Skipping primer
Primer is not optional on bare surfaces, repaired areas, stained walls, or any surface that has been filled or patched. Paint applied directly to these areas without primer will absorb unevenly, show surface irregularities, and fail to adhere properly in affected areas. Apply the right primer for the surface type before topcoats.
Painting over dirty or greasy surfaces
Paint needs a clean surface to adhere to. Grease, kitchen residue, cleaning product residue, and dust all compromise adhesion. Wipe surfaces with a mild solution before painting in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Allow to dry fully before painting.
Skipping surface preparation
Holes not filled, cracks not addressed, and surfaces not sanded will all be visible under the new paint. The finish is only as smooth as the surface underneath it. Take the time to fill, sand flat, and prime before painting.
Wrong sheen level for the surface
Using a high-sheen paint on a wall with imperfections highlights every flaw. Using flat paint in a bathroom or laundry leads to a surface that is impossible to clean and prone to mould. Match the sheen level to the surface: low-sheen for most walls, semi-gloss for trims and wet areas, flat for ceilings.
Rushing between coats
Applying a second coat before the first is fully dry leads to picking up the first coat with the roller, surface drag, and an uneven finish. Allow each coat to dry fully — per the manufacturer's instructions — before applying the next.
Painting cut edges and rolled areas at different times
Cutting in (painting edges with a brush) and rolling the main field of the wall should be done in the same session, while the paint is still wet. If the cut-in edges dry before the rolling is done, the overlap will be visible as a slight line or texture difference.
Using a cheap roller
A cheap roller sheds fibres into the paint film, leaves an uneven texture, and requires more coats to achieve coverage. Use a quality roller cover appropriate for the surface and paint type. It makes a visible difference.
Leave it to the professionals
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Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the product manufacturer's instructions — typically two to four hours for water-based paints under normal conditions. Wait until the first coat is fully dry to touch and no longer feels tacky before applying the second coat. Rushing this step leads to picking up the first coat and an uneven finish.
Patchiness after two coats is usually caused by insufficient primer on new or repaired surfaces, an under-thinned or incorrectly tinted base coat, or inconsistent application technique — particularly at joins between cut-in edges and rolled areas. A third coat, applied consistently, will usually resolve it.
Paint over a contaminated surface will have poor adhesion. The paint film can delaminate, peel, or bubble — often not immediately, but within months of application. Always clean surfaces before painting.
Cheap paint has lower pigment loading and binding resin content than premium paint. It typically requires more coats to achieve coverage, is less washable, and fades faster. The cost difference per litre rarely justifies the reduced performance over the life of the paint job.