skipping all the prep work just because you want to get it done is a big red flag.

So, I am going to point out the three major ones that you must avoid in order to make your home interior paint stand out:

Skipping the Prep Work

First, you are skipping one of the most important parts: the prep. We get it. The excitement of seeing those fresh colors on your walls can make you want to skip right to the fun part. 

However, skipping the prep work is like baking a cake without preheating the oven. Spoiler alert—you won’t get the results you’re hoping for!

Preparation involves cleaning the walls, sanding rough spots, and filling in holes or cracks. 

Without these steps, your new paint will have a rough, uneven surface to cling to, leading to peeling and chipping down the line. 

Plus, if you’ve got dirt or grease on your walls, the paint won’t adhere properly.

Why Prep Work Matters

  • Smooth Application: Properly prepped walls allow for smoother paint application.
  • Durability: Increases the longevity of your paint job.
  • Professional Finish: Gives your walls a polished and professional look.

Steps to Proper Prep Work

  1. Clean the Walls: Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to wipe down the surfaces.
  2. Sand and Fill: Sand any rough patches and fill in holes or cracks with spackle.
  3. Prime Time: Apply a coat of primer if you’re making a drastic color change or painting over wood.

If you’re not sure how to prep your space for painting, consult this company.

Choosing the Wrong Paint

Secondly, walking into a paint store can feel like you’re suddenly thrust into a vortex of choices. Matte, eggshell, semi-gloss—what does it all mean? Picking the wrong type of paint can result in a finish that doesn’t suit the room’s purpose or your lifestyle.

Types of Paint Finishes

  • Matte: Great for hiding imperfections but not very washable.
  • Eggshell: A slight sheen that is more washable than matte.
  • Semi-gloss: Durable and easy to clean, ideal for high-traffic areas.
  • Gloss: Very shiny and durable, perfect for trim and doors.

Common Paint Selection Mistakes

  • Ignoring Room Function: High-traffic areas need durable finishes like semi-gloss.
  • Color Commitment: Always test paint samples on your wall before making a final decision.
  • Underestimating Quantity: It is better to have too much paint than to run out mid-project.

Neglecting the Right Tools

Finally, choose the right tool for your DIY home interior painting projects! I cannot stress this enough. Even the best paint in the world can’t save you if you’re using the wrong tools. Think of it this way—Michelangelo wouldn’t have painted the Sistine Chapel with a dollar-store brush. 

The quality of your brushes, rollers, and other tools makes a significant difference in the outcome of your project.

Must-Have Painting Tools

  • High-Quality Brushes: Invest in good brushes for cutting in edges.
  • Rollers: Choose rollers with the right nap for your wall texture (short nap for smooth walls, longer for textured).
  • Painter’s Tape: Essential for cleaning edges and protecting trim.
  • Drop Cloths: Protect your floors and furniture.
  • Cheap Brushes: Cheap brushes can shed bristles and leave streaks.
  • Wrong Roller: Using the wrong nap on your roller can result in an uneven finish.
  • Forgoing Tape: Freehanding edges might save time but often results in messy lines.

Nailing the Home Interior Paint Game is Not Difficult

Painting your home can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. It’s a great way to refresh your space and give it a new look without breaking the bank. However, with so many paint options and techniques available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Here are some tips to help you nail the home interior paint game:

  1. Choose the right paint: Firstly, the type of paint that you are planning to choose will depend on the surface you’re painting and the desired finish. For example, latex paint is a good choice for walls and ceilings, while enamel paint is more durable for trim and doors.
  2. Prepare the surface: Before you start painting, make sure the surface is clean and smooth. This may involve washing, sanding, or priming the surface.
  3. Choose the right color: Consider the size and shape of the room, the amount of natural light, and your personal style when choosing a paint color.
  4. Use a good quality brush or roller: A good quality brush or roller will give you a smoother finish.
  5. Apply multiple coats: It’s usually necessary to apply multiple coats of paint to achieve a uniform color and finish.
  6. Let the paint dry completely: Lastly, please be patient and allow the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats or adding furniture or decorations.

Use Social Media for Your Home Interior Paint Inspiration

Social media is a goldmine for inspiration for home interior paint. Whether looking for color ideas, DIY tutorials, or before-and-after transformations, you’ll find it all on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.

Here are some tips on how to use social media to find your dream home interior paint:

  1. Follow home decor accounts: Look for accounts that share photos and videos of beautifully painted homes.
  2. Use relevant hashtags: Search for hashtags like #homedecor, #interior design, #DIY, #painting, and #homeimprovement.
  3. Join online communities: Connect with other DIY enthusiasts and get inspiration from their projects.
  4. Save your favorite posts: Create a Pinterest board or save your favorite Instagram posts for future reference.

Additionally, when you’re browsing social media, pay attention to the following:

  • Color palettes: Notice the colors used in the photos and how they complement each other.
  • Textures and finishes: Look for interesting textures and finishes that add depth and dimension to your space.
  • Lighting: Consider how the lighting in the photos affects the appearance of the paint colors.
  • Furniture and decor: See how the paint color complements the room’s overall style.

The Humorous Reality of DIY Painting

Let’s face it: we’ve all seen those Pinterest fails. You start with dreams of a magazine-worthy living room but somehow end up with more paint on yourself than the walls.

However, while these mistakes are frustrating, they’re also part of the learning process. And hey, they make for great stories at your next dinner party!

So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Social media can be a great source of inspiration for your home interior paint project.

Moreover, painting your home interior doesn’t have to be a Herculean task riddled with mistakes.

Furthermore, by taking the time to prep your walls, choosing the right paint, and using quality tools, you can achieve a professional-looking result that will make every room in your house shine.

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