A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your space—but only if it’s done right. Many Gresham homeowners dive into DIY painting projects with good intentions, but end up facing peeling walls, uneven color, or costly redos. While hiring a professional residential painting contractor is often the safest bet, knowing what not to do can save you serious frustration if you decide to take the project on yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common home painting mistakes and how to avoid them. Whether you're painting a single room or your entire house, these tips will help you get that smooth, professional finish—without the professional price tag.

1. Skipping Prep Work

It might not be the most exciting part of the job, but prepping your space is essential. Skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Paint doesn’t stick well to dirty, dusty, or glossy surfaces.

What to do instead:

• Clean the walls with a mild detergent solution
• Repair any cracks, dents, or holes
• Sand glossy areas to help paint adhere
• Use painter’s tape to protect trim, ceilings, and edges

Prepping properly may take time, but it lays the foundation for a long-lasting paint job.

2. Choosing the Wrong Paint Type or Finish

Not all paint is created equal. Using the wrong kind of paint can lead to poor results, especially in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. For example, using flat paint in a kitchen or bathroom may result in peeling or mold over time.

Tips for choosing paint:

• Use semi-gloss or satin in kitchens and bathrooms
• Flat or matte finishes are great for hiding imperfections in low-traffic areas
• Don’t forget to consider lighting—some colors look completely different under natural vs. artificial light

When in doubt, ask a local expert or consult with a trusted supplier.

3. Overloading the Brush or Roller

Dipping your brush too far into the paint or loading up a roller until it’s dripping may feel productive, but it usually leads to messy application, drips, and uneven coverage.

The fix:

• Dip brushes only a third of the way into the paint
• Roll off excess paint before applying to the wall
• Use long, even strokes and work in sections

Proper technique makes all the difference between streaky walls and a smooth finish.

4. Not Using Primer When It’s Needed

Primer helps paint adhere better and evens out color, especially on new drywall or over dark or stained surfaces. Skipping it can lead to blotchy results or require more coats of paint than necessary.

When to use primer:

• Painting over dark colors
• Covering patched areas or stains
• Painting raw drywall or wood

Some paints come with built-in primer, but in tricky areas, a separate primer still works best.

5. Rushing the Job

We get it—painting can be tiring, and it’s tempting to speed things up. But rushing usually means cutting corners, which can result in visible brush marks, missed spots, and premature wear.

Slow down and focus on:

• Letting each coat dry completely before adding another
• Removing tape only after the paint has dried
• Inspecting your work under good lighting before calling it done

A Quick Case Study

Jennifer, a homeowner in Gresham, tried to repaint her living room by herself. She used leftover paint from a previous project and didn’t prime the walls. Within weeks, the paint began to peel and looked dull. She ended up calling Premier Painting & Contracting LLC to redo the job. They prepped the walls properly, color-matched the paint to her existing decor, and completed the project in just two days. The difference was night and day—and Jennifer wished she had called them from the start.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your next painting project smoother and more successful. If the job still feels overwhelming or you’re dealing with tricky surfaces, don’t hesitate to bring in the pros.

Ready to upgrade your home the right way? Contact your local painting professionals today and learn more about their Gresham services to get the results you’ll love.