5 Common Painting Mistakes

Many Virginia homeowners pick up a gallon of paint and a paint roller and think they’re ready to transform their home’s interior within a few hours. What many individuals discover is that quality painting isn’t as easy as it looks. MasterWorks Painters of Fairfax, VA reveals five common painting errors many homeowners make.

1. Applying a second coat too soon.

You can’t wait to see the finished product—that brilliant red feature wall that is sure to be the talk of many dinner parties. We know you’re excited to see the end result, but applying subsequent coats of paint too soon can ruin your finish and cause blemishes. Professional painting requires a bit of patience.

2. Waiting more than 10 years to freshen your exterior paint.

Ten years seems to be the turning point when your home’s exterior paint begins to show its age. If your house’s exterior hasn’t been painted in the last 10 to 15 years, it may be time to call a residential painter.

3. Pulling up the painter’s tape long after the paint dries.

Using painter’s tape is great. It helps you keep paint where you want it and achieve those clean, finished edges. However, keeping the tape on too long gives it more time to adhere, meaning that if you wait until the paint dries, you’re likely to bring up some paint with it.

4. Applying thick coats of paint.

We know what you may be thinking: “If I apply more paint per coat, I can paint fewer layers.” However, what you often end up with is a painting fiasco, complete with goopy globs and runs down your wall.

5. Failing to use a primer.

Primer is a painter’s best friend. A primer gives your walls a fresh start, allowing the paint to adhere easily and reduce the amount of work required for the painting project.

To avoid these and other painting mistakes, you can always call a professional painter. A residential painter or commercial painting contractor can give you the results you want without the hassle. Virginia residents and business owners near Fairfax, Ashburn, Vienna, and Oakton should consider MasterWorks Painters. We are experienced, professional home improvement experts and commercial painters who can help you avoid painting woes.

Contact MasterWorks Painters at (703) 263-3302 to request a painting estimate or to schedule your project today!