Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Painting Their House

Avoid these common pitfalls and get professional results that last

Painting your house seems like a simple weekend project—until you’re halfway up a ladder with paint dripping everywhere and uneven streaks across your siding. Many homeowners in Grand Junction, Fruita, Delta, and Montrose start with good intentions but end up making mistakes that cost time, money, and curb appeal.

To help you avoid these headaches, we’ve compiled the top 5 mistakes homeowners make when painting their house—and why hiring professional painters is often the smarter, and actually cheaper choice.

1️⃣ Skipping Proper Surface Preparation

The biggest mistake homeowners make is underestimating the prep work. Painting over dirty, flaking, or damaged surfaces leads to poor adhesion and peeling paint in just a few months.

Professional house painters in Grand Junction know that a great paint job starts with:

• Power washing to remove dirt and dust

• Scraping off old, loose paint

• Repairing cracks, holes, or damaged wood

• Priming bare spots for an even finish

👉 Pro Tip: Skipping prep might save time, but it will shorten your paint’s lifespan dramatically—especially in Colorado’s sun and wind.

2️⃣ Choosing the Wrong Paint Type

Not all paint is created equal. Many DIYers grab the cheapest gallon or a formula meant for interiors, not realizing it won’t withstand Grand Junction’s unique climate.

Here’s why it matters:
✔️ Exterior paint must resist UV rays, temperature swings, and dust.
✔️ Commercial painters use premium-grade products specifically designed for Colorado’s dry air and intense sun exposure.

Choosing the wrong paint can mean repainting in 2-3 years instead of enjoying a durable, professional finish for 10+. That's a costly mistake!

3️⃣ Painting in the Wrong Weather

Grand Junction, Fruita, and Delta are known for hot summers and windy afternoons, while Montrose sees chillier evenings and occasional storms.

DIYers often make the mistake of painting when:
🚫 It’s too hot (paint dries too fast and cracks)
🚫 It’s too cold (paint won’t cure properly)
🚫 It’s too windy (dust and debris ruin the finish)

Experienced house painters watch the forecast carefully and know how to work with Colorado’s unpredictable weather for flawless results.

4️⃣ Using the Wrong Tools or Techniques

Rollers, sprayers, and brushes all have their place—but using the wrong one leads to streaks, drips, and uneven coverage.

Homeowners also tend to:

• Overload brushes with paint

• Forget to backroll after spraying

• Miss critical spots like eaves and trim

Professional painters bring high-quality tools and years of experience to ensure every corner and crevice is covered perfectly.

5️⃣ Underestimating the Time and Effort

Exterior painting is physically demanding and time-consuming—especially in areas like Delta and Montrose where homes often have multiple stories or intricate siding.

DIY projects that were supposed to take a weekend often drag into weeks, leaving half-painted exteriors exposed to the elements.

Hiring a team of commercial painters means:
✔️ Faster project completion
✔️ Less disruption to your life
✔️ A polished, professional result

🎨 Why Hire Professional Painters in Western Colorado?

Working with professional house painters eliminates stress on the homeowner, ensures proper prep is done, and delivers a finish that lasts the way the paint was intended to!

At XL Painting, our team of experienced commercial and residential painters handles every detail: from prep to cleanup. We know Western Colorado’s climate and use top-quality materials to keep your home looking beautiful for years. Whether you live in Grand Junction, Fruita, Delta, or Montrose, (or even Rifle, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Telluride), we're here to bring a splash of color to whatever you need!

📞 Ready for a flawless paint job? Call us today for a free estimate from our painting professionals! (970) 712-5751