Seven common mistakes South Africans make when painting homes
These are common mistakes to avoid when painting your home.
1. Failure to prepare
South Africans commit the most common error when painting their homes. preparation is the difference between a professional job and an amateur one.
Clean walls, Remove any peeling or chipping paint and Allow patchwork to be applied to walls for drying. Make sure you have all the equipment needed for your job. You will most likely make a mistake if you stop to look for it.
2. The wrong colour
Another mistake that most home painters make is not being careful. They will often go to the store to pick out a colour just because it stands out on the colour strips.
Always get a sample of paint to test on your walls in order to get an idea of how the colour will look in your home. After you apply the paint, observe how it looks at different times during the day.
Once you are happy with the result, you can paint. You can go back to the store and pick up another colour
3. It is important to be aware of the weather
Paint is sensitive to extreme weather conditions which are common in South Africa. Heat, wind, storms, mist. The quality of your finished product will depend on how the weather is on the day that you decide to paint
Water-based paints that are applied on humid days will dry faster than those painted with dryer air.
Paint jobs that are subject to freezing and scorching temperatures can have worse outcomes. Paint that is too cold will cause cracks in the paint and premature peeling. Paint that is exposed to extreme heat can cause it to bubble.
You should be careful not to paint at random times. Remember to consider the seasons and local conditions.
4. Skip the primer
Another mistake that can cause problems with home painting projects is not using primer. Primer is crucial. It gives your new coat paint the best chance to adhere to the surface.
When changing your wall colour from dark to light, a coat of primer is necessary. This will prevent the old colour from fading and change the final look of the new paint job.
If you plan to paint over wooden or stained walls, a primer is also recommended. It will protect your walls from staining and prevent discolouration caused by tannins in the wood.
5. Use the wrong paintbrushes
No matter what size you think, painting equipment isn’t universally applicable. Every painting project will have sections that are best suited for brushes and others that will require rollers. This is just the beginning.
A brush that is oil- and water-based cannot be used. Brushes with natural bristles are best for oil-based paint. Water-based paints will require synthetic brushes made from nylon or polyester.
A natural brush that is made from water-based paint will not be able to apply paint if it absorbs the water properly.
6. Use no painting tape
Another small skill that sets the pros apart is painting tape. It would be impossible for unclean edges to develop and poor work to occur if more people used it.
Most prefer masking tape to painter’s tape. The edges and lines of masking tape will not be as crisp as those of painter’s tape. Poor quality tape can allow the paint to seep through and ruin any work you are trying to protect.
While a higher quality tape may cost more, it will provide a better result. Be sure to not leave the tape on for too long. It will eventually peel away with paint if you leave it on too long. It should take at least an hour for the paint to dry completely before you remove the painter’s tape.
7. Hire a contractor with questionable qualifications
Ask your local paint shop for help if you aren’t sure if you’re doing it right. If you still haven’t made any progress, it might be worth hiring a professional to help you paint your home.
Be careful to not hire the first handyman who offers the lowest rate. Too many South Africans find that hiring an amateur costs more over the long term.
Do not be one of them. We will provide you with quotes from top-quality painters in Waterkloof. You get absolute peace of mind, but it costs a bit more than what you would normally spend.