11 Painting Shortcuts You'll Regret Taking

Painting isn’t exactly the most fun way to spend your time. It’s boring, messy, and requires quite a bit of prep. It’s tempting to cut a few corners, but trust me, that can lead to some real headaches later.

These are 11 shortcuts that might seem like time-savers but actually end up causing more trouble than they’re worth.

Don’t Skip the Prep Work

Washing, patching, caulking, and sanding might seem boring, but they’re essential for a top-notch finish. Each step helps ensure that your paint adheres properly and looks smooth and even. It’s the foundation of a great-looking paint job, and cutting corners here can really show in the final product.

Don’t Skip the Sanding

Thinking about painting those walls without a good sanding first? It might be tempting to skip right to painting, but for a truly smooth finish, a little elbow grease is necessary.

Sanding your walls removes all the tiny bumps and bits of debris from previous paint jobs. Whether you use a drywall sanding pole or just a handheld block, make sure to smooth things out with 80- or 100-grit sandpaper.

Don’t Skip the Pre-Paint Wash

After stripping, sanding, patching, and priming your home’s siding, watch as your hard work peels away in sheets by spring because you skipped one critical step – washing the siding.

Before you dip your brush, make sure to give the surface a good scrub with a siding wash solution. This extra step is crucial for removing dirt and grime that prevent paint from sticking, ensuring your efforts stand the test of time.

Don’t Paint Directly from the Can

Dipping your brush directly into the gallon can of paint might seem like a shortcut, but it’s not the best move. First off, a full can is heavy and awkward to handle, which increases the risk of an unfortunate spill.

Instead, pour a manageable amount into a separate container. This not only lightens your load but also reduces the mess if you do have an accident. Plus, taking the time to strain the paint as you transfer it can catch any lumps and clumps.

Don’t Force a Single Coat

Jumping into a painting project with the idea of slapping on a single, thick coat of paint to save time? That’s a bad idea, my friend. This approach often backfires.

A hefty layer of paint tends not only to run but also dries at a snail’s pace. Worse still, it probably won’t hide the old color and imperfections as you hope. Instead, take a bit more time to apply two thinner coats.

Don’t Paint Over Unprimed Patches

Ever notice those annoying foggy spots after painting over patched areas? That’s called “flashing,” and it’s not a great look. To avoid this, you have a couple of options. First, you can apply a sealing-type primer over the patch before painting.

This helps ensure the patched area doesn’t stand out from the rest of the wall. Alternatively, consider using a self-priming patching compound, which can save you a step.

Don’t Expect Paint to Fill Gaps

Letting your paint double as caulk to fill in the gaps is a common shortcut attempt that doesn’t quite pan out. Unfortunately, when the paint dries, those pesky gaps make a comeback, forcing you to go back and caulk anyway.

To avoid doubling your work, make sure to caulk all gaps first. Once that’s set and dry, then bring on the paint for a truly seamless finish.

Don’t Skip Mixing the Paint

It might seem like a small step, but failing to thoroughly mix your paint can lead to noticeable color inconsistencies.

Always give your paint a good stir before you start, even if you’ve just opened a new can. This ensures the pigments and ingredients are evenly distributed, giving you a uniform color throughout your project.

Don’t Paint Over Wallpaper Without Sealing

Ever thought about painting over that old wallpaper to freshen up a room quickly? It might look fine at first, but here’s a warning: unsealed wallpaper can absorb paint like a sponge, which leads to peeling and a patchy mess.

To avoid turning a one-day project into a week-long mess, either remove the wallpaper completely or seal it properly with a stain-blocking sealer first. This extra step will save you a ton of frustration and ensure your new paint job stays put.

Don’r Paint Over Partially Wet Areas

Rushing through a paint job and thinking about rolling over a coat that’s not quite dry? Pump the brakes! Painting over paint that hasn’t fully dried can lead to a host of problems. You might find the not-quite-dry paint peeling off onto your brush or roller, making a big mess.

Even if it doesn’t peel, you could end up with poor adhesion and extended drying times. Always check the recommended drying times on your paint can and be patient. It’s worth the wait for a smooth, durable finish.

Don’t Skip Masking the Baseboards

Even if you pride yourself on your steady hand, skipping the step of masking your baseboards can lead to unnecessary cleanup later. No matter how careful you are, splatters happen.

To save your baseboards from stray strokes and drips, a little preparation goes a long way. Simply apply a strip of 1-1/2-inch or 2-inch masking tape along the baseboards. Let it stick out slightly to catch any spatter.