Painting interiors may seem simple enough, but it’s an equally important improvement of your home, meaning that you should think about each and every step carefully. The focus here is on aesthetics, sure, but it should also be on functionality.
People tend to overlook this process, as it comes after the main systematic works, and before design itself, like a branch between.
The two real-life scenarios when problems occur are when you build your home and install all new systems into your home, and when you renovate. In the first, problems might be in choosing the wrong finishing paints or colors, as they might visually close the room. On the other hand, when you renovate, you know exactly which colors and materials are needed, but forget to check the falls and other systems around your home.
In order to create a home you want, just like every part of the design, proper preparation and awareness of common mistakes will lead you to a long-lasting finish.
Interior Painting Mistakes and How to Prevent Them
The success of an interior painting project lies in meeting your needs, as well as maintaining your home. You will decide to have painting done when you want to redesign and refresh the home’s appearance. However, if this process is taken for granted, you can end up disappointed with the outcome.
By understanding common mistakes, you ensure your painting project is professional and lasting.
Skipping Essential Home Maintenance
Before you decide to do any kind of renovation, the first step is to always check building systems. Those are electrical systems, plumbing, insulation, and similar. If not maintained regularly, these systems can cause more damage than you think. If there are electrical issues, you will have to destroy your painting work for it to be fixed.
Also, if insulation and plumbing are not inspected, it can result in uneven drying or cause paint to peel.
It’s very important to address these systems before any major work is done, especially painting, so they can be properly set. Only this way can they last a long time.
Ignoring the Effects of Humidity and Temperature on Paint
Another thing to pay attention to is whether you have started to notice humidity in your home or temperature shifts. Humidity is not only a menace to paint, but it can also affect overall health, as it causes mold growth.
For instance, if you live in more humid areas like Florida, you’ll for sure need more frequent checks. Due to tropical weather, causing higher humidity all year, and rain.
That extra humidity puts a huge amount of pressure on cooling and ventilation systems. So even (seemingly) small HVAC issues can sometimes turn into serious problems (e.g., peeling/bubbling on the walls, paint flaking, and in extreme cases, even mold).
Because systems have to work harder in those conditions, it’s important to find a professional who’s familiar with all these issues and how to handle them. Florida HVAC continuing education classes are super useful for contractors because not only do they help them get and renew their licences, but it also keeps them up-to-date with all new technology and all the new rules and regulations that frequently change.
Whereas, if you live in areas similar to Colorado, where the climate is mostly dry, you’ll need way fewer checks of your HVAC systems.
Maintaining prevents paint from absorbing moisture, which is one of the reasons for its peeling, fading, or cracking.
Rushing the Painting Process and Skipping Prep Work
Preparation might be one of the most boring parts, as there are many steps that take time. At first, it may seem like an unneeded part and just a waste of time. However, if skipped and rushed, the paint won’t have even finished and won’t last long.
To ensure that the paint will blend well with the surface, you have to clean, sand, and prime those surfaces.
Consulting with professionals can also be helpful, as they will know how different surfaces have to be prepared.
Opting for Cheaper, Lower-Quality Paint
Usually, opting for cheaper paint is not due to tight budgets. But as a result of people not knowing the differences between lower and higher quality paint.
At first, when you look just at the color, they are all the same. However, if you decide on a low-quality one, you risk potential cracking and peeling. Increasing costs in the long run.
Whereas, higher quality ones come with extra finishes that are resistant to stains and moisture, while also producing a smoother and lasting finish.
Choosing Colors That Close Off a Room
The most interesting part is choosing the right colors for your interior design.
Even though it seems like the easiest part, mistakes occur even here.
As a consequence, many people end up with walls in darker colors that can make rooms smaller or appear diminished.
And when you factor in the fact that the same color will look different during dawn, during morning, during the afternoon, and even during dusk, plus if there’s a shadow, you again get a couple of different shades of the same color, the color you ACTUALLY get might not be close to the one you initially wanted at all.
There are various ways in which you’ll choose colors, depending on your interests and preferences, or maybe you are following Feng-Shui principles. But considering all factors (especially the effect of darker and lighter colors) will make you more satisfied with the end product.
Conclusion
All in all, to have a successful painting project, plan in advance, knowing that each step is equally important.
The painting process is far from shopping for the paint and painting itself. It requires thinking about things like climate conditions, maintenance, system check-ups, and adequate preparation. Not to mention the psychological effect of colors, and choosing them to fit into your interior design.
