Painting the interior walls of your home can completely transform and refresh the look and feel of a room. However, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can occur during the painting process. Avoiding these errors will help ensure you end up with smooth, professional-looking painted walls. In this article, we’ll overview key things you should not do when painting interior walls and provide tips on how to paint correctly. Read on to learn what to avoid when taking on an interior wall painting project.
Don’t Paint in Direct Sunlight
Painting when there is direct sunlight shining on the wall can cause a variety of issues. The sunlight causes the paint to dry too quickly, which can lead to visible lap marks, brush strokes, and uneven coverage. For best results, only paint walls when there is soft indirect daylight or use artificial lighting. Here are some specific problems that can occur when painting walls in direct sun:
- Lap marks – When the paint dries too fast, you won’t have enough time to blend sections together, leading to obvious lap marks where two coats of paint meet.
- Visible brush strokes – Direct sunlight causes the paint to start drying before you can smooth out brush strokes. The end result is a wall with very obvious paint brush marks.
- Flashing – Since the sun will hit different areas of the wall unevenly, some spots will dry faster than others. These variances in dry time lead to slightly different sheens or colors in the paint, referred to as “flashing.”
- Bubbles – The sun heating the paint too quickly can cause bubbles to form.
- Cracking/Peeling – Quick uneven drying leads to the paint drying on the surface before it dries underneath. This results in cracking and peeling.
The ideal time to paint walls is when the sunlight is indirect, such as on an overcast day or in early morning or late afternoon. When painting, it’s best to start on a wall that will not be in direct sun first. This avoids the issues that occur when the sunlight suddenly hits a wall you are actively painting. If the sunlight is unavoidable, try blocking it by hanging tarps or using temporary partitions. Just take care that you have adequate ventilation when blocking sunshine.
Don’t Paint Outside When It’s Too Humid
Similar to direct sunlight, high humidity can also wreak havoc during the wall painting process. The moisture in the air slows down the paint’s drying time, which can lead to runs, drips, and brush marks getting stuck in the paint. Only paint when the humidity is below 85%. Here are some of the specific problems high humidity can cause:
- Runs and drips – With high humidity, it’s much easier for wet paint to run down the wall, leaving behind ugly drips and streaks.
- Prolonged drying – Paint can take up to twice as long to dry when humidity levels are high.
- Adhesion issues – Moisture getting trapped under the paint as it dries can prevent the paint from properly bonding to the wall.
- Flashing – Different areas drying at different rates can create slight variances in color and sheen.
- Mold or mildew – The moisture getting trapped under the paint can allow mold and mildew growth.
Ideally, you should aim to paint when the humidity is below 50%. If humidity levels are forecast to remain above 85% for multiple days, it’s best to postpone the painting job. Sometimes running a dehumidifier in the room for several hours before painting can help lower the humidity enough to paint successfully.
Don’t Forget Proper Surface Preparation
Neglecting proper surface prep is one of the biggest mistakes when painting interior walls. No matter how high-quality the paint, it won’t adhere correctly or look its best without proper prep. Don’t skip these important preparation steps:
- Clean – Wipe down walls to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. Pay extra attention around light switches, doorknobs, and along the trim.
- Sand – Lightly sand to rough up glossy surfaces for better paint adhesion.
- Fill holes & imperfections – Use spackle or drywall compound to fill any cracks, holes, or uneven areas.
- Sand again – Once patching compound is dry, sand once more to smooth filled areas.
- Wipe away dust – Use a tack cloth to pick up any remaining dust or debris.
- Spot prime – Use primer to spot prime repaired areas before painting.
Rushing through or skipping prep work can lead to issues like peeling, cracking, uneven coverage, and the original paint color bleeding through. Proper prep helps the new paint stick to the walls and provides a flawless base for your color.
Don’t Use the Wrong Type of Primer
Another mistake is using the wrong primer or skipping priming altogether. Primer creates an essential bonding layer between the wall and new paint. It also helps paint go on evenly by sealing porous surfaces. Use the right primer for your specific painting project:
- New drywall – Use drywall primer, which seals raw drywall and makes it less porous.
- Dark colors – Tint primer with the dark paint color when painting over light walls to prevent the need for multiple coats.
- Stains – Use stain-blocking primer to cover stains from water damage, smoke, grease, etc.
- Smooth/glossy surfaces – Adhesion primer sticks to glossy surfaces like tile or vinyl.
Applying paint over an untreated surface without primer often leads to the original color showing through or uneven paint coverage. Investing in the right primer pays off with faster painting and better results.
Don’t Use the Wrong Paint Sheen
Choosing the wrong paint sheen or finish for the space is another big painting mistake. Factors like the room size, natural lighting, and traffic all determine the appropriate sheen:
- Flat – Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas. Provides a matte look.
- Eggshell – Slight sheen, good scrubbability. Works well in most rooms.
- Satin – More durable and reflective than eggshell. Good for high-traffic areas.
- Semi-gloss – Very shiny and scrubbable. Best for bathrooms, kitchens, trim.
- High-gloss – Extremely reflective shine. Only use for accent trim pieces.
Using ultra-shiny paints (like high-gloss) in large spaces will make imperfections obvious. And flat paint shows dirt and scuffs much more than glossier paints. Consider the use of the space when choosing the optimal sheen.
Don’t Rush When Applying Paint
It’s important to work methodically and avoid rushing when applying paint to walls. Paint in sections and maintain a “wet edge” where you brush out the newly painted area into the still-wet section you just finished. This helps evenly blend the two areas together. If you move too quickly or take long breaks between coats, overlap marks will be very visible.
Here are some tips for methodically applying paint:
- Use an extension pole to avoid frequent climbing up and down the ladder.
- Divide walls into 3′ x 3′ sections and paint each section entirely before moving to the adjacent area.
- Maintain the wet edge by brushing overlap areas before paint dries.
- Follow a pattern when painting, like working top to bottom then left to right.
- Take breaks at corners or where one wall meets another to prevent lap marks.
- Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat for best coverage.
Rushing leads to sloppy overlap marks, drips, uneven coverage, and missing spots. Take your time to do the job right.
Don’t Try Painting Around Obstacles
It might seem clever to carefully paint around wall fixtures, outlets, or furniture without removing them from the workspace. However, this often leads to messy results with paint slopped onto surfaces that you didn’t intend to paint. Instead, take the time to properly prepare the space:
- Remove outlet and switch covers
- Detach any lighting fixtures
- Clear furniture away from walls
- Tape off baseboards, ceiling, and trim with painters tape
- Spread dropcloths to protect floors
With the room cleared of fixtures and furniture, you can access the entire wall area much more easily. It also avoids accidental drips or splatters on surfaces you don’t want painted. Yes, it takes more time up front to properly mask and prepare the room, but it leads to a clean, professional paint job.
Don’t Forget Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial when painting indoors, both during and after the paint job. Fresh air exchange helps dissipate fumes and allows the paint to dry properly. Open windows and use fans or exhaust fans while painting and for several hours afterwards. If possible, shut down forced-air heating or cooling systems temporarily to avoid spreading particles throughout the home. Continue ventilating the area for 48-72 hours after painting until all smells have dissipated. Sensitive individuals may want to leave the home for a short period after painting to allow fumes to clear entirely.
Don’t Use the Wrong Paint Finish
Pay attention to choosing the right paint finish or type for your specific painting project:
- Latex – Ideal for most walls, easy cleanup with water, low odor.
- Enamel – More durable glossy finish best for trim and cabinets.
- Acrylic – Fast-drying paint good for variety of surfaces.
- Oil-based – Very durable and good for metals, but has strong odor.
- Moisture-resistant – Use in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other damp places.
Using the wrong finish like conventional latex paint in a bathroom can lead to peeling, mold, and other issues in humid environments. Make sure to use moisture-resistant paints labeled “kitchen & bath” anywhere that gets wet.
Don’t Buy Cheap Poor Quality Paint
It can be tempting to save money by purchasing the cheapest paint possible at a discount or hardware store. However, bargaining paints often provide poor coverage and may not last as long. They can end up costing you more money and time in the long run with extra coats needed or early re-painting. Instead, purchase quality paint from a reputable brand like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, or Behr. Quality paint makes the painting process much easier and provides better, longer-lasting results. Consider it an investment that will save you frustration down the road.
Don’t Use the Wrong Painting Tools
Invest in quality painting supplies. Don’t try to paint walls with old brushes that are frayed or rollers that are shedding nap. Purchase a high-quality angled sash brush for cutting in edges and corners. Use the appropriate nap length for your roller based on the wall texture. Other useful tools include:
- Paint tray with angled lip to wipe off roller
- Paint pole for hard-to-reach areas
- Multi-size pack of high-quality rollers
- Painters tape for creating clean edges on trim
- Drop cloths to protect floors and furniture
- Paint can opener to open paint cans safely
Proper high-quality painting tools allow you to work faster with less mess and effort. Don’t try to cut corners by using low-quality supplies.
Don’t Rush Removing Tape
When you apply painters tape to protect surfaces from drips and splatters, it’s important to follow best practices for removing it:
- Wait until paint is completely dry before removing tape.
- Pull tape slowly and carefully parallel to the wall at a 45° angle.
- Watch out for areas where paint has bled underneath the tape.
- Cut along edges with a utility knife first if paint has seeped significantly under the tape.
Removing tape too soon or ripping it off carelessly can damage the paint job underneath. Take your time removing tape to avoid ruining your freshly painted walls or trim.
Don’t Forget Proper Cleanup
The final step is cleaning up properly when the painting is complete. Follow these tips:
- Wipe down painted walls with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust nibs and fuzz.
- Clean paintbrushes thoroughly until water runs clear.
- Seal and store any leftover paint so it’s ready for touchups.
- Properly dispose of used drop cloths, paint rags, and other painting debris.
- Use ammonia or TSP cleaner to remove paint splatters from glass.
- Follow manufacturer directions for cleaning oil-based paint or paint thinner.
Thorough cleanup protects your freshly painted walls and makes sure brushes are ready for future use. Don’t leave behind a messy cluttered workspace when the paint job is done.
Conclusion
Avoiding common painting mistakes helps ensure your interior wall paint job turns out perfectly. By understanding what not to do, you’ll avoid imperfections, extra work, and frustration. Follow these essential tips:
- Paint indoors when sunshine is indirect and humidity is low
- Don’t skip proper prep like cleaning, sanding, and priming
- Use the right primer, paint sheen, and paint finish for the space
- Work methodically when applying paint to prevent uneven coverage
- Take time to properly prepare the room by masking and ventilating
- Invest in quality paint and tools
- Carefully remove painters tape when completely dry
- Clean up thoroughly when finished
Pay close attention to these do’s and don’ts and you’ll avoid common mistakes when tackling interior wall painting. Follow these tips for walls that look professionally painted.