It may seem simple to change the color of the walls in a room, but the process can become complicated with disappointing end results if you don’t follow the correct steps. We asked painting and interior design experts to share their tips on how to avoid painter’s remorse.

Before you start your next project, read these five tips to avoid mistakes.

You don’t choose the color carefully

Any store that sells paints and supplies generally boasts a dazzling array of paint samples to entice people looking to make a change. Whether you walk into a general shade you want or decide in store, be sure to get swatches because shades can look different than they appear.

Paige NeJame, owner of CertaPro Painters of the South Shore and Boston, has heard from many inexperienced painters who can’t understand how their efforts aren’t going as planned. Dissatisfaction with color is a common complaint, she says.

“Take sample pots of paint, paint them on the wall (or poster board) and live with them for a few days,” says NeJame. “Look at them in the morning and in the evening, because the light in the room will affect the color. I find that you’ll be able to eliminate several colors that are all wrong almost immediately.”

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Misunderstanding the types of colors

Color isn’t the only important decision to make before you start painting. Did you know that paint also comes in different types and each has a pretty specific purpose? This knowledge can make a huge difference not only in how the paint goes on, but also in how it performs over time.

“Interior paint won’t be able to withstand strong sunlight and rain, while exterior paint contains more chemicals that can be harmful to people with sensitivities,” says Marija Snisar, head of interior design at Renowell.

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom job, you’ll want to choose satin enamel. These rooms require this variety due to the increased level of humidity. However, it may not be suitable for the bedroom due to the long drying time.

Does not prepare the surface

It can be very tempting to want to rush a project, and changing wall colors is no different. The walls might look ready to go, but like everything else in the home, they probably have a few flaws that need fixing: small holes and cracks from decor and time.

“They can be filled with wall filler, allowed to dry thoroughly and sanded before painting,” says Snisar.

Even if the walls have zero holes and you can’t find any cracks, prep work is still necessary. Surfaces collect dust that can make it difficult for paint to adhere properly. Wipe down all walls with a mild soap solution before starting your project.

Once things are smooth and clean, you’ll just need to apply the appropriate primer before moving on to the first coat of your chosen paint.

“This will improve the color of the paint and prevent peeling and chipping,” says Snisar.

Not tapping the boundaries

You will also need to deal with the things you don’t want to paint by taping the parts to avoid any drips and leaks while you paint. No one wants their new, spectacular blue paint on the moldings of the room or the hardware on the doors.

Preparing places you may not think are important for a new look will take some time, but it will be time well spent.

“My painters are experts and often don’t need to tape to paint a straight line,” says NeJame. “But most DIYers don’t have such a steady hand. The time you spend taping isn’t nearly as long as you’ll spend redoing lines or peeling paint off a doorknob.”

Not letting things dry out

You will need more than one coat to get the best results, and time and temperature are everything for success. Paint dries faster in hotter, drier climates, and even the exact time depends not only on where you are, but on the variety you’re working with.

Starting a second coat when the first is not completely dry can cause uneven shading and eventually cracking and peeling.

“Water-based paints, such as acrylics, take about an hour to dry in moderate to warm temperatures,” says Snisar. “Oil-based paints like enamels can take anywhere from eight to 24 hours to dry completely, depending on the climate. If you don’t let the enamel paint dry before applying the second coat, it could stay tacky for days.”

Painting projects may seem relatively simple on the surface, but the process requires forethought, prep work, and precision. General advice from experts? Seek professional advice, even if you feel confident. Many paint shops offer free color advice and will be happy to answer questions to help you achieve your dream results.