It’s been a little more than a decade since you got your beloved home painted, and now you witness the definition of a trendy home getting altered. Additionally, the peeling layers of paint on the wall make you bite your nails…so you decide to get your living space repainted. However, you want to stay a mile away from painting mistakes.
How to paint like a pro?
It can feel a bit intimidating at first, as it’s not just about grabbing a brush, a paint bucket, and starting to stroke. Painting your home is going to be a longer journey, so brace yourself for a patience-requiring, step-by-step journey.
To err is human. It’s quite possible to make mistakes and get into pitfalls before and during the paint process takes place. Here is the list of dos and don’ts that will help you get started and will save you from a lot of mess!
In Canada, the weather plays a big role in painting. Cold temperatures, high humidity, or rainy seasons—common across Ontario and Atlantic provinces—can delay drying and affect the finish. Always plan your project around the right season for the best results.
Take Insights from Experts
Even if you have the best aesthetic sense combined with somewhat technical knowledge related to wall painting, it is best to seek guidance from those who have been in the industry for a long time, before starting the project. While enthusiasm is great, skipping out on expert advice can cost both time and money, and your energy. Professional painters know tricks like how to cut clean edges, which primer works best for certain wall textures, or how to layer coats without leaving lap marks.
Not Covering Everything that is Immovable, Including the Floor
Picture this: the walls gleam with a flawless coat of paint, yet as you glance downward, your heart sinks at the sight of specks scattered across polished hardwood or an heirloom rug. That proud sense of achievement dulls instantly. Ironically, this is among the simplest blunders to prevent, yet it plagues countless home projects.
The remedy lies in preparation before the first brushstroke. Safeguard every surface that isn’t movable—whether it’s the floor beneath you, a massive cabinet, or ornate fixtures overhead. Reliable drop cloths are indispensable, and sturdy canvas covers far outperform flimsy plastic sheets that slide and expose gaps. Overhead fittings such as fans or hanging lights deserve equal attention—wrap them with plastic and secure them tightly with painter’s tape for full protection.
Think of it as a small investment of time for long-term relief. An additional half hour of shielding your space spares you the exhausting chore of chiseling away dried paint later. More importantly, it preserves the integrity of your flooring, furniture, and cherished décor, ensuring the beauty of the freshly painted room isn’t marred by overlooked splatters.
Not Moving Your Valuables and Furniture Away
Paint splatter can ruin your precious furniture that is bought with hard-earned money. Besides, while improving the appearance of of home with the help of paint, you don’t want to jeopardize the other core aspect of your home’s appearance and functionality.
Many homeowners skip this step because moving things seems tedious, but the effort is worth it. Picture your freshly painted room with no unintentional paint specks on your TV, no broken lamp because it was “out of the way,” and no sticky paint drops on your bookshelves. Creating that empty canvas in your room not only keeps things safe but also gives you the space to move freely while working.
Unprepared Wall
You cannot start with the rolls and brushes without ensuring that the wall has an even surface, is free from previous paint residues, and cracks and bumps. Also, after sanding and cleaning the wall, applying primer is vital for the paint to adhere to the wall. Prepping and priming the wall is like skincare before makeup.
Proper wall prep involves a handful of steps, such as:
- Cleaning the surface to remove dust, grease, or cobwebs.
- Filling in cracks and holes with spackle or filler.
- Sanding rough patches to create a smooth, even canvas.
- Priming the walls if you’re covering a dark shade with a lighter one, or if the walls are stained.
Without the wall preparation, the effort will show, but so will the cracks. According to Benjamin Moore painting tips, a well-prepped wall ensures the paint adheres better, looks smoother, and lasts longer.
Also Read:
The Science of Color Psychology: How Your Paint Choices Affect Mood
Going for Cheaper or Easier Paint
Make sure you choose the paint, finish, and even tools that align with what you want for your home. It isn’t impossible to strike a balance between budget-friendly choices and quality if you choose the right place to buy your paints and finishes from.
Speaking of the best quality products for paint and renovation, go no further than Southside. We offer premium paints, primers, and finishes at an affordable price and with high chances of long-lasting results. We also offer tools and equipment that make your DIY project enjoyable and relatively comfortable.
In Ontario and other provinces, many paints must meet low-VOC standards for environmental safety. Premium brands like Benjamin Moore, Dulux, or Sherwin-Williams often comply with these standards while providing better durability.
FAQs
How do I find the best Paint products near me in Ontario?
You can reach out to us through the website or call us at 905-864-0665
How long can it take to paint a mid-size home?
It can take somewhere from 5 days to a week to prepare and paint the whole living space.
Is it better to seek service from professionals or go for DIY?
If you have plenty of time, some expertise combined with a willingness to adapt to new techniques, and patience, you can go for DIY. However, for the ease of the process and for ensured results, seeking painters is best, which will be quite a bit more costly than DIY.
How does Southside help to make my home beautiful?
We offer branded, premium paints and finishes that are bound to make your living space a lot more elegant and beautiful.
In Canada, keep in mind that poorly done DIY jobs leading to water damage or accidents could complicate home insurance claims. Hiring licensed professionals ensures compliance with safety and coverage standards