Common DIY Painting Mistakes to Avoid

You've got the vision. With a brush in your hand, you can see your Pinterest dreams start to come to life. With the last stroke, you take a step back to take in the previous 8 hours of work. The first word you speak is, "Oh no."

If you've joined the DIY crusade at any point in your life, you've probably experienced this stomach-dropping moment yourself. Especially if you've tackled a painting project. Plenty of things can go wrong, from drip marks to uneven coats to obvious strokes. Without the proper preparation, these common painting mistakes can quickly sneak in. With the help of our paint experts, we're here to provide some key tips to achieve a successful paint job and avoid the mistakes many DIYers make.

Mistake #1: Skipping Prep Work

The most common DIY painting mistake our customers make is jumping straight in with the roller and brush without prepping the space. At Craftwork, our painting projects typically take several days because we spend 80% of our time prepping the home. Whether it’s cleaning the walls, patching holes, or using painter’s tape for crisp lines, skipping prep work often leads to a messy, uneven paint finish that doesn’t last.

Pro Tip: Move furniture out of the room, and cover floors to prevent damage. Tape all trim, doorways, and window sashes using professional painter's tape. Every surface needs to be lightly sanded using 120 to 150-grit sandpaper.

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Paint for the Surface

Not all paints are created equal. A paint that's perfect for your kitchen walls might not work so well in your bathroom, where humidity levels can cause peeling and bubbling if you’re not using moisture-resistant paint. Similarly, exterior surfaces require paints specifically designed to withstand the elements for a long-lasting paint job.

Pro Tip: For Cabinetry, we recommend Sherwin-Williams' Gallery Series. For Interior, Sherwin Williams Cashmere is our top choice due to its ability to self-level and help hide minor imperfections, without visible brush or roller marks. Sherwin Williams SuperPaint gives us a tough, weather-resistant finish we love for our exterior projects.

Mistake #3: Skimping on the Painting Tools

It can be tempting to grab the cheapest paintbrush or roller at the hardware store, but low-quality tools can lead to streaks, uneven coverage, and a frustrating amount of time spent fixing mistakes. Higher-quality brushes and rollers help ensure smooth, even coats and better overall results for any painting job.

Pro Tip: Invest in a good angled brush for cutting in and a quality roller for larger surfaces. The right tools make all the difference in delivering a professional-quality paint finish.

Mistake #4: Painting in Different Directions

Consistency is key when it comes to applying paint. Painting in different directions can create visible brush and roller marks, resulting in an uneven finish that stands out, especially in natural light. Instead of switching directions, stick to a methodical, consistent technique, such as vertical strokes for walls or following the grain of wood for trim.

Pro Tip: Maintain consistent pressure with your roller or brush, and keep your strokes even. Paint from the top to the bottom, making a "W" shape, allowing you to catch any drips as you go.

Mistake #5: Overloading the Brush or Roller

When applying paint, less is more. Overloading the brush or roller leads to drips, splatters, and uneven coats. Many DIYers think they can speed up the process by applying more paint at once, but this often results in a messier, less polished outcome. Follow the instructions on your paint can regarding drying time between coats.

Pro Tip: Carve out enough time so you can be patient. We apply multiple thin coats rather than one heavy coat. If you’re unsure of drying times, wait 24 hours.

Mistake #6: Skipping Primer

Primer isn’t just an extra step—skipping it can lead to uneven coverage, especially when transitioning between dark and light colors, or when painting over surfaces like wood, drywall, or metal. Primer helps the paint adhere better, enhances the final color, and provides a smoother finish.

Pro Tip: Use a primer that’s compatible with both your surface and your paint. At Craftwork, we always prime surfaces to ensure the top coat shines at its best and that we avoid common rookie mistakes.

Mistake #7: Starting with the Walls

It might seem natural to paint the walls first, but this can lead to extra work when it comes time to cut in along the edges or paint trim. Our painters often start with the trim and then move to the ceiling before finishing with the walls. This method allows for easier cleanup and a more polished result.

Pro Tip: Paint your room from top to bottom—ceiling, trim, then walls—to avoid drips and ensure clean lines where different surfaces meet.

Conclusion: Painting with Precision

Tackling a painting project on your own can be rewarding, but it’s easy to fall into common mistakes that DIYers make. From skipping primer to using the wrong paint or rushing through prep work, these errors can turn a fun DIY project into a frustrating mess. However, with the right tools, techniques, and some patience, you can avoid these pitfalls!

At Craftwork, we’ve perfected our process, ensuring every paint finish is smooth and flawless. Whether you're updating a room or tackling a larger painting project, our team is here to help in case the DIY doesn't work out.