How to Fix 5 Common Painting Mistakes | Benjamin Moore (2024)

FAQs

How to correct painting mistakes? ›

Let the botched surface dry completely, then use a paint scraper to remove anything that isn't smooth. Spot prime and repaint the area. Painting requires some reconnaissance when it comes to wall and trim blemishes.

You can fix most painting mistakes on walls by sanding down the area, cleaning it, priming it, and then painting it again. Some painting mistakes happen off of walls, like when it gets into carpet. Most of these solutions are ones the average homeowner can do on their own.

Mistake #8: Messy Trim

Solution: If the paint is still wet, try to dab or wipe with a damp cloth to remove the mess. Otherwise, allow the paint to dry completely, lightly sand the problem area, remove the dust with a cloth, and then touch up with a clean brush and paint.

Missed or Thin Spots

Or perhaps you simply didn't put enough paint on the roller. Whatever the case, missed or thin spots happen. Fixing a missed spot is easy! Simply wait until the paint dries, and touch up thin areas with a brush.

What's the best way to get rid of paint lines on a wall? To remove paint lines, lightly sand the edges to smooth them out, then apply a thin layer of paint over the area to blend the lines seamlessly into the rest of the wall.

Make sure the paint is completely dry. Once it has dried, take a smooth piece of sandpaper and sand* paint down slightly until the surface is smooth. Repaint the surface and maintain a wet edge on your roller at all times. Move slowly, and don't be afraid to use more paint.

Scrape off the offending bits, then use your 150-grit sandpaper to smooth the wall. Tack it and paint again. If you can't get a big blister smooth, you may have to spackle the wall, let it dry, and then sand it smooth, he says. “Then tack and try again.”

Patchiness usually happens if you don't use enough paint, or apply it unevenly. Using a touch more paint, and painting in small sections one at a time, usually does the trick. Also, rolling in a grid fashion will get you an even finish too. But, sometimes, changes in the gloss level leave things patchy.

How do you hide imperfections in walls when painting? ›

One of the best ways to conceal wall flaws is with textured paint. However, due to the severity of a wall flaw and your personal taste, you'll need to rely on different types of texture to conceal damage. Fortunately, textured paint comes in a wide variety of formulas, types, and can be applied in many ways.

Often another coat of paint will even out the sheen irregularities. Make sure to apply paint from “wet to dry” to prevent lapping.

It's all about applying it evenly and fast enough you don't have a lot of open time . But first you need to sand the wall and get that stipple evened out before painting again . 120 - 150 grit if you don't want to work too hard then wipe walls down with just a wet rag .

Sanding the streaked area is key to achieving a smooth base for repainting. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface. This process helps to even out any rough spots and remove the glossy sheen, providing a better grip for the new paint. It's important to sand gently to avoid damaging the wall surface.

Always let mistakes dry completely before trying to cover them, and when necessary, use a layer of white to help cover darker colors. If you do that, there's absolutely nothing you can't fix when painting with acrylics.

You can use a primer to thoroughly cover the old color, then apply 1 or 2 coats of the new paint.

Lightly sand the troublesome area with 150-grit sandpaper, then tack the walls. That's painter lingo for “Wipe it with a cloth to get rid of dust.” (Easier than the lingo makes it sound!) Then re-paint the area, maintaining a wet edge—meaning, don't let the paint dry until you finish the wall.

The more reflective or glossy the paint sheen, the more noticeable those imperfections will be. Conversely, flat or matte finishes absorb light, helping to hide bumps and bruises. So, paint with a flat finish is the most effective paint for hiding wall imperfections.