7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Painting

There’s nothing like a brand new coat of paint to completely transform a room. But with an overwhelming selection of paint options out there and so many ways to misstep, even the most prepared painter is bound to make a mistake. Thankfully, we’ve found solutions to simple painting mistakes so you can learn to paint like a pro.

  1. Using the wrong brush

If you ever find yourself struggling with a paint job, check to see if you’re using the right type of brush. Applying water-based latex paint with a natural-bristle brush will result in bristles that are limp from absorbing the water in the paint, making the paint nearly impossible to spread.

While using a quality brush will get you far, achieving a smooth, professional finish begins with determining the proper applicator for the job. Natural-bristle brushes work best with oil-based paints. Synthetic brushes, made from nylon and polyester, are the perfect match for water-based latex paint.

2. Leaving painter’s tape up too long

 

For clean lines and crisp edges, painter’s tape is a must. Taping ensures professional-looking results, but when left on for an extended amount of time, it can cause peeling paint upon removal.

Ideally, tape should be removed about an hour after you’ve finished painting. But if you’ve let it sit for too long and the paint starts coming up, you’re not out of luck. Use a razor blade to gently score along the edge of the tape as you peel it back. You can also try using a blow dryer to heat up and loosen the adhesive, using your fingers to roll it away from the wall.