Painting might seem like a straightforward task, but there are plenty of pitfalls that can ruin the finish or shorten the lifespan of your paintwork. At Flight Decorating, we’ve seen first-hand how avoidable mistakes can lead to disappointing results, added expense, or the need for early repainting. Here’s a practical guide to the most common painting mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Skipping Surface Preparation
The mistake: Jumping straight into painting without properly cleaning, sanding, or repairing the walls.
The result: Poor adhesion, uneven finish, and reduced durability.
How to avoid it: Always clean surfaces thoroughly to remove dust, grease, and stains. Fill any cracks or holes, sand smooth, and apply a primer where needed. Good prep work is what separates a flawless job from a rushed one.
2. Choosing the Wrong Finish
The mistake: Selecting the wrong sheen level for the room’s purpose or lighting.
The result: Walls may appear too shiny, show imperfections, or become difficult to clean.
How to avoid it:
- Use matt or flat finishes in low-traffic rooms or on ceilings.
- Choose eggshell or satin for living areas and bedrooms.
- Opt for semi-gloss or gloss in kitchens, bathrooms, and trims for easier cleaning.
3. Not Testing the Colour First
The mistake: Picking a colour from a chart and committing to it straight away.
The result: The colour looks completely different under your home’s lighting or on your walls.
How to avoid it: Always test paint samples on multiple walls and observe them at different times of day. Natural and artificial light can change the appearance dramatically.
4. Using Low-Quality Tools or Paint
The mistake: Trying to save money with budget rollers, brushes, or paint.
The result: Streaky lines, patchy coverage, shedding bristles, or paint that fades or flakes too soon.
How to avoid it: Invest in decent brushes and rollers, and choose a reputable paint brand. Quality tools provide better coverage and a smoother, longer-lasting result.
5. Overloading the Brush or Roller
The mistake: Applying too much paint at once to speed up the job.
The result: Drips, splatter, and an uneven finish.
How to avoid it: Dip only a third of the brush into paint and tap off excess. Rollers should be evenly coated, not dripping. Apply paint in thin, even coats.
6. Ignoring Primer When Needed
The mistake: Skipping primer on surfaces that need it.
The result: Blotchy colour, poor coverage, or peeling over time.
How to avoid it: Always use primer on bare plaster, over dark or glossy colours, or when switching between paint types (e.g. oil to water-based).
7. Rushing Between Coats
The mistake: Applying a second coat before the first has properly dried.
The result: Drag marks, peeling, or patchiness.
How to avoid it: Follow the drying times on the tin. Even if paint feels dry to the touch, it may not be ready for recoating.
Let Flight Decorating Get It Right First Time
Avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money, and frustration. But for a truly flawless finish, professional experience makes all the difference. At Flight Decorating, we combine expert preparation with high-quality materials and precise application to deliver results that last. Whether it’s one room or your entire home, we’ll make sure every detail is done properly—right from the first brushstroke.