DIY in NY: The Dangers of Interior Painting on Your Own

There is a certain appeal that comes with painting your own space in New York. There is an aura of romanticism about going to the store and choosing your paint, gathering all of the materials, and putting the work in to change the look of a room. Not to mention the time you think you could save by DIY interior painting (however, this typically ends up taking more time than hiring professionals). When it comes time to do it yourself, though, the charm can fade quickly. There are a lot of ways things can go wrong and a lot of things you might not know. In this article, we’ll discuss the main mistakes people make when painting their homes on their own. Hopefully, you’ll think twice before taking on a painting project on your own. We’ll also provide you with resources that can get the project done on their own. Let’s dive in!

Common DIY Painting Mistakes:

Not Properly Preparing the Area

Properly preparing the area will save you time and money in the long run. Make sure you cover your floors, move your furniture, and apply painters tape where needed. You may also want to make a checklist of all of the items you need, such as paint rollers, a ladder, and extra brushes. You don’t want to have to run outside to grab more materials right in the middle of your paint job!

You’ll also want to wash your walls before starting. You don’t want to paint on a wall that has dust, dirt, or other grime on it. Repair any cracks, gaps, and other imperfections before starting as well.

Using the Wrong Materials

Last but not least, check what materials you are using. Cheap brushes just aren’t going to do the job most of the time. Make sure you’re using a roller and make sure your roller goes well with your project.

This mistake also applies to cleaning materials. You don’t want to use any strong cleaning products, such as Magic Erasers. This can rub paint off the walls. Instead, use a damp washcloth. If you need more, stick to diluted dish soap.

Our DIY Painting Tips

Prioritize What Needs to Be Done

No one knows a busy schedule like New Yorkers. When dealing with a painting project on a budget and shortened timeline, it’s going to be important to recognize what needs to be painted and what you want painted. For example, a splattered or damaged wall in the kitchen may need to be painted, while an outdated guest bath you’d like to have painted. Going into an estimate with this sort of list will give you the flexibility for work that can get more accomplished.

Don’t Let Your Paint Dry

Any air, even in a sealed can, can cause paint to dry out. To keep the paint for touch-ups, you’ll need to fill it with something. Our pros suggest golf balls. Put as many as you can to fill the empty air space in the can. Then use plastic wrap to cover the opening before you put the lid on. Hammer it down tightly and store the can upside down.

Interior Painting with CertaPro Painters®

If you want to skip the hassle that comes with DIY, you’ll want to hire the professionals. CertaPro Painters® of Upper West Side are professional interior commercial and residential painters that can help with any project. To start, just fill out our online form for a free estimate or give our office a call! We look forward to meeting with you!