We’ve all been there. You’re halfway through painting your living room, grooving to your favorite playlist, thinking “I am absolutely crushing this” when BAM, you spot it. A big ol’ drip. Or maybe a streak that looks more like a racing stripe than a smooth, buttery finish. Don’t worry, Picasso, you’re not alone and you can fix it.
At Repaint Studios, we know a thing or two about transforming walls and rescuing them when things go sideways. So grab your roller (and maybe a snack), because we’re about to walk you through how to fix the most common painting mistakes like a total pro.
1. The dreaded drip
What happened: You were a little too paint happy and overloaded your brush or roller with paint.
The fix:
Let the drip dry completely first (yes, even though it’s driving you crazy). Once it’s dry, grab a fine-grit sanding block or sandpaper and gently smooth it out. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth, and then lightly repaint the area with a thinner coat.
Repaint pro tip: Always dip your brush just one-third of the way into the paint, and give rollers a roll-off in the tray before they hit the wall.
2. Streaks that refuse to blend
What happened: Uneven pressure or a thirsty roller may have left you with streaky or patchy coverage.
The fix:
Let the first coat dry completely. Then, go in with a second (or even third) thin coat. Use long, even strokes and keep a wet edge, meaning overlap your strokes while the paint is still wet so it blends smoothly.
Repaint pro tip: Invest in quality tools. A cheap roller might save you a few bucks, but it could cost you hours of fixing streaks later.
3. Roller marks that scream “DIY”
What happened: The roller got too dry, or you pushed too hard trying to stretch the paint.
The fix:
Lightly sand the area if it’s textured, then reapply paint using gentle pressure and a fully-loaded roller. Go in an “M” or “W” motion first, then fill in the gaps with smooth strokes.
Repaint pro tip: Don’t try to make one roller dip last forever. Reload often and work in manageable sections.
4. Painter’s tape peeling off the paint
What happened: You waited too long to remove the tape, or the paint sealed to it like besties.
The fix:
Score the edge of the tape lightly with a craft knife or razor before peeling it away as this breaks the paint bond. If some paint came off with the tape, just touch it up with a small brush.
Repaint pro tip: Remove painter’s tape when the paint is still slightly tacky but not fully dry. That’s the sweet spot.
5. Unwanted Texture or Bubbles
What happened: You might have painted over dust, a greasy wall, or used old paint.
The fix:
Let the paint dry, sand the surface smooth, and clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Then repaint with fresh paint and a clean brush or roller.
Repaint pro tip: Always prep your surface. A quick wipe-down and primer can save you loads of grief.
Happy Accidents? Not Today.
Painting doesn’t have to be stressful. Mistakes happen but with the right tools and a little know-how, they’re super fixable. That’s where the Repaint Tray comes in handy. Start. Stop. Cry. Coffee. Start again. We’re here to help you through all of your projects, one reusable tray at a time.
