Top 5 Painting Mistakes MoCo Homeowners Make and How to Avoid Them
That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your space can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With franchises across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.
Top 5 Painting Mistakes MoCo Homeowners Make and How to Avoid Them
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space, giving your home a refreshed look and adding value. But here’s the catch: painting is one of those projects where small mistakes can snowball into big headaches. According to a national survey, nearly 40% of homeowners regret at least one DIY painting project. Why? Skipped prep work, the wrong tools, and poor paint choices often lead to peeling, uneven finishes, or outright disasters. At That 1 Painter MoCo, we know how much thought goes into creating a space that feels like home. Painting should elevate your space, not leave you wishing you never started. Let’s dive into the top five painting mistakes homeowners in Montgomery County make—and how you can avoid them.
Failing to Prepare Surfaces Properly
Every great paint job starts with prep work. It’s the foundation for success, yet it’s the step most homeowners overlook.
• Why This Matters: Paint adheres best to clean, smooth, and damage-free surfaces. Skipping prep can cause peeling, bubbling, or cracking.
• Common Mistakes: Painting over dust or grime, ignoring holes and cracks, and skipping primer.
• How to Avoid This: Clean walls thoroughly with a degreaser, patch holes, sand uneven areas, and always use primer.
Primer isn’t just an optional step—it’s essential. It ensures your paint adheres evenly and lasts longer, especially in high-humidity areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
Picking the Wrong Paint
Not all paint is created equal. Choosing the wrong type or finish can lead to unexpected issues.
• Flat vs. Gloss: Flat paints are perfect for low-traffic areas but quickly show scuffs in busy spaces. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability and moisture resistance.
• Ignoring the Environment: Moisture, temperature changes, and even UV exposure can affect how paint performs.
• How to Choose Smartly: Consider each room’s purpose. Use mold-resistant paints in bathrooms, and opt for UV-protected paints for sun-drenched rooms.
At That 1 Painter MoCo, we help clients pick paints that look great and perform even better, ensuring a polished finish that lasts.
Using Cheap Brushes and Rollers
Think any brush will do? Think again. Using low-quality tools is one of the fastest ways to ruin your project.
• What Goes Wrong: Cheap brushes shed bristles into wet paint, and low-grade rollers create uneven textures.
• Why Invest in Quality: Professional-grade tools save time, reduce frustration, and ensure a smoother finish.
• Our Recommendations: For walls, use microfiber rollers for even application. When cutting in around edges or trim, high-quality angled brushes are worth every penny.
Good tools are an investment in your results. If you’re unsure what to use, we’re happy to recommend products that get the job done right.
Skipping Color Testing
The paint chip looks great in the store, but does it still wow you on your walls? Lighting and existing décor can dramatically change how a color looks in your space.
• Why Testing Matters: Natural and artificial light affect how colors appear throughout the day.
• Common Mistakes: Choosing based on a paint chip without seeing it on the wall, and failing to consider undertones that clash with furniture.
• What to Do: Test swatches on multiple walls, viewing them at different times of day. Larger swatches give a better idea of how a color will look in the full room.
Testing avoids costly redos, ensuring you love the result before committing to gallons of paint.
Ignoring Cleanup and Maintenance
Painting isn’t over once the last stroke is applied. Neglecting cleanup and maintenance can diminish the results.
• Cleanup Errors: Leaving brushes and rollers to dry out or improperly storing leftover paint.
• Maintenance Missteps: Allowing dust and grime to build up or ignoring chips and scuffs.
• How to Maintain the Look: Clean tools immediately to extend their life, store paint cans correctly for touch-ups, and clean walls periodically to keep the color fresh.
Proactive maintenance ensures your paint job stays vibrant and damage-free for years.
Why MoCo Homeowners Trust That 1 Painter
Painting isn’t just about applying color to walls. It’s about creating a space that feels like home, reflects your style, and stands the test of time. At That 1 Painter MoCo, we pride ourselves on delivering flawless results by avoiding these common pitfalls.
Our team handles everything from meticulous prep work to perfecting the final coat, ensuring a seamless experience. Whether you’re transforming a single room or repainting your entire home, we’re here to help. Let us make your vision a reality—stress-free and with results that speak for themselves.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and let’s create a space you’ll love coming home to!