If you have an upcoming interior painting in Tigard, Beaverton, or Sherwood, Oregon, you must be worried about what could go wrong. Indeed, there is a lot that can go wrong during interior painting, and this why we always recommend hiring a professional painting contractor.

If hiring a pro is not an option, it’s critical to be alert and aware of common, costly interior painting mistakes, so you don’t end up wasting your time and money. Keep reading to learn how to avoid these common pitfalls.

1. Buying Cheap Paint
When considering ways to reduce costs on your painting project, it can be quite tempting to go for the cheapest paint brand at the store. Don’t do that. Cheap paints typically have less concentration of critical ingredients such as color pigment, resins, and binders.

When used in interior walls, low-cost, low-quality paints often leave behind surface imperfections and tend to peel, blister, and chalk within a short time due to poor adhesion. Consider buying paints from reputable brands such as Benjamin Moor, Sherwin Williams, and Behr. Remember, Areas with high traffic do better with glossy or satin finishes.

2. Not Cleaning the Walls
Have you ever finished painting and noticed dust particles or hair stuck to the walls? Or you find areas that look rippled? You can prevent this from happening by cleaning the walls before you start painting. First, run a vacuum over the walls. Then mix one gallon of warm water with two cups of vinegar and wash them with a rag. Be sure to clean the baseboards and corners too.

3. Failing To Prep The Walls
Other than cleaning, there’re steps you can take to make sure that your painting project turns out flawless and durable. Check to see if you have any surface imperfections such as cracks, loose old paint, or mold. Fill in any cracks or holes, and sand the patching compound once it is dry to create a smooth, even surface.

Strip any old, loose paint and sand the surface to create a smooth, even finish. Painting on a surface that has cracks and loose paint creates a foundation for paint peeling, cracking, and rippling within a short time.

4. Not Testing the Paint Color
Most DIY painters almost always never test the paint before committing. Remember, you’re going to be seeing that paint job for years to come, and if it not quite what you wanted, you won’t take pride in your work.

Usually, the color that looks great on a paint sample can become overwhelming once it goes on your walls. Depending on the light in the room, dark or bright colors may be too stark for the entire room and may be better for painting a single accent wall. So request for a paint sample and do a small swatch test before committing.

5. Painting on a Wet Surface
Many DIY painters tend to rush the process. Well, we understand you might be excited to see how the new paint looks on the walls, but painting requires patience. Once you’ve cleaned your walls, give them enough time to dry completely before you come in with your first coat of paint.

Equally, wait for your first coat to dry before painting the second. Watching the paint dry is not particularly fun or exciting, but someone has to do it. Maybe take this opportunity to go for a coffee break. Otherwise, painting over wet surfaces will lead to a blotchy finish as well as premature paint peeling and bubbling.

The Bottom Line
If you’re attempting DIY interior painting, watch out for the above costly mistakes, and your job should turn out great. However, if you don’t have the skills, experience and the right tools required for interior painting, consider hiring a professional painting contractor.

If you haven’t identified a painting contractor in Tigard, Oregon yet, Maller Painting Co. would like to be your favorite painter. We have years of residential painting experience serving the areas of Beaverton, Sherwood, and Tigard, Oregon.

To give us a try, book a FREE estimate below or call us on (503) 410-6366 for more details.

Kevin Maller

Kevin began painting houses with his father’s company, C&K Painting, in 1996. His father taught him how to use a brush, roller, and caulk and clean a brush properly. He then worked for several other paint companies, where he learned how to spray oils, lacquers, and all water-based finishes. In 2012, after 15 years of experience, he decided to get licensed and start the Maller Painting Company. His team has focused on providing the best re-painting services to our residential clients in the Beaverton area.