5 Mistakes That Ruin Your Paint Job Before You Open the Can

A bad paint job rarely happens because of bad paint. It happens because of what you skipped before the lid came off.

Here are five mistakes that set you up for failure, and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping the Clean

Dust, grease, and grime don't disappear under a coat of paint. They prevent adhesion and cause peeling. Wipe down walls with a damp cloth or TSP substitute before you do anything else. Kitchens and bathrooms especially need this step.

2. Ignoring Repairs

Hairline cracks, nail holes, and dings show through paint. Every single time. Take 20 minutes to spackle, sand, and smooth. Let it dry completely before priming.

3. Choosing the Wrong Primer—Or None at All

Primer isn't optional. It blocks stains, improves adhesion, and helps your topcoat look even. New drywall, repaired spots, and color changes all need primer. Match the primer to the problem, stain-blocking for water marks, high-adhesion for slick surfaces.

4. Cheap Tape, Expensive Regrets

Bargain tape bleeds, won't stick, or pulls off your base coat. Use quality painter's tape like FrogTape or 3M ScotchBlue. Press the edges down firmly. Remove it while the paint is still slightly tacky for the cleanest lines.

5. Rushing the Dry Time

Recoating too soon causes streaks, lifting, and uneven sheen. Check the label. Most latex paints need 2–4 hours between coats. Humidity and temperature affect dry time, so when in doubt, wait longer.

The Bottom Line

Prep is the job. Paint is just the finish. Do the boring stuff right and the fun part takes care of itself.