We love everything about being DIYers, but what we love most is looking back on old projects and seeing how far we’ve come. Learning new skills is one of the most rewarding aspects of the DIY journey, but we all start somewhere. Here are 5 mistakes we often see at the beginning of a DIY journey and, more importantly, what we would do differently:
Mistake 1. Painting water-based paint over oil-based paint.
Avoid the disappointment of flaking and peeling paint with the Metho-test. This simple test will help you determine if your surface is painted with oil-based or water-based paint BEFORE you paint over the top of it. Trust us, you want to get this right before spending time and money painting. If the surface is oil-based and you slap some water-based paint on top, we guarantee this won’t last and the paint will peel and scratch off without effort. Talk about heartbreak.
Knowing what your surface was painted with previously is key when it comes to prepping and repainting these surfaces for a long-lasting finish you can be proud of.
Mistake 2. Not prepping your tools:
Prep is the most important painting step and this needs to include your tools. Fresh rollers have lint that can negatively impact the smooth, even finish you want for your walls. Avoid this by covering the roller cover with masking tape and removing it. This gets rid of the lint from the roller cover.
You should also wet down your brushes and roller covers before you use them. This can really help you achieve the best possible finish for your project.
Mistake 3. Not dusting windows before you paint:
Painting around windows is tricky enough without having to contend with a thick layer of dust (not to mention the sneezing issue). Don’t forget to remove the dust before you start painting.
A great tool for this is an old paint brush. So don’t go throwing them away when you finish painting, give them a clean and keep them in your painting kit. Wallet and waste conscious. What’s not to love?
Mistake 4. Painting without sanding.
Every DIYer wants a beautiful, blemish free finish for their walls. But does every DIYer sand before painting? Trust us, don’t underestimate the power of sanding. Sanding your wall before painting is key to achieving an amazing finish.
Whether it’s an electric sander, a pole sander or the good ol’ fashioned sanding block, giving your walls a once over with 120 grit sandpaper will go a long way to helping you achieve the finish of your dreams.
Mistake 5. Dripping paint on the floor.
Painting can be messy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t minimise the mess, particularly on your floors. Drop sheets are a no brainer when it comes to painting. Even if you are merely patching and painting a small hole, a drop sheet gives you piece of mind and protection from any small drips that could have you scrubbing and cleaning later.
Another way to prevent dripping is by keeping the masking tape fanned out on your skirting boards and trims. It may seem counterproductive, but keeping the masking tape fanned out around your wall will help avoid paint splatter and act as a guard for your roller. This tip will save you time (and frustration) during the clean-up.
We never stop learning as DIYers and that’s one reason we love being a DIYer. Another reason is seeing these tips and trick help us to complete amazing projects like our nursery makeover, purple check wall and wooden buffet upcycle.
Head to your local Inspirations Paint store for more advice from the painting experts who are passionate about bringing your next project to life.