Someone asked me what are the worst painting mistakes you should never make. I came up with many, but these stuck out most.
5 Worst Painting Mistakes You Should Never Make
1. Applying oil over latex paint
Never use oil paints on a surface previously painted with latex. Oil-based paints tend to get brittle as they age. Latex paints are typically soft and flexible. The movement of the latex underneath can cause premature failure of the oil topcoat. Cracking is the most common.
2. Skimping on surface prep
Never skimp on surface prep. Eighty-plus percent of most complaints are due to poor or lack of surface prep. In addition, paints are made to go over clean, dry, dull and sound substrates.
3. Not using primers when needed
Primers are not always needed, but it is important to not skip this step when a primer is specified. Primers in most cases promote adhesion, or block stains, fill porous surfaces like concrete block, or resist alkali and efflorescence … and on and on.
4. Using the wrong application tools
OK, so you bought the most expensive paint, but you are going to use the dollar-special roller cover to put it on. Bad idea. Cheap covers or brushes will cause top quality finishes to not hide as well. Additionally, they show tracking, fuzz, streaks and brush marks. Therefore, match high quality finishes with quality tools. Also, using the recommended brush and roller from the manufacturer will give you the ideal finish. You will see a difference.
5. Over applying the product
Over brushing or rolling in most cases will cause poor hiding or stippling of the finish. It can also cause severe stippling, dry time issues and even cracking of the paint film.
Bottom Line
Now you have a better idea of which painting mistakes not to make. In truth, you don’t want to make any mistakes period! However, avoiding these 5 mistakes will prevent any major mishap on your job site.
So Amigos, what do you think are the worst painting mistakes you should never make? Share below…
Also, check out Paint Amigo’s applicator recommendations below (Amazon affiliate links)…
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P.S. Download my free eBook The Profitable Painter. Click here.
Applying latex over oil. I have seen that done way too much and it’ll ruin the doors and trim in a whole house. The latex will start peeling after awhile and that makes it difficult for future painters besides looking terrible. There is no easy fix for this because what ever is applied next is no better than the previous coats. Always prime with a 100% acrylic primer before putting latex over oil.
I agree Dale. Thanks for sharing!
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to state it was an excellent find. Many thanks!
Thank you! Welcome to the paint amigo family!