Top Ten DIY Painting Mistakes:

When it comes to painting, if you prefer to do it yourself, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

1. Oil and latex don’t mix. Unless you like it when your paint job easily rubs off, don’t put latex paint over oil based paint without the proper preparation.
2. The no-prep-needed myth. Good preparation is essential. Sanding, vacuuming and washing are often the most important steps in any paint job.
3. Cover the floors and furniture. Even the pros cover floors and furniture. Spills happen. Drop clothes save time and money.
4. Cheap paint. Cheap paint is thinner and harder to work with. It will often require more coats for good coverage.
5. Skimping. Use enough coats of paint or stain. Especially in regard to decks. One coat can look great but the second gives you durability.
6. The what-could-possibly-go-wrong myth. Safety is a must. Make sure you have sufficient ventilation when using harsh chemicals.
7. Incorrect tools or no tools. Not having the correct tools to work with will make any job much harder. Cheap tools are worse than no tools.
8. Masking tape. Regular masking tape rips paint off with it when you try to remove it. Paint stores sell blue masking tape that is less sticky. But this is no substitute for learning to cut a straight line.
9. Underestimating the cost. DIY’ers will tell you that any home project costs 50% more then estimated.
10. Know when to hire a professional. A common mistake is thinking that painting is easy. Take it from a pro…it’s harder and more involved than you might think. We just make it look easy. Call us today!