The basement is usually the most neglected part of most people’s houses, but it is a space that is often used for various purposes. People use their basements as a laundry or storage utility space, as a game or media room, a modern family room or annex, and so on. Because it is a space that is an important but often under looked part of the house, it is a good idea to renew the paint in your basement area or give it a new look from time to time. But like with any other painting project, there are plenty of mistakes you can make in the basement. Here are the top 5 painting mistakes to avoid in the basement:
Making amateur painting errors
Painting is a fun and creative activity, but unless you’ve had practice with it, you’re bound to make mistakes. You don’t want to buy too little paint or waste extra by buying too much paint. Don’t dip your brush all the way into the paint can. Instead, only dip two-thirds, which will be enough. This will also make it easier for you to clean your brush and will save you paint. Don’t skimp out on buying quality rollers and brushes, and find out what bristle material will best suit your paint type. Don’t apply thick coats that will form globs on your wall; rather, patiently wait for the first coat to dry completely before starting your second one. If you’re attempting complex designs or patterns, practice beforehand so that the paint job doesn’t look clumsy. If you’re using tapes, pull them off immediately after applying without waiting for the paint to dry.
Prepping your basement walls poorly
You absolutely must prep your basement walls properly before painting to make sure it adheres well. Clean off all the grime or grease on the walls using an appropriate cleaner, and also remove any moss or efflorescence growing on the walls. Then remove all the peeling, blistering paint with a wire brush and a scraper. Use microfiber cloth to dry the walls. Then, to prevent moisture from seeping in later and making the room feel cold and dank, seal the walls with a masonry sealer. Get block primer to fill in the pores in the wall. This will give you an even surface to paint on, and reduce moisture.
Getting cheap paint
The basement is a room used mostly for convenience, and very rarely might visitors see it. For that reason, you may be tempted to save money and buy cheap paint that will do the job. But you want a paint that will do the job well. Low-quality paint that will chip or peel away easily will just make it necessary for you to repaint in frequent intervals. Do your research thoroughly before embarking on your painting expedition. Choose the paint that has the finish you’re looking for, whether that is flat or matte or high gloss (or anything in between). It might be a god idea to purchase low or no-VOC, non-toxic paints that will reduce indoor pollution and keep the smell more pleasant than otherwise. Look for paints that or mold and mildew resistant, since they can become a problem in the basement area.
Not taking care of potential water problems
You might have sealed off the walls and even bought water-resistant paint, but basements are very vulnerable to damaged drainage and flooding. And while those measures might cause the problem to be less visible, it won’t be solved. Pretty soon, the water will show itself in another form or cause blisters on the paint. Before you begin repainting your basement, call in professionals to see if you’re in any danger in that area. Sometimes, simple steps like unclogging downspouts, re-grading, or adding splash blocks will be enough. If not, you might have to install drainage and perhaps buy a sunk pump.
Overlooking covering the items in your basement
You may not store objects of great value in your basement, but that doesn’t mean you want flecks of paint all over them. In moments of carelessness, you may just spill or drop paint all over the objects in your basement. A paint-stained couch or laundry machine isn’t pretty to the eyes, and their value might be reduced if you decide to sell them later. If your basement is being used as a media room or is more than just a storage space, you might have lots of items you’d want to cover up. Get tarpaulins or drop cloths and carefully place them over everything that needs protecting. You might also want to move some furniture into another space until the paint job is done.
Repainting your basement isn’t the easiest job. It takes a lot of patience and effort, and quite frankly can be a hassle. But with these tips, you can avoid making errors that you’ll regret and enjoy the experience. Follow the advice above to go about it professionally, and ensure that at the end of the process, you’re left with a bright, new look for your basement.
