Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make Before Repainting — And How to Avoid Them

Repainting your home is one of the most affordable, high-impact ways to transform a space. But even with the best intentions, it’s easy to waste time, money, and effort without the right plan.

Whether you're refreshing a room or prepping to sell, here are the top 5 mistakes homeowners make before repainting — and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing Colour Without Considering Lighting

That trendy paint swatch might look great in the store… but every room has different natural light.

Mistake: Picking paint based on how it looks on your phone or in the can.

Pro Tip: Test large swatches on each wall, and view them at different times of day. The right colour in the wrong light can feel completely off.

2. Ignoring Prep Work (Even If It “Looks Fine”)

Paint won’t fix dents, peeling, or hairline cracks — it’ll highlight them.

Mistake: Skipping filler, sanding, or primer to “save time.”

Pro Tip: A few hours of prep = years of durability. A good painter will always prep before the brush ever hits the wall.

3. Using the Wrong Finish for the Room

Flat paint hides flaws, but doesn’t clean well. Gloss is durable, but shows everything.

Mistake: Using one finish everywhere.

Pro Tip:

• Flat or matte: Ceilings and low-traffic areas

• Eggshell: Most living spaces

• Satin or semi-gloss: Kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and doors

4. Underestimating the Scope of the Job

A small room isn’t always a small project. Ceilings, trim, doors, and wall repairs add up.

Mistake: DIYing or hiring the cheapest quote without clear scope.

Pro Tip: Ask for a detailed quote. A professional will help you break down the work and set clear expectations on cost and timeline.

5. Not Thinking Beyond Just Walls

Walls get all the attention—but it’s the little things that elevate the space.

Mistake: Overlooking baseboards, doors, or even ceilings that are yellowing with age.

Pro Tip: Strategic repainting of trim, doors, and even accent areas can make the entire room feel brand new—without a full overhaul.

Final Thought: Painting is more than just colour on walls. Done right, it adds value, comfort, and longevity to your home. Done wrong, it creates more problems than it solves.

At Keystone Painting Group, we help homeowners and realtors avoid these common mistakes — and get it right the first time.

Have questions? Need advice or a fast quote?

We’re happy to help — even if you’re not sure where to start.

Call or Text: 289-856-9755 or Visit: keystonepainting.ca