Common painting mistakes that can ruin your walls – and how to avoid them
If you’ve ever picked up a roller and thought, “Sure, how hard can it be?”, you’re not alone. At first it looks straightforward – open the tin, dip the roller, and off you go. A few hours later you expect the place to look brand new.
But more often than not, reality shows up before the paint has even dried. Patchy walls, brush marks, paint starting to peel after a few weeks.
It’s not your fault – most of us learn painting the hard way, through trial and error. The good news is, these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know them. Here are some of the most common issues I’ve seen over the years, and how you can sidestep them.
Skipping the prep work
Painting over dust, grease or damp walls is like painting on glass – the finish won’t last. The paint might look fine on day one, but soon it starts to bubble or peel.
What to do: wash the walls down, let them dry, and give them a light sand. A bit of effort at the start will save you a lot of trouble later.
Forgetting the primer
Primer feels like an extra step, but it’s the foundation of the whole job. Without it, even the best paint won’t stick properly. I’ve seen walls that looked great for two days, then started to flake.
What to do: use the right primer for the surface – plaster, plasterboard, wood, whatever you’re painting.
Putting the paint on too thick (or too thin)
We’ve all thought, “If I load up the roller, I’ll be finished faster.” In reality, thick paint leaves drips, uneven drying, and a patchy look. Too thin, and the old colour shows through.
What to do: two thin coats are always better than one heavy one. It dries evenly and lasts longer.
Rushing the drying time
You’re keen to get it finished, so you go in with the second coat too soon. The result? The new layer pulls at the first one, leaving streaks or even bare patches.
What to do: check the tin. Every manufacturer lists drying times. Stick to them, even if it feels slow.
Using the wrong tools
Cheap brushes shed hairs, cheap rollers spray paint everywhere. The tools you use matter just as much as the paint itself.
What to do: invest in a decent roller and a good brush. They don’t cost the earth, but they make all the difference.
Using the wrong tools
Matt in a kitchen, satin in a bedroom with uneven walls – wrong choices always backfire. I’ve seen people repaint the same wall three times, thinking the colour was the problem, when it was really the finish.
What to do: match the paint to the room. Kitchens and hallways do better with durable, washable finishes. Bedrooms and living rooms often look best in matt.
P.S
Painting isn’t just about colour – it’s about patience and the little details. Get those right, and your walls will look fresh for years, not weeks.
And if you ever feel it’s more than you’d like to take on yourself, there’s no shame in calling a professional. The peace of mind of knowing the job’s done properly is worth more than another tin of paint.
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