Avoiding Common Painting Mistakes: Lessons Learned from Experienced Contractors

Think it’s JUST paint? Sad to say, it isn’t. Painting a room or home can seem deceptively simple, leading many DIYers to underestimate the skills and techniques required to achieve professional-looking results. However, taking the time to properly prepare surfaces, apply paint evenly, and avoid common mistakes can transform a paint job from sloppy to stunning.

This guide covers some of the most common DIY painting mistakes, reasons they happen, and tips to prevent and fix them. With the right information and a bit of practice, even novice painters can execute paint projects like a pro. Read on to learn about blistering and bubbling paint, achieving an even coat, proper surface prep, and when it might be best to call in a professional painter. With diligent surface preparation, uniform paint application, and prompt attention when problems arise, you can avoid the most common mishaps and end up with a finished paint job to be proud of.

Preventing Blistering and Bubbling

Blistering and bubbling in paint can occur for a variety of reasons, but is most often caused by improper surface preparation, temperature fluctuations, or applying paint too thick. Here are some tips to prevent blisters and bubbles from forming in the first place:

Proper surface preparation

Make sure to thoroughly clean and sand the surface before painting. Remove any dust, dirt, oil or grease that could prevent the paint from properly adhering. Sand glossy surfaces to dull the finish and allow for better adhesion.

Maintain proper temperature

Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on hot days when the surface may heat up. Likewise, don't paint when temperatures are too cold or drop significantly overnight. Ideally, paint when surface and air temperatures are between 50-90°F.

Apply adequate coat thickness

Applying paint too thick in a single coat can cause blistering. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for proper coat thickness and allow sufficient drying time between coats. Typically 2-3 thin, even coats is better than one thick coat.

Proper prep work, regulating temperature, and correct application thickness will help prevent the paint from blistering or bubbling. Allowing proper cure times between coats and using paints suited for the surface will also reduce the chances of running into adhesion issues down the road.

Fixing Blistering Paint

Sanding and scraping are the first steps to fixing blistering paint. Use medium grit sandpaper or a paint scraper to remove all of the bubbled and blistered paint. Sand and scrape down to the bare surface.

It's important to remove all of the blistered paint so it doesn't continue flaking off underneath the new paint job. Take your time with this step. Rushing can leave behind areas of loose paint that will ruin your final results.

Once all the blistered paint is removed, wipe the sanded areas with a tack cloth. This will remove sanding dust and debris.

Next, spot prime any exposed bare wood or metal. Use an appropriate primer for the surface like oil-based primer for metals or shellac-based primer for knots and sap streaks in wood.

Uneven Paint Application

Achieving a smooth, even coat of paint often requires some practice and skill. An uneven paint job with visible roller marks, drips, or streaks marring the surface is one of the most common painting mistakes. There are several potential causes of uneven paint application to be aware of:

Using the wrong nap length on your roller for the surface can lead to an uneven finish. A roller with too short nap won't hold enough paint and will require more coats. Going too long leaves distinctive stippling patterns. Make sure to use the appropriately sized high-quality roller.

Applying TOO much pressure, rolling in a haphazard motion or not maintaining a wet edge as you paint can create unevenness. Use gentle, consistent strokes and overlap each pass to ensure even paint transfer. Keep a wet edge and paint sections completely.