At the foundation of a great many DIY projects and crafty makeovers is one unifying medium: paint. It's the fastest way to transform rooms, furniture, lamps, planters, and so much more. While the whole process is quite simple, it's also surprisingly easy to muck up your paint project with a few silly mistakes. How many have you committed in prior paint jobs? Steer clear of these common pitfalls for a more polished and professional outcome the next time around.
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Choosing Inferior Applicators
After spending big bucks on paint, you might be inclined to buy cheap brushes and rollers in effort to cut costs. However, in order to get professional results, you'll need to start with
. Investing in applicators is well worth the extra expense.
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Improper Preparation
When it comes to painting, you always want to start with a blank slate. Wash
and make sure all repair work is done prior to applying any paint. For paint to go on smoothly, your wall should be clean, dry, and free of any loose debris.
Related: How To Clean EVERYTHING
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Skipping the Tape
Attention to detail is what separates good work from
great
work. For clean lines and professional-looking results, don't skip the painter's tape. Taping ensures that you'll have the crisp edges you want. To prevent bleeding, make sure the tape is sealed tightly around
.
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Leaving Surroundings Unprotected
Paint has a habit of ending up in places we never intended. Before even opening the can, make sure your work zone is protected. If you can, move out all the
take off all the wall plates. Then, cover the entire floor with a drop cloth. You'll thank yourself for this 10-minute prep when you're not scrubbing paint splatter off wood flooring later.
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Painting Without Primer
Never
ever
skip the primer. This step preps the wall surface so paint sticks more easily, plus it ensures the true
of the paint shines through. These days, you can even buy a two-in-one paint and primer--doesn't get much easier than that.
See the last three common painting mistakes at BobVila.com!
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