There are a number of rookie errors that could lead to a very expensive paint job!
Choose the right colour. In many cases the colour on the paint sheet will turn out different to the paint on the wall, this is due to many factors but the lighting and texture of the wall that is to be painted will cause an element of variance. Be sure to test out a few colours but painting squares on your walls before ordering the liters of paint required for the job. Many paint suppliers will offer paint samples for free or a small cost so do your homework before embarking on the paint job.
Do thorough preparation. The saying “measure twice, cut once” applies to house painting. Make sure you have put a newspaper or an old bed sheet that covers the floor where are you to do the painting. Don’t be shy with the masking tape and make sure your tapelines are straight, especially in the most visible places. Also, have a designated place where you store the paint lid as there have been many instances where novice painters step on the upside-down paint lid and proceed to walk the paint all over the floors and carpets.
Don’t use the wrong type of paint. Avoid using high sheen paints on bumpy surfaces. Light-reflecting off shiny paint will emphasize the defects of the walls. If you are painting walls that are similar colours be sure to label the cans. You may only notice the difference once the paint has dried. Lastly when you are covering light walls with dark paint its best practice to use a primer first. Speak to your paint supplier about the right primer to use.
Bumping the Ceiling. It is certainly easier to paint large walls with a roller. Having said this, it’s also a clumsier tool to use. Be extra careful that you don’t bump the ceiling when you are attempting to get close to the corners. Paint the tight portions with a handheld brush. Also, don’t get too close to the floor. Along with possibly painting the floor, you also may pick up dirt, hair or lint that will result in a bumpy paint job.
Avoid over-brushing. Places that have been already been coated with a layer of paint are sometimes painted over by overly thorough painters. If the paint has already started to dry it can cause unsightly brush marks and ridges. The best practice is to load the paintbrush with paint and cover the area with paint, once you have done this, simply brush over the painted area once to get a nice smooth finish while the paint is still wet.
Avoid painting in extremely hot or cold weather. Here is South African we rarely experience cold enough weather that will have a supreme impact on our painting job. We do however experience hot enough weather to will affect the paint drying rate. You don’t want the paint to dry too quickly. Paint the north-facing walls in the mornings and evenings as opposed to midday.
Avoid windy conditions when using spray paint. Overspray is not only a costly waste, but it can also land up on uncovered items. Make sure you cover a vast area when you decide to spray paint a wall or object. Also, do so in windless conditions if possible.
Avoid Painting In Low Light. The paint job often turns out very different when light is introduced to a room. Painting in low light might not enable you to see different shading as you are smoothing the paint work with your final brushes.