The Initial Signs of a Bad Interior Paint Job

As a homeowner, you have a right to be informed when it comes to the projects you have completed on your property. Whether it’s fixing a doorknob or siding repair in Cumming, GA, you want to know that you’re getting quality results from trained professionals. This is why it’s important to know the basics of the process you’re having performed so that you can point out a bad result when you see it. Interior painting jobs, in particular, have a series of steps that professional painters must follow in order to create a quality product. So, learn the initial signs of a bad interior paint job to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Before the Painting Begins

Whether it seems far-fetched or not, when aware of the signs, a homeowner can often determine the quality of their finished paint job before it even begins. This is because several steps need to be taken prior to prevent potential issues while the project is in progress. Failing to do any of the following should act as large warning flags that you aren’t going to get your desired results.

There Was No Room Preparation

Any successful paint job begins with solid room preparation. It’s this step of the process that ensures all your belongings are safe, protected, and out of the way of the work being done. In order to be best protected from paint products, abrasive tools, and work boots, the floor of the room being painted must be covered with a layer of plastic. All furniture that can be moved out of that space should be relocated, and whatever needs to stay should be layered with drop cloths to prevent paint spots. Failing to do these things can make the room—and the items in it—susceptible to damage that could’ve been avoided. As such, if your painters happen to skip this step, it’s probably a sign that you should call off the project.

The Wall Wasn’t Cleaned or Repaired

Our home’s walls can collect and hold onto years’ worth of dirt, dust, and grime—all of which can affect how well new paint sticks to its surface. Painting a wall without properly cleaning and repairing it first raises the risk of your finished product being blotchy, inconsistent, and simply unpleasant to look at. Because of this, the painters that you choose to take on the work must also be willing to wipe down the walls and allow it enough time to dry before starting. If they apply the paint while the wall is still wet, the fresh product could also fail to stick at all and begin running down the surfaces. Therefore, you’ll want to find professionals who are willing to take their time and do what’s necessary to get the paint to apply properly.

You Didn’t Have a Color Consultation

If your painting professionals failed to schedule a color consultation with you, this could be another of the initial signs of a bad interior paint job. These meetings are meant to establish an understanding between you and your painter on what would be the best color choice for the room in question. Many use this time to discuss the different color options and gain insight into what the painter would recommend based on their experience in the field. During this meeting, you should be able to get all your pressing questions answered and come to the decision that you’d be most satisfied with. Otherwise, you could end up with a color scheme that makes you unhappy in the long run.

Nothing Was Tapped

Tapping the outline of a room with blue painter’s tape is a strategy that professionals use to help prevent color from bleeding on adjacent surfaces. It’s most often used when you’re looking to use two different colors in the room’s design and want there to be neat lines separating each surface. As such, if this is a part of your vision, it’s crucial that your painter applies the proper amount of tape to protect the things you don’t want painted. Failing to do this can leave you with a sloppy result that looks just as ineffective as it is unprofessional.

During the Painting Process

There are also signs that you can be on the lookout for while the painting is taking place. While you shouldn’t be monitoring the painters as they work, it’s important that you ask a few specific questions about how they plan to paint. A couple of points you should be sure to address include:

The Use of Paint Primer

Applying a coat of primer along with the paint is crucial to helping the product maintain its smoothness and color as it ages. Therefore, it can not only provide you with a better-looking result, but it can extend the time your paint will stay in good shape. So, having your painter use a secondary primer product—or purchasing a paint with primer included—is a sure way to strengthen the finished product. Because primer provides so many benefits to a painted wall, it’s crucial that your painter is on board with using it. Otherwise, you may need to consider hiring someone else.

Will a Second Coat be Applied

Skipping the second coat can also be a sign that your paint job will end badly. While the job might appear complete after the first coat, the paint won’t last nearly as long unless a second coat is applied. With the second layer of paint, you’re maintaining the color, protecting the walls from future damage and scuffs, and simply making your walls look better. Because of this, if your painter tries to forgo the second coat, it’s probably a warning that they’re trying to cut corners and rush through the project.

It’s important to us at Bear Mountain Custom Painting that your home painting experience concludes with the best possible results. This is why, as trained and qualified professional house painters, we offer full transparency about the process and build trust with our clients before the project even begins. In understanding your vision for the home, we can ensure that you’re getting a product that meets your needs while keeping you involved in the steps to get there.