| Mr Paint
Woodwork is the detail that frames every room-doors, skirting boards, window frames, stair banisters. When it’s painted beautifully, it quietly elevates the whole space. When it’s done badly, it can cheapen even the smartest renovation. As a painter in Cheltenham specialising in doors and woodwork painting, I’ve seen first-hand the difference a careful approach makes. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen plenty of the same mistakes repeated by homeowners tackling the job themselves.
If you’re thinking about refreshing your woodwork, here are the top 5 mistakes homeowners make when painting woodwork-and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Skipping Proper Preparation
Paint is only ever as good as the surface it’s applied to. Too often, homeowners jump straight in with a brush, hoping fresh paint will disguise chips, dents or flaking varnish. The result? Uneven finishes, poor adhesion and paint that chips far sooner than it should.
Correct preparation includes cleaning, filling minor imperfections, and priming where needed. For staircases or older doors, this step is crucial. Without it, even the most expensive paint won’t last. As part of my stair and banister painting service, meticulous prep is what ensures the finished result looks flawless and stands the test of time.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Paint
Not all paints are created equal. The glossy tin from a DIY shop might look appealing, but woodwork demands durability and the right sheen. Using wall emulsion on woodwork (yes, I’ve seen it!) will leave it prone to chips and impossible to clean.
For woodwork, satin and eggshell finishes strike the perfect balance. They give a subtle sheen without the harsh glare of gloss, and they’re tough enough to resist daily wear. Premium brands such as Farrow & Ball and Little Greene offer rich colour depth with formulations designed to last.
Mistake 3: Rushing the Application
Woodwork requires patience. Spindles, skirting boards and panelled doors all have edges and detail that can’t be covered in one heavy-handed coat. One of the most common mistakes I see is rushing: loading a brush with too much paint, moving too quickly, and ending up with drips, brush marks or uneven coverage.
The professional approach? Multiple thin coats, applied carefully, with drying time respected in between. Yes, it takes longer, but the result is a silky smooth finish that looks premium and lasts years longer. This is especially important when painting intricate features like fireplace surrounds and alcoves.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Colour and Finish in the Bigger Picture
It’s easy to pick a favourite colour in isolation, but woodwork never exists on its own. Skirting boards, architraves and doors all sit next to walls, floors and furniture. Choosing a brilliant white out of habit often clashes with warmer wall tones or natural stone floors common in Cheltenham homes.
Instead, think of woodwork as the frame of the painting-it should complement what’s inside, not compete with it. Off-whites, soft greys or deeper heritage tones often look far more considered. I regularly advise homeowners to pair subtle wall shades from my walls and ceilings painting service with warmer whites or muted colours on trims for a balanced look.
Mistake 5: Underestimating the Time and Effort Involved
Perhaps the most common mistake of all is underestimating just how fiddly and time-consuming painting woodwork can be. Banisters alone can have dozens of spindles, each needing careful attention. Skirting boards require bending, kneeling, and precision cutting-in. It’s not a quick Saturday job.
That’s why so many homeowners start enthusiastically and end up cutting corners halfway through. Unfortunately, rushed or unfinished woodwork is immediately obvious. By hiring a professional, you’re not just saving yourself time-you’re ensuring the finish matches the rest of your home’s quality.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Furniture
Another growing trend is extending woodwork painting to furniture. Chairs, tables and cabinets can be refreshed with premium paints, giving them a new lease of life without the cost of replacement. It’s part of my furniture and cabinet painting service, and it’s a sustainable way to keep your interiors looking fresh.
Why Professional Woodwork Painting Pays Off
Woodwork frames your entire home. Done properly, it quietly signals quality and elevates every room. Done poorly, it undermines all your effort elsewhere. That’s why careful preparation, the right products and patient application matter so much.
As a detail-focused painter in Cheltenham, I specialise in giving woodwork the premium finish it deserves. Whether it’s doors and trims, banisters, or fireplace surrounds, my approach combines craftsmanship with premium materials for results that last.
Give Your Woodwork the Finish It Deserves
Thinking of repainting your woodwork? Don’t risk common mistakes. I offer specialist woodwork painting in Cheltenham that guarantees crisp lines, smooth finishes and long-lasting durability. Request a personalised quote today and see the difference.