---
title: "What Pro Painters Notice Whenever They Visit a Home"
description: "“It is hard not to notice homeowner DIYed paint projects and common mistakes when visiting other people's homes,” says Jason Card with Paintzen."
date: "2026-09-08"
modified: "2026-09-08"
authors:
  - name: "Sandi Schwartz"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/interior/mistakes-pro-painters-notice/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Interior"
  - "Painting & Finishing"
  - "Paints & Finishes"
---

# What Pro Painters Notice Whenever They Visit a Home

![Two professional painters in uniform discussing how a house looks.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/shutterstock_2589221343-e1788881598159.jpg>)
*Photo: Studio Romantic via Shutterstock*

Have you ever wanted to know what a painter might think of your house if one were to walk through the front door? Whether you are hosting a casual dinner party or having a contractor over for an estimate, pros naturally evaluate the craftsmanship of the spaces around them, and they might be evaluating your paint job.

"Professional painters always have an eye for detail; it's not something we can turn off,” explains Jason Card, senior vice president of operations for Paintzen in Woburn, Massachusetts. “It is hard not to notice homeowner DIYed paint projects and common mistakes when visiting other people's homes.” We asked Card to share the five most [noticeable paint-related issues](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/paint-pro-secrets.md>) he sees during his off-hours as a guest in people’s homes.

![Gloved hand wipes a white baseboard with a cloth, preparing it for painting.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/shutterstock_2735743977-e1788881651142.jpg>)
*Photo: Arina P Habich via Shutterstock*

## Skipping the Ceiling

When [repainting a room](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/tips-for-quick-paint-job.md>), make sure to include the ceiling as well as the walls. Freshly painted walls look clean and updated, so if you leave the ceiling alone, it will end up looking dingy. “It is much harder to go back and paint the ceiling after the walls have been repainted,” explains Card. “Always plan to include (and start with) repainting the ceiling when repainting a room.”

## Using the Incorrect Tool for the Job

While you may be trying to save money during a renovation, avoid using cheap paint brushes or roller covers. Inadequate tools can leave you with an undesirable result, and end up costing you more to redo the work, warns Card. “Using [top-quality brushes and rollers](<https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/essential-tools-for-painting-rooms.md>) is worth the investment, leaving a clean finish that can help make the paint stand out.”

## Improper Prep

The [preparation process](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-painters-tape.md>) really influences the final product, says Card. “Freshly painted walls can highlight imperfections because the paint makes the walls pop.” He recommends properly cleaning, sanding, and fixing imperfections in the drywall before applying a fresh coat of paint, while recognizing that many people underrate the importance of taking these steps. “As a professional painter, I can tell right away when walls weren’t properly readied for painting.”

![Poorly stained wood deck.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/shutterstock_2219257565-e1788881617351.jpg>)
*Poorly stained wood deck.*

## Using the Wrong Paint

The [pros know what type of paint or sheen to use](<https://www.bobvila.com/diy/painting-project-pros-would-never-do.md>) on different surfaces. “DIYers often choose the wrong paint for the project—and it shows,” notes Card. “Regular semi-gloss paint isn’t meant for all painting projects; for example, doors and cabinets should always be refreshed with semi-gloss urethane enamel for a more durable finish.”

## Poorly Stained Decks

[Staining decks](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2392-how-to-stain-a-wood-deck.md>) is a trickier DIY project than most realize, and can quickly become a painting faux pas. “It’s important to prep the wood by sanding it so the fresh stain upgrades the appearance of the deck instead of highlighting flaws in the wood,” says Card. Another important detail that homeowners often miss involves keeping a wet edge while staining so the product doesn’t dry too quickly and create ‘lap marks,’ he explains.

## Author
Sandi Schwartz is an environmental author and freelance journalist with over 20 years of extensive experience communicating science-based information to diverse audiences in the areas of sustainability, home/garden, green living, nature, and wellness. Sandi began writing for BobVila.com in June 2022.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandischwartz-environmentalwriter>)