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How to avoid the 7 most common mistakes people make when painting their home
Oscar Kus, December
2017
Well done for choosing to wise up before tackling a DIY paint job at your home or investment property. This list of common mistakes, made by thousands of Aussies, can turn a humble home upgrade into a costly and stressful experience. Take note, so that you can avoid a disastrous paint job.
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If you are going to spend the time and effort painting your interior walls, it is worthwhile carefully selecting a suitable paint colour.[/caption]
Starting from the ceiling is ideal, as paint runs downwards, and any drips can be fixed as you go. Image courtesy One Day Paint[/caption]

Mistake #1 – Lack of preparation
If you are like most DIY painters, you’ll rush through the preparation stage to allow for maximum paint time. Whether you need to get the job done quickly before putting your property on the market, or you are dedicating your Christmas holidays to a much-needed home upgrade, preparing well is extremely important. Here are a few simple but really important tips:- Clear out as much furniture from the room as possible
- Clean walls thoroughly with a towel, vacuum, and cleaning agents in wet areas to ensure no mould spurs will linger
- Scrape away peels and cracks from the walls
- Apply proper painters tape to wall frames and edges
- Cover all floors and hallways with plastic or drop sheets
- Clear your schedule to allow for a dedicated, complete job
- Choose appropriate painting attire; ideally clothes and shoes that you won’t mind discarding
Mistake #2 - Choosing the wrong paint type
Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a universal paint type to suit the conditions of every room in the home. Kitchens require standard interior wall paints with a satin or greater sheen to allow for easy cleaning. Similarly, bathrooms require a satin or high gloss sheen paint for withstanding moist conditions. Freshly painted ceilings can instantly uplift your space if the right paint is applied. Choose a flat white sheen for the best result. For cabinetry, both oil and acrylic latex paints are available. Selecting the best cabinet paint should be discussed with a paint supply professional. Eco paints are worth looking at if you prefer to use environmentally friendly products.Mistake # 3 - Choosing the wrong paint colour
If you are going to spend the time and effort painting your interior walls, it is worthwhile carefully selecting a suitable paint colour. Light, neutral tones are always recommended for brightening up a room. Older style apartments and homes can be brought to life instantly with a fresh shade of white paint. Don’t be shy to ask your local paint colour consultant for their valuable advice on trending paint shades. Colours can look different on your walls than on paint swatches, so going one shade lighter is a good option in many cases. Getting the paint colour right first go, will save you time and money. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="690"]