5 Decorating disasters to avoid

Decorating your home can be an exciting project, but it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls that can turn a beautiful makeover into a decorating disaster.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or new to home improvements, knowing what to watch out for can save you time, money, and frustration.

Here are our top five decorating disasters to avoid so you can ensure your next project is a success!

1. Order of painting a room

The order you should paint a room is one of the most overlooked steps in decorating.

To achieve a professional finish and avoid unnecessary touch ups, always start with the ceiling, then move on to the walls. After that, paint the skirting boards, followed by window and door frames, and finally, the doors themselves.

This sequence helps prevent drips and splashes from ruining freshly painted surfaces.

2. Tools

Using the right tools for the job is crucial. Cheaper brushes and rollers might seem tempting, but they often lead to uneven finishes, bristle shedding and sticking in your paint, and ultimately…more work in the long run! If your chosen paint suggests a particular type of roller or brush – it’s best to follow that guidance. Our high quality tools can make a significant difference, helping to provide a smooth, professional look while also being kinder on the environment.

Want to upgrade your toolkit? Explore our range of brushes and rollers designed for a flawless finish:

Cutting in line Brush

It’s all in the Detailing Brush

Let’s rock and Roller handle

Let’s rock and Roller Sleeve

3. Painting on to new plaster

Applying paint directly onto fresh plaster can result in peeling and flaking because the surface dries too quickly.

To avoid this, always follow your contractor’s guidance on drying times for gypsum or lime plaster. Lime plaster in particular needs about one month per 5mm thickness to cure fully.

Before painting, apply a mist coat — a diluted layer of your chosen paint (10-20% water) — to increase moisture in the surface and prevent any adhesion issues.

Patience here ensures a long lasting, professional finish that won’t peel away.

4. Colour choice

Choosing the right colour can dramatically impact the feel of a room, and sometimes just picking a shade you love from a colour card doesn’t mean it will work in your space.

Always test your colour in the actual room by ordering one of our swatches, which are painted in real Claypaint, or you might prefer a sample pot if you want to check the colour on a larger area.

The changing light can make colours look different, so watching how your chosen colour reacts to natural and artificial light throughout the day ensures you’ll love it for years to come.

5. Paint storage

Once your project is complete, don’t forget to store your leftover paint properly. Proper storage allows you to do touch ups later without needing to buy more. The best approach is to decant unused paint into an airtight container, but if you do decide to keep it in the original tin, ensure the rim is clean and the lid is sealed tightly.

Store the paint at a consistent temperature (sheds and garages aren’t the best places for storing paint), taking care to avoid extreme heat or cold will help to maintain its quality.

 

So there you have it — five decorating disasters to avoid for a flawless finish! By following these tips, you’ll save yourself headaches and create a beautifully decorated space that you can enjoy for years to come.

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