Skipping prep time

“Lack of proper prep is usually the biggest difference between DIY and professional projects,” says Tom Lee, Senior VP of Consumer Marketing for Behr. “Homeowners understandably want to jump right into the project, because they’re excited to see their new color on their walls — it’s an emotional reaction. But keep in mind that professional painters spend the majority of their time on prep.” Make sure you’ve properly cleaned walls, scraped off peels and cracks, applied painter’s tape carefully, and allowed any patching compound to dry before you start.

Skimping on brushes and roller covers to save money

“You can have the best paint in the world and it won’t perform if you go cheap on the applicators,” Lee says. Good brushes and roller covers give better coverage and save you on paint in the long run — plus the brushes will last for years if you take care of them — so they’re worth the splurge.