Six Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting a Room

Thinking of refreshing your home with a new coat of paint? Painting a room can feel like a good way to beat boredom or save some money, but it’s rarely as easy as it seems. If you’re planning to do it yourself, don’t expect a miracle transformation overnight. Painting can be messy, time-consuming, and surprisingly technical. But if you avoid these six common mistakes, you’ll boost your chances of getting great results the first time.

1. The Room won't get dirty when Painting

You might think you’ll keep everything clean, but paint finds a way to end up where it shouldn’t. The solution? Proper prep.

Start by clearing the space as much as you can. Move smaller furniture to another room, and cover what’s left with plastic sheeting or old bed sheets. Use painter’s tape to secure drop cloths or flattened cardboard boxes on the floor, anything absorbent is better than nothing. Don’t forget to mask off baseboards, doorframes, windows, and ceilings. One accidental brush stroke can quickly turn your walls into a chaotic colour-by-number.

2. Hole here, hole there

Take a close look at your walls first. Do you see cracks, dents, or flaking paint? If so, you’ll need to patch and prep those areas before painting.

Small cracks and nail holes can be filled with patching compound or drywall mud. But if you spot major damage or persistent cracks, it might be time to call in a pro. Also, if your walls have multiple thick layers of old paint, consider sanding or even scraping them down. Applying a primer or bonding agent before you paint helps smooth the surface and improves paint adhesion - especially on older or over-painted walls.

3. Not just the wrong type of colour

Paint isn’t one-size-fits-all. Latex? Acrylic? Oil-based? It all depends on your surface and the room’s conditions (think kitchens and bathrooms). Not sure what to get? Ask staff at your local hardware store or paint shop, they’ll know which products work best for your needs.

And don’t forget quantity. Every can should say how many square feet it covers. Most walls will need at least two coats, so buy accordingly and it’s better to have a little left over than not enough in the middle of the job. Also note: quality paint might cost more upfront, but it usually saves time and effort.

4. Roller vs. brush

Each tool has its time and place. Rollers are perfect for broad, flat surfaces. But if your walls haven’t been prepped properly or still have loose paint, a roller can tear it off as you go. In that case, brushing may be safer though slower.

Brushes are also better for corners, edges, and trim. You’ll find options with synthetic or natural bristles - flat brushes work well for wider areas. Invest in good-quality tools; they make a noticeable difference in both comfort and finish.

5. Little patience

Everyone wants to finish the job in one day. But if you don’t let your first coat dry completely, you risk ruining both layers. Always follow the drying time on the paint can (usually 24 hours is safe). A second coat should go on smoother, and in some cases, can be thinned slightly for even application.

6. You won't take any advice

Painting is not done in a second. In addition, it can be quite expensive if you want your work to look professional. If you have to buy all the equipment, firstly think about whether you will use it. We have emphasized several times in this article that you should not be afraid to consult with experts. Especially if your walls need repairs, we recommend contacting someone in the field. Try to use Adam and give yourself time off!

We make the whole painting process much easier and you won't have your head worried. Thanks to the largest network of experienced painters, we at myadam.ca offer you the best prices and top quality, and it is entirely up to you when we arrive. No more adapting to craftsmen's needs. Adam will take full care of your needs. So if you are looking for a painter in Dublin or Cork, contact Adam. They can handle not only the rooms in your home but also offices, houses, and any kind of interior. In addition, you know the price in advance - just click the get a free quote button in the menu and our online calculator will give you an estimate. Immediately and completely transparently.