Ready to tackle a paint job in your Saint Augustine home? DIY painting can be a rewarding way to refresh your space— if you do it right. At Taylor Signature Painting, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the messy while painting homes and businesses across the area. Before you grab that brush, check out these essential do’s and don’ts to ensure your project shines (and doesn’t end in a call to us for a fix!).
The Do’s
- Do Prep Like a Pro
- Clean walls, fill holes, and sand rough spots. In Saint Augustine’s humid climate, skipping prep can mean peeling paint fast.
- Do Use Primer
- It seals surfaces and boosts color—crucial for our salty air and old walls. Trust us, it’s worth the extra step.
- Do Test Your Colors
- Paint small patches and check them in Florida’s shifting light—sunny mornings can turn a soft blue into a neon surprise!
- Do Invest in Good Tools
- Quality brushes, rollers, and drop cloths save time and frustration. Cheap tools leave streaks and shed bristles.
- Do Paint in the Right Weather
- Aim for dry, mild days—our humid summers can make paint sticky or slow to dry.
The Don’ts
- Don’t Skip Tape and Covers
- No tape on trim or drop cloths on floors? You’ll spend more time cleaning drips than painting. Protect everything!
- Don’t Rush the Job
- Slapping on thick coats to finish fast leads to clumps and uneven finishes. Patience pays off.
- Don’t Ignore Safety
- Ladders on uneven ground or painting without ventilation (hello, Florida heat!) can turn DIY into disaster. Stay safe.
- Don’t Use Cheap Paint
- Bargain cans fade, peel, and need more coats—especially in our sun and salt. Spend a bit more for durability.
- Don’t Overreach Your Skills
- Exterior jobs, cabinets, or big spaces can overwhelm. Know when to DIY and when to call the pros (hint: we’re here!).
DIY in Saint Augustine: A Special Challenge
Our coastal humidity, intense sun, and historic homes make painting trickier than most places. A quick indoor touch-up? DIY can work. But for exteriors or complex rooms, rookie mistakes can cost you. At Taylor Signature Painting, we’ve mastered the local quirks to deliver flawless results every time.
Ready to Paint—or Need Backup?
DIY painting can be fun and budget-friendly if you follow these tips. But if it feels daunting, Taylor Signature Painting has your back. From small fixes to full-home makeovers, we bring pro skills to Saint Augustine. Contact us today for a free consultation—whether it’s advice or a full job, we’ve got you covered!
What’s your DIY painting story?
