5 Things Most New Painters Overlook

It is fair to say that when wanting to transform the rooms in their home, many homeowners will consider painting the walls. There is no denying that this can make such a huge difference to a space and many assume that it will be incredibly easy to do. Whilst this isn’t necessarily untrue, painting can be much easier than hanging wallpaper or panelling, for example, yet it isn’t always as easy as homeowners think to get the flawless finish they’re hoping for.

Whether you’ve painted a few times before or you’re going to be picking up a paintbrush for the first time, it is likely that you will overlook some important parts of the painting process. Often, these things are considered to be unimportant, but this definitely isn’t the case and they will take your paint job from DIY to professional. So, to help homeowners, our team here at Decor Express have put together a list of the 5 most common things new painters overlook.

1. Cleaning the walls before painting

We cannot stress enough how essential it is to prepare a wall before you put paint onto it. Many homeowners overlook this and end up with every hole, crack or bump being visible when the layer of paint has dried. To avoid messy uneven walls, it is important to not only patch up the surface and sand it down, but to clean it too. Ensure you’re taking a sponge and giving the whole wall a clean before you even pick up a paintbrush.

2. Using a primer

This is something that you can almost guarantee new painters will overlook. It isn’t uncommon for people to assume that when using interior paint, you don’t really need a primer, but again, this isn’t the case. Using something like a Leyland paint undercoat or a Johnstones undercoat will provide you with a smooth surface and also prevent you from needing multiple coats. It is likely that your primer will also help your paint job last longer too.

3. Investing in high-quality paint

Often, when undertaking a DIY paint job, many homeowners will be doing so to try and save some money. However, purchasing the cheapest paint you can find definitely isn’t the best thing to do, yet many who are new to painting will overlook the importance of high-quality paint. Even if you’re in need of a lot of paint, so many paint shops will have brilliant offers on trade paint, meaning you can get a huge high-quality pot for much less than you’d probably expect.

4. Taping the wall

This is probably one of the most frequently overlooked processes by people who are new to painting and many see it as something that isn’t necessarily. Ultimately, if you’re wanting clean edges and a professional look, then taping is essential. So, purchase some painting adhesive tape and always tape your room before you put any paint onto the wall. This may take some time, but it is worthwhile doing.

5. Stirring the paint pot

Whether you purchase Dulux, Ronseal, Johnstones or Leyland paint from a shop, it is likely that you will be given a stirrer. Many who are new to painting won’t use this and will dip their paint brush in and get started straight away. More often than not, this will lead to an inconsistent finish and you should never use paint before you have stirred the pot. The ingredients can separate and it is essential that you mix them together again before getting started.

Getting everything you need for your paint job

As a new painter, you may be thinking that you wouldn’t have done anything mentioned above when starting to paint your room. Now that you’re aware of just how important they all are, you can ensure that you take the time to do these things before you put coloured paint on your brush. Whilst these small processes may take time, we can assure you that they are always worthwhile and they will give you the professional finish that you’re hoping for.

When looking for somewhere to purchase everything you need for your painting job, be sure to visit the Decor Express website. Not only can we supply you with interior paint from incredible brands such as Dulux and Leyland, but we can also provide you with a wide range of accessories too. From paint brushes to painting tape, you can rely on us to supply you with absolutely everything you require. Of course, if you have any questions at all when purchasing from our store, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re always happy to help.