Painting Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making 🚫
You’ve bought your paint, prepped your room, and you’re ready to start — but even the most enthusiastic DIY painter can fall into habits that lead to uneven finishes, streaks, or peeling later on.
Here are some common painting mistakes you might not even realise you’re making, and how to fix them for a professional-looking result every time.
1. Skipping the Primer
Many people think primer is optional — but it’s not.
Primer seals the surface, improves paint adhesion, and helps the colour look more even.
🖌️ Fix: Always prime before painting, especially over dark colours or bare walls.
👉 Use Benjamin Moore® Fresh Start® Primer — low odour, fast-drying, and excellent for all surfaces.
2. Using Low-quality Brushes and Rollers
Low-quality tools shed bristles, leave streaks, and waste paint.
🧰 Fix: Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers for smoother, more consistent coverage.
A good roller also holds more paint — meaning fewer dips and faster work.
3. Overloading the Brush or Roller
Dipping too deep causes drips and uneven layers.
💡 Fix: Dip your brush only one-third of the way and roll off excess paint on the tray.
Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick one — it dries faster and looks better.
4. Ignoring the Weather
Painting in the wrong temperature or humidity can ruin your finish.
Too cold = slow drying. Too hot = paint dries before it levels out.
🌤️ Fix: Ideal painting conditions are between 10°C–30°C with low humidity.
For outdoor jobs, use Benjamin Moore® Aura® Exterior Paint — formulated for Australia’s changing climate.
5. Forgetting to Stir the Paint Properly
Paint pigments settle over time. Skipping this step leads to inconsistent colour across your walls.
🌀 Fix: Stir thoroughly before and during painting to keep the colour uniform.
6. Not Taping Edges Correctly
Rushing edge work can lead to messy lines and bleed-through.
💡 Fix: Use painter’s tape on trims, skirting, and windows.
Press firmly to seal the edges and remove the tape while the paint is still slightly wet for clean, crisp lines.
7. Painting Over Dust or Grease
Paint can’t stick to dirty walls. Even invisible dust will ruin adhesion.
🧽 Fix: Clean walls with mild soap and water before painting.
If surfaces are glossy or greasy, lightly sand and degrease first.
8. Ignoring Drying Times Between Coats
Adding a new coat too early traps moisture and causes peeling later.
🕒 Fix: Always follow manufacturer drying times — most Benjamin Moore® water-based paints need 2–4 hours between coats.
9. Using the Wrong Sheen for the Space
High-gloss in bedrooms or flat finish in kitchens? It matters.
💡 Fix:
- Flat/Matte – hides flaws, best for ceilings
- Eggshell/Satin – versatile for most walls
- Semi-Gloss/Gloss – perfect for trims, kitchens, and bathrooms
Final Thoughts
Painting is one of the easiest ways to refresh your home — but small mistakes can lead to big frustrations.
By prepping properly, choosing the right products, and avoiding these common errors, you’ll achieve a smooth, professional finish that lasts.
At My Paint & Co, we offer premium Benjamin Moore paints, primers, and tools to make your next painting project a success.
✨ Visit us in-store at Mitchell, ACT or shop online today.