Mistake #1: The Color is Not What You Expected

The most common reason for color “surprises” is that varying lighting conditions, including artificial and natural light, can play a larger role in a paint color’s appearance than you might have anticipated.

Try the color first by investing in a color sample. Be sure to look at the color in different lighting conditions, which have a major impact on the paint color’s appearance.

Mistake #2: Improper Prep

You didn’t properly prepare for your painting project, which can cause delays or even damage.

To avoid this, create a plan and write out every step you will take to complete your project, including:

• Get the correct tools to do the job before you start painting, including the right roller covers, tape, drop cloths, and more.
• Be sure to clean the surface you’re painting thoroughly.
• Consider dry time between primer and paint coats to get a sense of your overall project duration. Look for this info on the can or the product TDS.

Mistake #3: Skipped Priming

Skipping primer may result in uneven or blotchy paint.

While many of Benjamin Moore’s paints are self-priming, we recommend a dedicated coat of a high-quality primer, like Fresh Start^® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer. Primer is the best way to achieve a smooth finish.

Mistake #4: Mistakes with Tape

When paint is applied too heavily, it forms a bridge along the tape border and can cause an uneven line. When you wait too long to remove tape after painting, you can peel paint off with the tape.

Always make sure you paint carefully and evenly along your tape line. Remove the tape before the paint is completely dry.

Mistake #5: Using Too Much Paint

Too much paint on your brush or roller can cause drips, runs, streaks, or other unwanted textures.

Avoid using too much paint with different techniques for different painting tools:

• Paintbrushes: Dip your paintbrush no more than 1 to 1½ inches into the paint, and lightly tap it on the sides of the interior of the can or bucket to remove excess paint.
• Rollers: Fill a tray to about a ½-inch depth of paint. After dipping your roller into the edge of the paint pool in the tray, use the textured roll-off area or a paint grid to remove any excess paint.
• Use the Gravity Test: Find the right amount of paint for your application tool by rotating it over your can, bucket or tray (wet always faces down for a brush). Let excess paint drip off before you begin painting.

Mistake #6: Not Cutting in Correctly

Cutting in the edges and corners of the space you are painting can be tricky to get right, and requires a bit of practice. Bad cut-ins result in crooked lines or uneven edges.

Correctly cut in paint by following these steps:

• When cutting in the edges of your painting project, press a loaded angled paintbrush firmly along the surface roughly 2 inches from your desired border to apply a thick layer of paint in a line.
• Press the tip of the bristles to the edge or line you are cutting in, and move swiftly in the direction you are painting. Sometimes moving too slow will make creating a straight line more difficult.
• Go over the whole line once more to make sure the paint is evenly applied.

Mistake #7: Trying to Stretch Paint

Only painting one coat or using too little paint for the surface area you’re painting will make for an uneven, streaky or blotchy finish.

Attempting to stretch paint is usually a result of not having enough paint. Calculate how much paint you’ll need ahead of time. You shouldn’t need to put a lot of pressure on your application tools when painting—the paint should come off effortlessly.

Mistake #8: Skimping on Paintbrushes and Rollers

When using low-quality roller covers or paintbrushes, roller lint or brush bristles can end up on your wall, leading to an uneven paint job.

Go for high-quality painting tools for the best results.

Mistake #9: Holding the Brush Improperly

Holding your paintbrush incorrectly is often a result of it being the wrong size. Your holding technique is important for applying an even paint job.

Choose the right size paintbrush by making sure the brush fits your hand. Feel free to reach out to us for advice on selecting the best paintbrush for your needs.

Mistake #10: Not Waiting for the First Coat to Dry Before Applying the Second Coat

After applying the first coat of paint, you didn’t wait long enough (the designated dry-to-the-touch or recoat time) before applying the second coat, resulting in streaks, peeling paint or uneven color or finish.

Look for the recoat time on the back of the can, which is typically one to two hours for most waterborne interior paint products. Remember, if part of a room is dry to the touch, that doesn’t mean the whole room is, so be sure to follow the can instructions on recoat time.

Mistake #11: Not Cleaning Up or Storing Paint Properly

Not cleaning painting tools, like paintbrushes or roller covers, can make them unusable for future projects. The extra money spent on premium applicators is a wise investment, but only if you can get several uses out of them.

Make sure you store your paint in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep in mind that opened paint typically has a shelf life of two years, and possibly longer, when stored correctly. If you’re in the middle of a project or just haven’t cleaned your tools, wrap them in clear plastic wrap to not expose the paint to air.