9 Common House Painting Mistakes to Avoid in Brisbane

Painting your house is a big job that can often look more simple than it is. Without the right preparation, tools and approach, it’s easy to make mistakes when painting a house. The consequences of these errors can range from patchiness, uneven edges and streaks to peeling and poor weatherproofing. Here are 9 of the most common house painting mistakes we see here at Brush Masters and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Paint

Using the right paint for the right application is crucial to achieving a long lasting finish that looks great. This ranges from weatherproof paints for exterior walls to mould resistant paint for bathrooms.

2. Using Poor Quality Paint

Cheaper, low-quality paint doesn’t offer the same durability, flexibility and adhesion as leading brands. This is especially important when it comes to exterior applications, where paint needs to withstand harsh conditions in climates like Queensland.

3. Using the Wrong Brush

Getting a smooth, even paint job requires a combination of quality paint, good technique and the right tools. Cheap brushes, for example, can have stiff, uneven or splayed bristles which leave marks or shed small hairs that end up fixed to your wall. Invest in a good quality paint brush that suits the type of paint and primer used. Latex and acrylic paints work best with synthetic brushes, while oil-based paints work best with natural-bristle brushes.

4. Using the Wrong Paint Roller

Using a cheap paint roller is another one of the common mistakes when painting a house, resulting in a streaky or stippled look. Choose a high-quality roller with the right nap size. Smoother walls require a shorter nap (shorter fibres), while long-nap rollers are ideal for textured surfaces like brick and concrete.

5. Applying the Right Painting Techniques

Apply paint with long, smooth strokes to achieve thin, even coats. This reduces the risk of drips, streaks and uneven coverage. To achieve neat and tidy edges, professional painters use an approach called “cutting in”. This involves painting a straight line with a brush along edges and then filling in the rest with a roller.

6. Skipping the Prep Work

Preparation is a must for a quality job that avoids common paint mistakes. This includes ensuring you thoroughly clean the wall of dust, dirt and grease, filling in any cracks and holes and applying an appropriate primer.

7. Painting in Low Light

Avoid dim lighting, which can boost the likelihood of missing streaks, smudges and patchiness. Aim to paint in bright, natural sunlight where possible, with plenty of artificial light as well if necessary to keep the space evenly well-lit. It can also be a cause of paint colour mistakes, as it’s harder to see how colours are coming up in lower light.

8. Forgetting the Masking Tape

Getting paint in the wrong places is one of the most obvious house painting mistakes to try to avoid. Paint flecks on skirting boards, door frames, ceilings and light switches make for a messy looking result. Apply masking tape around the sides, top and bottom of the surface you’re painting to create a smooth, even paint edge. Prevent peeling by ensuring you take the tape off while the paint is wet.

9. Applying Too Much or Not Enough Paint

A mistake beginners often make is applying too many coats of paint or only one. Too little and you’ll end up with patchy or thin paintwork. Too thick, and you may end up dealing with some sagging. Depending on the surface, you’ll typically need to apply at least two coats of paint to get a smooth, even finish. Multiple coats help build up the paint so it’s more durable, however, it’s important to stick to best practice for the surface and paint type.

Avoid House Painting Mistakes With Professional Help in Brisbane

Avoid paint colour mistakes and other problems when renovating your home by calling the experts at Brush Masters. Call 0432 603 142 or contact us online to get a quote for jobs across Brisbane.